Curcumin and Colon Cancer: Study in-progress

Curcumin has been recently studied for its cognitive benefits, as well as its potential benefits for bypass patients. But a new study being conducted in the United Kingdom could have far-reaching implications that could make this relatively low-profile ingredient a big deal.

The Cancer Research UK and National Institute for Health Research Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) in Leicester, England, are teaming up to study whether curcumin could be effective in improving the results of standard chemotherapy for metastatic colon cancer.

Curcumin acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.  Traditionally it has been used for detoxification, liver health and digestive disorders. This latest study is meant to expand on previous research, which has shown curcumin may slow the spread of cancer, boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy and protect healthy cells from the effects of radiotherapy. According to Chief Investigator Professor Will Steward:

Certainly it is very, very promising and we are cautiously optimistic that we might see an improvement in outcome not just in terms of treating the cancer, making people live longer, giving people a better quality of life but also possibly reducing some of the nasty side-effects of chemotherapy.

The three-year study will follow 40 colorectal cancer patients taking varying doses of curcumin. Researchers hope that, by the end of the study, they will have established “once-and-for-all that [curcumin] is helping to prevent bowel cancer.” According to Steward:

This research is at a very early stage but investigating the potential of plant chemicals to treat cancer is an intriguing area that we hope could provide clues to developing new drugs in the future.