anyone taking Turmeric/curcumin

amberyba

anyone taking Turmeric/curcumin

amberyba

Wondering if anyone has taken turmeric/curcumin post cancer diagnosis and if taken during rad treatment...

my rad onc. OK'd taking it during treatment...I've read it helps skin during rad treatment.

so far I'm only a week into treatment and only taking dose recommended on the bottle of turmeric.

many studies of this magnificent herb;

http://www.turmeric-curcumin.com/

thanks in adv. for your input!

Amber

RobinWendy

I take it and my CAM onc (complementary and alternative) thinks its a very good supplement.  Went to LBBC conference yesterday and a CAM onc was there and also mentioned it as a good anti-BC supplement.

Robin

OneBadBoob

Another who has been taking it three times a day since diagnosis and all throughout chemo treatment and continuing.  My onc is also complementary and alternative and was the one who suggested it.

rubytuesday

I take it too.  I researched it on my own but it was 'the big one' that my acupuncturist recommended.

Anonymous

Can those taking this supplement tell us which brand you get, where you get it, how much you take each day?

OneBadBoob

The brand I use is Pure Encapsulations,  250 mgs., 3 times per day.  The company itself only sells directly to health care providers, but if you Google it, you can find many places that sell direct to consumers.

I find it is about the same price from my nutritionist or on-line.

Analemma

I took it during rads in 2005 and had hardly any problems with burning. ( Well, that's not exactly true, I had no pain, but later on my nipple peeled and has been virginal white since instead of rosy pink like the other. )  My rad onc was amazed at how well my skin held up.

Analemma

I was just looking online and found two clinical trials using curcumin with gemcitabine and celebrex in colon and pancreatic cancer treatment.

http://www.cancer.gov/search/ViewClinicalTrials.aspx?cdrid=471800&version=HealthProfessional&protocolsearchid=3177886

OneBadBoob

From http://www.mdanderson.org/publications/network/display.cfm?id=13319de6-462f-11d5-811400508b603a14&method=displayfull

Sorry, I cannot get the link to work--have to copy and paste.

Doctor, Doctor
A spice for life: curcumin

Ground from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, curcumin is a member of the ginger family that has long had multiple uses in India and other Asian nations. It has been used as a preservative, a coloring agent, a folk medicine to cleanse the body and as a spice to flavor food.

Researchers at M. D. Anderson, led by Bharat Aggarwal, Ph.D., say that this pungent yellow spice found in both turmeric and curry powders, also blocks a key biological pathway needed for development of melanoma and other cancers. It shuts down nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), a powerful master switch known to regulate expression of more than 300 genes that promote an abnormal inflammatory response that leads to a variety of disorders, including arthritis and cancer.

Release of this information has led cancer patients across the nation to ask the following questions:

On which kinds of cancer is it being tested?

Curcumin is being tested in humans against most cancers, including lung, breast, multiple myeloma, pancreatic, myelodysplastic syndrome, colon, prostate and head and neck. Other cancers are still in animal studies. Curcumin also has been tested against arthritis, Alzheimer's, psoriasis, wound healing, cardiovascular disease and other ailments.

In what form and when should curcumin be taken - capsule, powder, liquid, with meals, between meals, cooked in foods?

Our current knowledge indicates that curcumin in any of these forms is OK. One report suggests that it is more effective if taken in the morning. Even fresh turmeric root, which contains 3 percent to 5 percent curcumin, is helpful.

Is curcumin sold in standardized units?

Curcumin is sold in health food stores, but it is not clear how standardized the form is. It is declared by the Food and Drug Administration as GRAS, or generally regarded as safe.

What is the recommended dosage and does that vary according to body weight, age, sex, type of cancer?

No information is available about the optimum dose. Phase I clinical trials indicate that even up to 12 grams per day have no side effects. My suggestion is to take 500 mg per day for up to a week and then to gradually increase the amount, if there are no side effects.

How much curcumin does turmeric have?

Turmeric powder contains 3 percent to 5 percent curcumin.

Are there foods or drugs that should be avoided with curcumin?
While most reports indicate that curcumin increases the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents and gamma radiation, there is one report which suggests that it may counteract the effect of doxorubicin.

Why was curcumin chosen to be studied?

Curcumin has been described in Ayurveda (an ancient Indian system of medicine meaning "long life") as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the last 50 years, there have been more than 1,500 publications that suggest curcumin is an antioxidant that exhibits activity against a wide variety of molecular targets. It can mimic Avastin^TM, Iressa®, Remicade®, Humira®, Enbrel® and most chemotherapeutic agents, yet it does not have the toxicity assigned to all these agents.

From

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/NWS/content/NWS_2_1x_A_Cancer_Treatment_in_the_Spice_Cabinet.asp

A Cancer Treatment in the Spice Cabinet?
Researchers See Promise in Turmeric
 
Article date: 2006/01/03  
 

What Is patientINFORM?

