Can Turmeric Help Fight Cancer? Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Cancer Spice Up Your Health Can Turmeric Help Fight Cancer This yellowish-orange spice has cancer-fighting properties. By Julie Lynn MarksMedically Reviewed by Thomas Urban Marron, MD, PhDReviewed: October 31, 2019Medically ReviewedMost evidence for turmeric's cancer fighting abilities comes from lab studies, not studies in people. Getty ImagesBy now, you’ve probably heard of turmeric — a popular spice that’s been used in cooking for centuries. Turmeric is also known to help ailments including arthritis to anxiety. And some people consume turmeric in the hope that it will prevent or treat cancer. While various internet accounts profess that turmeric can cure cancer, current research doesn’t support these bold claims. There’s some evidence that substances in turmeric kill cancer cells, but more studies need to be done. RELATED: 8 Flavor-Packed Turmeric Tea Recipes to Try What Exactly Is Turmeric Turmeric comes from the root of the turmeric plant, which is related to the ginger family and is grown throughout Asia and parts of Africa. The flavorful spice is a staple in many Indian dishes, especially those that include curry and mustards. There are more than 100 different compounds in turmeric. One of them, curcumin, is the active ingredient that produces most of the spice’s health benefits. RELATED: Can Turmeric Help Prevent or Treat Type 2 Diabetes? What Does the Research Say About Turmeric and Cancer Some research has shown the curcumin in turmeric may play a role in preventing cancer growth, killing cancer cells, and alleviating treatment side effects. One way that curcumin is thought to work is by lowering levels of inflammation in the body. “Chronic inflammation underlies most chronic diseases, cancer included,” says Lise Alschuler, ND, a professor of clinical medicine and an assistant director for the fellowship in integrative medicine at the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine in Tucson, Arizona. “Along with the lowered inflammation, quality of life improves.” Studies have suggested that curcumin can inhibit enzymes such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are important for regulating inflammatory processes in the body. Abnormal levels of COX-2 or iNOS are associated with inflammatory disorders and certain cancers. Lab studies have shown that curcumin uses various mechanisms to kill cancer cells and reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors. Authors of a review published in the AAPS Journal concluded that “its ability to kill tumor cells and not normal cells makes curcumin an attractive candidate for drug development.” Other research reveals that adding curcumin to a chemotherapy regimen might make the treatment more effective. A study published in the journal PLoS One looked at the effects of curcumin and chemotherapy in a laboratory study on bowel cancer cells. The scientists found that the combined treatment was better than chemo alone. While much of the research on curcumin and cancer has been done in the lab, there are some promising results in humans. In a study published in Clinical Cancer Research, investigators examined the effects of curcumin in people with pancreatic cancer. The participants received 8 grams (g) of curcumin by mouth daily. Results showed that the compound had “biological activity” in some patients. One individual even experienced a brief, but significant, tumor regression. Turmeric may also protect healthy cells from damage caused by radiation therapy. In a study published in Radiation Research, scientists observed the effects of curcumin in 30 patients with breast cancer. They found that 6 g of oral curcumin taken daily during radiotherapy reduced the severity of radiation dermatitis (damage to the outer layers of the skin caused by radiation). RELATED: 12 Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin Limitations of Turmeric Not all research has produced positive results when it comes to turmeric. Some studies have shown long-term use of turmeric didn’t have any effect on certain types of cancer. One potential downside that several studies have highlighted is that curcumin isn’t absorbed easily by the body. Researchers are working to identify ways to resolve this problem. Though turmeric is being studied as a cancer fighter, recent experiments have shown that the spice may interfere with how some chemo drugs work. “It is important to always inform your doctor about your interest in curcumin so that they can make sure that there is no risk of interaction between the turmeric and the cancer treatment — this is increasingly