Turmeric?

Christine B.
Christine B. Member Posts: 137
Has anyone information about the benefits of turmeric and curcumin for cancer and if it does have its benefits what would be the best sources of it?
Thank You,
Chris
«1

Comments

  • NJW
    NJW Member Posts: 16
    Life Extension Foundation
    Here is a link: http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item00407/Super-Bio-Curcumin.html It explains what it does, and even has a video. And, you can get it on that site.

    Here is the link to their adjuvant cancer protocols: http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-027.shtml and you will see curcumin listed. I clicked on that and got this:
    http://www.lef.org/protocols/prtcl-027c.shtml#curcumin

    NJ
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    Curcumin
    Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It reduces inflammation, which is something that fuels cancer. MD Anderson has done studies with it and has found it to be beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. I use the "Doctor's Best" brand, which is the one MD Anderson used in their studies. It is more potent if mixed with black pepper, which is included in the capsules in this brand.
  • Christine B.
    Christine B. Member Posts: 137
    Tethys41 said:

    Curcumin
    Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It reduces inflammation, which is something that fuels cancer. MD Anderson has done studies with it and has found it to be beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. I use the "Doctor's Best" brand, which is the one MD Anderson used in their studies. It is more potent if mixed with black pepper, which is included in the capsules in this brand.

    Tea Recipe
    Thank you both for the information.
    Kate, I suppose I could google Doctor's Best brand?
    I found an interesting article/ad/recipe using turmeric:
    http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02833/turmeric-tea
    :)Chris
  • Nana b
    Nana b Member Posts: 3,030 Member

    Tea Recipe
    Thank you both for the information.
    Kate, I suppose I could google Doctor's Best brand?
    I found an interesting article/ad/recipe using turmeric:
    http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02833/turmeric-tea
    :)Chris

    Hi
    I use 2000 mg of GNC Tumeric. Some info on the colorectal board. Search for turmeric.
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    Nana b said:

    Hi
    I use 2000 mg of GNC Tumeric. Some info on the colorectal board. Search for turmeric.

    Anti-inflammatory
    Turmeric fits into the anti-inflammatory approach for an anti-cancer therapy. I would imagine that anyone dealing with a gastrointestinal cancer would have even more benefit from turmeric from the direct contact of the spice/herb on the stomach/intestinal tissues.

    Turmeric is also preventive against Alzheimer's Disease (although you probably have to be under the age of 50 if you hope to prevent AD).

    In my opinion, the therapeutic dose is pretty high (2-3 teaspoons/day) and it gets expensive taking it in capsule form--not to mention the sheer number of capsules required to get that much turmeric in you. The warning is that turmeric may aggravate the gall bladder if it is full of stones or sludge--it may cause biliary colic (OUCH!) so start low and go slow. Better yet, find an herbalist to work with you...it is available in liquid tincture also.

    Finally, turmeric stains EVERYTHING yellow. I only added that for those of you who are thinking of buying the stuff in bulk and putting it in capsules yourself (to save money).
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    Nana b said:

    Hi
    I use 2000 mg of GNC Tumeric. Some info on the colorectal board. Search for turmeric.

    sorry, double post
    Oops!
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    Tethys41 said:

    Curcumin
    Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It reduces inflammation, which is something that fuels cancer. MD Anderson has done studies with it and has found it to be beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. I use the "Doctor's Best" brand, which is the one MD Anderson used in their studies. It is more potent if mixed with black pepper, which is included in the capsules in this brand.

    Herbal safety
    Just wanted to say that I would not buy herbs from any company unless they provided me with an assay of the product. I am sure no company would sell you something unreliable intentionally and you would think MD Anderson would do their homework on the product they chose to do research on.

    Just for an example, I know of some herbal remedies that were made in China & sold by a very reputable US company that were then assayed and found to contain lead, mercury and arsenic. At least that company in the US found out because they cared to have the assay performed and voluntarily pulled the products.

    How would a consumer know that they are even getting the milligrams of pure turmeric that is listed on the label? We might be getting yellow-colored sawdust or a mixture of turmeric and God knows what.

    Since the herbal industry is not government regulated in the US, there are a LOT of unethical practices going on and you have to be very careful. I don't want to start sounding like one of those conspiracy people; however, it is true that when problems happen from "tainted herbal products," the US government is very slow to pull anything off the shelves--I have no idea why.

