Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a member of the ginger family. The roots of the plant are ground into the spice that is the mainstay of curry, but it also responsible for making mustard yellow. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which gives the spice its peppery, bitter taste.
Turmeric has long been used as an anti-inflammatory and in the treatment of colds and asthma in both Chinese and Indian medicine systems. Scientists have also found that turmeric/curcumin appears to have cancer-fighting properties.
Turmeric/Curcumin and Prostate Cancer Studies
- Scientists at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, had noticed that in contrast to the high incidence of prostate cancer in the United States, disease incidence in India is very low. It has been suggested that this difference may be related to the fact that Indians consume large amounts of plant-based foods that are rich in phytochemicals, which have been shown to protect against disease. To see if this might be true, the researchers used mice that were injected with human prostate cancer cell lines to grow tumors so they could test certain compounds—namely turmeric and a nutrient found in cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, turnips, and others). The scientists found that turmeric (curcumin) may be effective in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. (Khor 2006)
- An Oregon Health and Science University study published in 2009 reported that curcumin has “potential anti-metastatic effects in bone-derived prostate cancer cells.” (Herman 2009)
- A Columbia University report noted that turmeric “is a novel and potent inducer of apoptosis [cell death] in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.” and that “curcumin may provide an alternative, nontoxic modality by which the clinician may prevent the progression of prostate cancer…or to treat advanced prostate cancer by forcing them to undergo apoptosis (cancer cell destruction).” (Dorai 2000)
Other Benefits of Curcumin/Turmeric
- Helps digestion. Curcumin induces the flow of bile, which breaks down fats.
- Relieves irritable bowel syndrome. Turmeric may help reduce the pain and irritation associated with this disease.
- Helps the heart. Several studies show that patients treated with curcumin had less buildup of plaque in their arteries.
- Fights inflammation. Curcumin relieves the pain associated with arthritis by reducing inflammation in the joints.
- Provides antibacterial protection. Turmeric contains volatile oils that may kill bacteria when applied to injuries to the skin
Turmeric can be added to foods when cooking and is included in recipes in The Prostate Diet. It can also be obtained through supplements.
