Curcumin (Turmeric)

kayakgirl

I just started taking a curcumin supplement as am inti-inflammatory for my joint pain. Curcumin is also suppose to be anti-tumor. I am taking it in the middle of the day to be as far away as my tamoxifen medication. I just did internet research and here is a good site with information on Curcumin

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/curcumin/

dlb823

Agnes ~ I'm also taking it.  In fact, my PCP told me I should be taking it -- although I already was.  Here is some additional info' out of MDAnderson for anyone who may not be familiar with its anticancer benefit:

http://www2.mdanderson.org/depts/oncolog/articles/07/9-sep/9-07-2.html

Deanna

Husband11

Is there some evidence it might interfere with tamoxifen?

rreynolds1

I have read about this in the book Anti Cancer.  How much do you take and is there a particular brand you recommend.

Roseann

kayakgirl

Hi Timothy

I e-mailed Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicne and asked about curcumin interfering with tamoxifen absorption and here is their reply:

Curcumin inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme and, in theory, may interfere with the action of tamoxifen, a substrate of this enzyme. However, these products have not been studied together in a clinical setting and the exact interaction remain unclear.
Since each person's condition is unique, we suggest you seek advice from a medical professional who understands your background. The Integrative Medicine Service also provides consultation on the proper use of supplements. You can call 646 888-0800 for more information.

Integrative Medicine Service
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

I see my medical oncologist at U of Penn on Tuesday and will ask his opinion about Curcumin and Tamoxifen.

Roseann- the brand I brought was Terry Naturally "Curamin" - it does have a herb in it called boswellia which is also in Move Free Flex Advance (a glucosamine product I take). For my joint paint I always start out with 1 tablet of what ever and tried that for a couple of weeks, if it seems to work I stop there if not I bump up. Curamin is also asaid to be anticancer.

Here is some more information I found on this brand

Curamin is an all-natural dietary supplement. It is a powerful formulation of: Curcumin, curcuminoids, dl phenylananine, Boswellia and Nattokinase. Curamin enhances the body's natural defense mechanisms for the relief of inflammation and pain due to overuse.* 90% of satisfied customers experience relief in 45 minutes Ask for Curamin at your local health food store or independent pharmacy that's all it said, hope this helps! and:Serving Size 2 Capsules

Proprietary EP612 Complex .... 1005mg (Curcumin, Curcuminoid, Boswellia, DLPA(dl-phenylalanine), Nattokinase)

Other Ingredients: Magnesium Stearate, Gelatin Capsules

Does not contain any preservatives, chemicals or allergens except for the food grade ingredients listed.

Luna5

From my reading on google, curcumin needs to be taken with an oil (I use olive oil) and piperine...something about it needing these two things to "penetrate the membrane"...don't know what membrane they mean...haven't found that extensive of an explanation yet... (piperine may enhance the biavailability of curcumin by 2000%)(Piperine has also been found to inhibit CYP3A4)  Piperine is extracted from black pepper, so I have been taking my curcumin capsules while eating a food with olive oil and black pepper.  I am thinking about finding curcumin with the oil and piperine already included unless it is soybean oil or just buying piperine supplements.

Husband11

Agnes17, thanks for the information.  On the subject of enzymes and tamoxifen, the only one I am familiar with is the CYP2D6 related one they do the gene testing for, and they believe is responsible for the conversion of tamoxifen into endoxifen, the form they believe to have the desired activity.  I'll have to read up on CYP3A4.

makingway

Source Naturals has a tumeric extract I use. It contains:Tumeric extract yielding 333 mg Curcumin Bromelian-extracted from pineapple 50 mg and Black Pepper Fruit Extract (Bioperine)