    There has been an effort made over the years to put all herbal & nutritional products on prescription and so far, it hasn't happened. Maybe the US government is trying to build a case to move herbs from over-the-counter status to prescription...then where would we be?

    You HAVE to be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source. There, I've said enough on that.
  • vj1
    vj1 Member Posts: 150
    carolenk said:

    Herbal safety
    Just wanted to say that I would not buy herbs from any company unless they provided me with an assay of the product. I am sure no company would sell you something unreliable intentionally and you would think MD Anderson would do their homework on the product they chose to do research on.

    Just for an example, I know of some herbal remedies that were made in China & sold by a very reputable US company that were then assayed and found to contain lead, mercury and arsenic. At least that company in the US found out because they cared to have the assay performed and voluntarily pulled the products.

    How would a consumer know that they are even getting the milligrams of pure turmeric that is listed on the label? We might be getting yellow-colored sawdust or a mixture of turmeric and God knows what.

    Since the herbal industry is not government regulated in the US, there are a LOT of unethical practices going on and you have to be very careful. I don't want to start sounding like one of those conspiracy people; however, it is true that when problems happen from "tainted herbal products," the US government is very slow to pull anything off the shelves--I have no idea why.

    There has been an effort made over the years to put all herbal & nutritional products on prescription and so far, it hasn't happened. Maybe the US government is trying to build a case to move herbs from over-the-counter status to prescription...then where would we be?

    You HAVE to be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source. There, I've said enough on that.

    NJW
    Thanks for the info. I have been taking turmeric for over a year and do respond to its properties for aches and pains. Too soon to know beyond that. I am originally from south Jersey; what part of NJ are you in?

    Verna
  • NJW
    NJW Member Posts: 16
    vj1 said:

    NJW
    Thanks for the info. I have been taking turmeric for over a year and do respond to its properties for aches and pains. Too soon to know beyond that. I am originally from south Jersey; what part of NJ are you in?

    Verna

    Verna
    Actually, NJ is a nickname some people call me. I also take turmeric/curcumin for arthritis. I have had osteoarthritis since childhood (not rheumatoid) which - yes - I know that is odd, but I have one leg which is more structurally compromised than the other (isn't that a polite and PC way to not call me deformed LOL!).

    I also take Mobic for the arthritis which I now find out is sometimes used for cancer because it prevent angiogenesis. BUT - that same feature means that while it has been helping my inflammation may have at the same time aided deterioration of my joints (I didn't know!)
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    NJW said:

    Verna
    Actually, NJ is a nickname some people call me. I also take turmeric/curcumin for arthritis. I have had osteoarthritis since childhood (not rheumatoid) which - yes - I know that is odd, but I have one leg which is more structurally compromised than the other (isn't that a polite and PC way to not call me deformed LOL!).

    I also take Mobic for the arthritis which I now find out is sometimes used for cancer because it prevent angiogenesis. BUT - that same feature means that while it has been helping my inflammation may have at the same time aided deterioration of my joints (I didn't know!)

    Anti-inflammatory therapy
    Dear NJ

    Please don't confuse the increased deterioration in your joints from Mobic (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug aka NSAID) with the anti-inflammatory feature of turmeric. The NSAID stops the inflammation and also prevents the joint from healing while turmeric slows inflammation and allows joint healing. Mobic is anti-angiogenic and osteoarthritis is a result of poor micro-vascular circulation in the joints.

    Looking on the bright side, no one knows if your particular cancer was "slowed down" because of your use of both anti-inflammatory therapies. There is research that shows daily baby aspirin (another NSAID) users have a reduced incidence of colon cancer (probably by reducing inflammation but who knows)?

    So much to learn and so little time.
  • NJW
    NJW Member Posts: 16
    carolenk said:

    Anti-inflammatory therapy
    Dear NJ

    Please don't confuse the increased deterioration in your joints from Mobic (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug aka NSAID) with the anti-inflammatory feature of turmeric. The NSAID stops the inflammation and also prevents the joint from healing while turmeric slows inflammation and allows joint healing. Mobic is anti-angiogenic and osteoarthritis is a result of poor micro-vascular circulation in the joints.

    Looking on the bright side, no one knows if your particular cancer was "slowed down" because of your use of both anti-inflammatory therapies. There is research that shows daily baby aspirin (another NSAID) users have a reduced incidence of colon cancer (probably by reducing inflammation but who knows)?