the case with targeted molecular therapies,” Dr. Alschuler says. RELATED: Can Eating Too Much Turmeric Pose Negative Side Effects? How Do You Take Turmeric Turmeric comes in raw form and as a powder, paste, extract, or oil. “For general health promotion, adding turmeric powder to your daily diet as a spice or even added to daily smoothies is appropriate. It is a key ingredient in curries, so this is a great way to ingest turmeric,” Alschuler says. “To obtain specific and more pronounced anti-inflammatory effects from turmeric, curcumin extracts are generally recommended.” Exact dosages of curcumin for cancer prevention or therapy haven’t been established. In clinical studies, participants typically take supplemental doses of between 1 g and 6 g. Some research has shown curcumin is safe to take at doses as high as 12 g per day over three months. “It is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to discover which form of curcumin would be best and what dose would be most helpful,” Alschuler says. RELATED: Can Turmeric Help Prevent or Treat Type 2 Diabetes? Turmeric Side Effects and Warnings Although turmeric is generally safe, there are precautions you may want to take. The spice can interfere with certain medications, such as blood thinners and blood-sugar-lowering drugs. Additionally, it may impact the effectiveness of chemotherapies. Some people who take turmeric have reported stomach pain or an allergic reaction. Tell your doctor about all health conditions you have and medicines you use before taking a turmeric supplement. RELATED: 13 Herbs and Spices for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom Relief The Bottom Line Turmeric is a potent spice that could offer health benefits. While some research shows it may be a cancer-fighter, more studies need to be done to confirm turmeric’s role in cancer prevention and treatment. “An anti-inflammatory diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), regular exercise, sufficient restful sleep, stress management, and certain supplements, such as turmeric, are important components of risk reduction and as a part of an overall cancer treatment plan,” Alschuler says. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Cancer Care Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in Cancer New Guidelines Recommend Best Uses of Acupuncture Massage and Other Non-Drug Treatments for Cancer Pain Leading organizations say complementary therapies such as reflexology and hypnosis may provide pain relief for some cancers.By Susan K. TreimanOctober 4, 2022 Is Chemotherapy Bringing You Down Research shows that chemotherapy can cause depression. Fortunately, you can take steps to manage your mental well-being during treatment.By Carolyn BernhardtSeptember 15, 2022 Ultra-Processed Foods and Drinks Linked to Colorectal Cancer and Early DeathTwo new studies suggest that ‘convenience’ foods may come at a high cost to our health.By Becky UphamSeptember 14, 2022 Cancer Cases Rising Dramatically in Adults Under 50More sedentary lifestyles, less-healthy eating habits, and increased screening may all play a role, a new study suggests.By Lisa RapaportSeptember 12, 2022 Does the Ink Used in Tattoos Pose a Health Risk New research finds unreliable labels and potentially concerning ingredients in many popular tattoo inks.By Becky UphamAugust 30, 2022 Nearly Half of All Cancer Deaths Around the World Could Be PreventedSmoking, drinking too much alcohol, and excess weight are leading causes of preventable cancer deaths, according to new global study.By Becky UphamAugust 30, 2022 Spotlight On Survivor FitnessGetting in shape after cancer treatment can be part of the path toward finding yourself again. Aaron Grunke has created a foundation to help survivors...By Lambeth HochwaldJuly 25, 2022 2-Step Gene Sequencing Shows Who May Respond to Cancer ImmunotherapyScientists used a process known as whole exome sequencing to examine 20,000 genes for a clearer picture of who may benefit from targeted cancer drugs ...By Lisa RapaportJuly 13, 2022 Weight Loss Surgery Is Tied to a Lower Risk of Obesity-Related CancersPeople with obesity who undergo bariatric surgery to lose weight have a lower risk of developing and dying of cancer, a new study suggests.By Lisa RapaportJune 8, 2022 Experimental Rectal Cancer Drug Eliminates Tumors in Small TrialEvery rectal cancer patient in the small trial who took the experimental drug dostarlimab for 6 months went into complete remission.By Lisa RapaportJune 7, 2022 MORE IN Causes of Pancreatic Cancer Gallbladder Cancer Symptoms Diagnosis and Treatment Why the Latest Screening Tests and Treatments Offer Hope for Ovarian Cancer