 
A growing body of laboratory research suggests the spice turmeric has potent anticancer activity -- and researchers have launched a slew of human trials to find out just how powerful it may be.

"I think the promise is enormous," said Bharat Aggarwal, PhD, chief of the cytokine research laboratory in the department of experimental therapeutics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Aggarwal has conducted numerous lab and animal studies of turmeric and its primary component, curcumin, and recently gave a lecture on the topic at the annual conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology.

Turmeric is a yellow powder made from the roots of a plant in the ginger family. It is the main ingredient in curry powder and is widely used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking.

Many cultures also use turmeric for medicinal purposes, to treat everything from heartburn to arthritis. The idea to try turmeric against cancer developed as researchers learned about the role inflammation plays in cancer.
   ACS RESOURCES:

 Complementary and Alternative Therapies
 

"Turmeric and curcumin are anti-inflammatory," Aggarwal said. "That has been described in traditional medicine like Ayurveda for thousands of years."

Lab and Animal Studies Show Effect on Many Cancers
The early lab research Aggarwal and others have done focuses on curcumin, the most active compound in turmeric. The studies show that curcumin can indeed slow inflammation. It also appears to slow the spread of cancer (metastasis), slow down the growth of new tumor blood vessels (angiogenesis), and cause cancer cells to die the way normal cells do (apoptosis).

What's more, these effects don't appear to be limited to just one type of cancer. Curcumin has shown effects in lab studies against metastatic melanoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and other cancers. Most recently, Aggarwal published a study in the journal Clinical Cancer Research showing that eating curcumin could keep breast cancer from spreading to the lungs Â- at least in mice. In addition, it appeared to enhance the positive effects of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel and lessen the severity of its side effects.

However, not all research on curcumin has had such positive results. At least one laboratory study suggests curcumin may inhibit the action of other chemotherapy drugs, including camptothecin, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. That's why it's so important to conduct well-designed studies in people of how curcumin affects different types of cancer.

At MD Anderson alone, Aggarwal said, doctors are testing curcumin in multiple myeloma and advanced pancreatic cancer. The institution is also seeking funding for a study of curcumin in women with breast cancer, he said. Studies from other institutions, both in the US and overseas, are looking at curcumin as a potential treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes, and for preventing colorectal cancer in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis or with sporadic polyps. Curcumin is also being studied as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and psoriasis.

Citation: "Curcumin Suppresses the Paclitaxel-Induced Nuclear Factor-êB Pathway in Breast Cancer Cells and Inhibits Lung Metastasis of Human Breast Cancer in Nude Mice." Published in the Oct. 15, 2005, issue of Clinical Cancer Research (Vol. 11, No. 20: 7490-7498). First author: Bharat B. Aggarwal, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
 

Dx 7/7/2007, IDC, <1cm, Stage I, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-

DGHoff

I took two curcumin capsules a day during radiation, and I really did not burn at all during treatment. I just got a bit of burn about three or four days after treatment ended in the area underneath my arm where they zapped my lymph nodes. This area did get a stronger dose since I had positive nodes, but it healed up within about two days. Can't say if the curcumin made the difference, but I expected to burn like mad with my very fair skin.

DeAnn 

FloridaLady

I used it with chemo for skin mets and had complete response for the first time with chemo.  Doctor expected me to have a recurrence  (of the skin) and I have not for almost two years.

I have read many good things about curcumin online.  There has been over 25 studies on this herb.

Flalady

amberyba

thanks all!

Flalady are you still using curcumin...

since I have started using it at the start of radiation...I have noticed that my scalp psoriasis has not been very bothersome at all....then I read it does indeed help psoriasis....hopefully it is safer than the steroid creams I had to use...

look forward to any other stories!

rubytuesday

I use Life Extension Foundations.  It has Bioperine (sp?) in it for better absorption.  I have used Vitacost's too also with Bioperine.   I believe you are supposed to take 2000 mg/daily.  Mine are 800mg each and I take 2-3 daily.  Best wishes

TonyaB

I started taking for skin involvement. I just had surgery two weeks ago and I am now on Gemzar/herceptin. How much are you taking? I currently take 500 mg and wonder if that is enough. Also, I am a little concerned about taking it during chemo.

Thanks

Tonya

AlaskaAngel

Hi, I didn't know about it until long after finishing treatment but I put a bit of it in my morning hot drink, and in anything else I can hide it in.

A.A.

FloridaLady

I took it while on chemo with skins mets.  I was not responding to chemo for this until I started taking it three times a day.  I had complete response in the skin after that.