    So much to learn and so little time.

    Oh - I am not at all
    Oh - I am not at all confused about the difference in action between Mobic and turmeric/curcumin. I realize that both of them could have actually been (potentially) helping me in the cancer department, but that the Mobic alone may have been contributing to the deterioration of my joints in the long run... which is actually why two of my doctors had been wanting me to get off it, and one had JUST gotten me on some other things (supplements) including something called Joint Solutions which also has a little curcumin in it.
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    carolenk said:

    Herbal safety
    Just wanted to say that I would not buy herbs from any company unless they provided me with an assay of the product. I am sure no company would sell you something unreliable intentionally and you would think MD Anderson would do their homework on the product they chose to do research on.

    Just for an example, I know of some herbal remedies that were made in China & sold by a very reputable US company that were then assayed and found to contain lead, mercury and arsenic. At least that company in the US found out because they cared to have the assay performed and voluntarily pulled the products.

    How would a consumer know that they are even getting the milligrams of pure turmeric that is listed on the label? We might be getting yellow-colored sawdust or a mixture of turmeric and God knows what.

    Since the herbal industry is not government regulated in the US, there are a LOT of unethical practices going on and you have to be very careful. I don't want to start sounding like one of those conspiracy people; however, it is true that when problems happen from "tainted herbal products," the US government is very slow to pull anything off the shelves--I have no idea why.

    There has been an effort made over the years to put all herbal & nutritional products on prescription and so far, it hasn't happened. Maybe the US government is trying to build a case to move herbs from over-the-counter status to prescription...then where would we be?

    You HAVE to be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source. There, I've said enough on that.

    Doctor's Best
    I did research this brand of curcumin and feel that it is a reliable brand. I take the 1000 mg tablets, vs, the 500 mg ones, so I can take fewer capsules per day. My naturopath really puts a lot of amphasis on curcumin for cancer treatment and prevention. Yes, Chris, you can google it and you will find a number of places that sell it.

    I rely on my naturopath with regard to many of the other supplements I take. Most naturopaths offer a selection of supplements that they believe are effective, and presumeably they have done the research on. As far as those I don't get from her, I stick to brands that have a record of using quality ingredients.
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    carolenk said:

    Herbal safety
    Just wanted to say that I would not buy herbs from any company unless they provided me with an assay of the product. I am sure no company would sell you something unreliable intentionally and you would think MD Anderson would do their homework on the product they chose to do research on.

    Just for an example, I know of some herbal remedies that were made in China & sold by a very reputable US company that were then assayed and found to contain lead, mercury and arsenic. At least that company in the US found out because they cared to have the assay performed and voluntarily pulled the products.

    How would a consumer know that they are even getting the milligrams of pure turmeric that is listed on the label? We might be getting yellow-colored sawdust or a mixture of turmeric and God knows what.

    Since the herbal industry is not government regulated in the US, there are a LOT of unethical practices going on and you have to be very careful. I don't want to start sounding like one of those conspiracy people; however, it is true that when problems happen from "tainted herbal products," the US government is very slow to pull anything off the shelves--I have no idea why.

    There has been an effort made over the years to put all herbal & nutritional products on prescription and so far, it hasn't happened. Maybe the US government is trying to build a case to move herbs from over-the-counter status to prescription...then where would we be?

    You HAVE to be sure you get your herbs from a reliable source. There, I've said enough on that.

    Doctor's Best
    I did research this brand of curcumin and feel that it is a reliable brand. I take the 1000 mg tablets, vs, the 500 mg ones, so I can take fewer capsules per day. My naturopath really puts a lot of amphasis on curcumin for cancer treatment and prevention. Yes, Chris, you can google it and you will find a number of places that sell it.

    I rely on my naturopath with regard to many of the other supplements I take. Most naturopaths offer a selection of supplements that they believe are effective, and presumeably they have done the research on. As far as those I don't get from her, I stick to brands that have a record of using quality ingredients.
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member

    Anti-inflammatory
    Turmeric fits into the anti-inflammatory approach for an anti-cancer therapy. I would imagine that anyone dealing with a gastrointestinal cancer would have even more benefit from turmeric from the direct contact of the spice/herb on the stomach/intestinal tissues.

    Turmeric is also preventive against Alzheimer's Disease (although you probably have to be under the age of 50 if you hope to prevent AD).