Flalady

pigori

I have been using Tumeric (store brand) for over a month after reading all of the potential benefits.  I plan to start using a more potent brand from the health food store and eating more brocolli/cabbage along with tumeric as well as using it in my green tea I drink daily.  I am hoping as an exsmoker and for preventive measures and as a health enhancer.  Reading your comments has helped to enhance my belief that this is going to be a very potent helper in cancer aid and treatment.

dlb823

Amber ~ Thanks for this starting this discussion topic, and thanks to those of you who have  posted positive experiences with Curcumin.  I, too, did my own research and started using Curcumin (standardized Tumeric extract -- Sprouts own brand -- same specs as one used @ MD Anderson) shortly after I was dx.  I used it for about two months and felt very good about it until my sister, who has been in radiation oncology/cancer research for 25 years, asked, "How do you know it isn't making it worse?"   Personally, I find it so frustrating that promising research like this seems so slow to develop.  I have had a similar question about Grape Seed Extract, which, evidently, is a natural aromotese inhibitor.    Deanna

crazy4carrots

I was all set to start taking curcumin, until I read that those with gall bladder disease shouldn't.  Well, wouldn't you just know it -- I do have a gallstone.

Given that AIs tend to increase cholesterol levels (and noting that the proper medical term for gall bladder surgery is "cholestetectomy"), maybe it isn't such a great idea for us any of us E+ gals to be using curcumin.

But obviously, more research on this would help.  And I too would like to know more about grape seed extract.

Liz08

Hi ladies-

just thought that I would share what my naturalpath told me about curcumin.  During radiation, curcumin enhances the effects of radiation while protecting the skin.  I saw my naturalpath after finishing radiation but now take an assortment (including grapeseed extract & curcumin) of prescribed supplements suggested to me by my naturalpath. 

Roja1955

How do you purchase it.  I looked it up on line through Pure Encapsulations, and they said you have to be a health care provider.  How much is it??

beastybabe

Hi Ladies

Ive been taking Curcumin for a two or three months now and Im sure that its the reason that I have had (NO new cancer) and that there is healing at the sight of the cancer in my spine.

My tablets are 500mg and I take them at night, my doc said that its best to take at night as this the time that your body tries to heal itself and repair any damage that is there.    I take it about 30 minutes or an hour before going to bed.

dlb823

Roja ~  I don't  know where you're located, but here in California you can find Curcumin in many natural food markets that have good vitamin/supplement departments.  I got mine at Sprouts, and it was less than $15/bottle.  I've also seen it at Whole Foods, Henry's, Clark's, etc.  Unless you're in a very rural area, you should be able to find it without too much difficulty.   Deanna

FloridaLady

You can buy it online at agelesscures.com. I can remember but I think the bottle of 90 pills is about $28.00. Again I'm not sure....

flalady

Roja1955

DLB823:  Thanks for the info.  I do live in NC rural area, but I did go to agelesscures.com and order a bottle of it.  It was $16.80 for 90 tablets (500mg).  I guess I will take 2xday?  Hope this helps me, as I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis and need a good anti-inflammatory in my system.  Also I have had major progression with a second breast cancer in my other breast.  Starting chemo in two weeks, and I will inquire if I could take during tx. or just take up until my treatments start.  I hate cancer!!!!!  God Bless All.

SunshineLovesGod

I've been taking Turmeric (Simply Organic) since Apr 08 as recommended by an ayurveda doctor in Columbus OH, who was the Director of Cancer Research on Natural Compounds at OSU before he retired.  He consults at OSU one day a week and on a private basis on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings.  Anyway, I've been taking it.  I don't know that it has helped all that much, but I take it nevertheless.  I just saw in a magazine this week that turmeric can interfere with platelets (the blood clotting cells).  I'm slightly below normal in platelets, but I was before I started taking the turmeric, so I don't see it as the problem.  Since I take it by the 1/2 tsp, I don't know how many mg I'm getting.  My husband, who is healthy, takes turmeric also.  I hate cancer too - but I've been forced to live with it - and living with it beats the alternative.  Good luck ladies.

dlb823

Sunshine ~  Thank you so much for sharing your experience with Tumeric.  It's very helpful  to know that someone with medical and cancer research credentials recommended it to you.  I also just want to say that I will be praying for you.  You have a wonderful faith-based attitude (noted in some of your earlier posts), and I truly hope that God will continue to bless you and keep you strong.  Thanks for sharing ~   Deanna 

diffrenz

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BCM-95® helps enhance mood.

wobbly

Can it be taken with Letrozole or does it interfere with the action of the drug ...I still can't work it out😁

Kkmay

My mother has been taking tumeric supplements since her diagnosis. Her supplements contains %95 curcumin and she takes about 1 gram of curcumin per day. Furthermore, she started adding tumeric to her meals along with black pepper to increase absorption. As piperine in black pepper enhances curcumin absorption in the body by up to 2,000%. Tumeric has outsanding anti-inflammatory properties which makes the body very unfriendly to cancer. I recommend starting with a small dose and building your way up.

I also recommend supplementing with vitamin D3 and omega 3 to improve your overall outcome