    In my opinion, the therapeutic dose is pretty high (2-3 teaspoons/day) and it gets expensive taking it in capsule form--not to mention the sheer number of capsules required to get that much turmeric in you. The warning is that turmeric may aggravate the gall bladder if it is full of stones or sludge--it may cause biliary colic (OUCH!) so start low and go slow. Better yet, find an herbalist to work with you...it is available in liquid tincture also.

    Finally, turmeric stains EVERYTHING yellow. I only added that for those of you who are thinking of buying the stuff in bulk and putting it in capsules yourself (to save money).

    Thanks for the info on
    Thanks for the info on turmeric. Seems like I'm not getting the therapeutic dose, but now I will try to up it. My husband and I both have sky high cholesterol and are trying diet to bring it down, so we have been eating a lot of egg white frittatas. A teaspoon of turmeric adds color and flavor.

    DB
  • BrittanyC
    BrittanyC Member Posts: 100
    Tethys41 said:

    Doctor's Best
    I did research this brand of curcumin and feel that it is a reliable brand. I take the 1000 mg tablets, vs, the 500 mg ones, so I can take fewer capsules per day. My naturopath really puts a lot of amphasis on curcumin for cancer treatment and prevention. Yes, Chris, you can google it and you will find a number of places that sell it.

    I rely on my naturopath with regard to many of the other supplements I take. Most naturopaths offer a selection of supplements that they believe are effective, and presumeably they have done the research on. As far as those I don't get from her, I stick to brands that have a record of using quality ingredients.

    My dad used to put the
    My dad used to put the powder on some of his food and it prevented gout.. a form of arthritis.
  • NJW
    NJW Member Posts: 16
    BrittanyC said:

    My dad used to put the
    My dad used to put the powder on some of his food and it prevented gout.. a form of arthritis.

    It is also delicious.
    A friend made curried chicken with coconut. It was good. Another friend learned to cook in India, and she uses a LOT of turmeric/curcumin, cumin, and other herbs and spices on her vegetable dishes. From her, I learned to use more of it than I otherwise would have, but unfortunately, I had just started doing that. It is even good in soups. I love homemade soups.
  • rockchicksurvivor
    rockchicksurvivor Member Posts: 45
    NJW said:

    It is also delicious.
    A friend made curried chicken with coconut. It was good. Another friend learned to cook in India, and she uses a LOT of turmeric/curcumin, cumin, and other herbs and spices on her vegetable dishes. From her, I learned to use more of it than I otherwise would have, but unfortunately, I had just started doing that. It is even good in soups. I love homemade soups.

    tumeric vitamins from swanson
    I have been taking tumeric for awhile now.
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member

    tumeric vitamins from swanson
    I have been taking tumeric for awhile now.

    More info on turmeric
    This is from the Cancer Network web site on turmeric:

    http://www.cancernetwork.com/integrative-oncology/content/article/10165/1568482

    There is a link for "integrative oncology" on that site that is very helpful with recommendations including the most up-to-date research on various herbs that may have benefit to a cancer fighting program.
  • Christine B.
    Christine B. Member Posts: 137
    carolenk said:

    More info on turmeric
    This is from the Cancer Network web site on turmeric:

    http://www.cancernetwork.com/integrative-oncology/content/article/10165/1568482

    There is a link for "integrative oncology" on that site that is very helpful with recommendations including the most up-to-date research on various herbs that may have benefit to a cancer fighting program.

    Thanks for the link.....
    This is the second place I've read that turmeric can cause problems with bleeding and not good for those on blood thinners. Since I am now on Lovenox for a blood clot in my upper leg, guess it's not a wise choice for me.
    Chris
  • NJW
    NJW Member Posts: 16

    Thanks for the link.....
    This is the second place I've read that turmeric can cause problems with bleeding and not good for those on blood thinners. Since I am now on Lovenox for a blood clot in my upper leg, guess it's not a wise choice for me.
    Chris

    Fibrinogen
    One of the things that our cancer center recently started doing was testing... I think it is fibrinogen. My doctor had already tested me and mine is high (not a good thing). He had only recently had me start taking several things for my inflammatory processes.

    I'll be sure to type up a complete list for my first visit to the oncologist. Interestingly, when our other family member first went to the oncologist (with lymphoma) - although they asked for a list of supplements the guy completely dismissed it - saying none of it matters - none is good and none is bad. All he did was rattle off the R-CHOP therapy he was going to give.