Curcumin for Cancer... it's a no brainer
Curcumin, the natural active component of the spice turmeric, has a long history in Chinese and Indian medicine for its ability to fight many chronic disorders. Now, modern science has discovered some of the ways in which this ancient compound works. The evidence has been mounting that curcumin should play a bigger role in the human diet for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipid lowering properties.
Moreover, curcumin has been found to be one of the most powerful natural compounds able to drastically impact cancer progression. There is a growing body of research literature documenting curcumin’s ability to prevent and reverse cancer. Curcumin can help protect against cancer initiation, slow its growth when it occurs, and even sensitise cancer cells to treatment.
To summarise, the main mechanisms by which curcumin prevents various cancer-inducing or cancer-promoting processes include its ability to:
Inhibit Angiogenesis
Curcumin slows new blood vessel growth by blocking vascular growth factors. According to a 2016 article in Life Extension, “a rapidly growing and poorly differentiated (higher grade) cancer can be distinguished by its high rate of new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis).” Curcumin can slow the growth of these tumours by inhibiting angiogenesis.
Prevent DNA Damage
Curcumin protects against DNA damage to genes regulating cell replication by toxins, radiation, and other environmental factors. A body with damaged genes is at major risk for cancer.
Normalise Cell Growth
Curcumin restores normal growth controls, reverses uncontrolled reproduction of malignant cells, blocks access of cancer cells to growth factors, turns on genes that prevent cell growth and turns off genes that promote cancer growth.
Stimulate Apoptosis
Curcumin encourages programmed cancer cell death.
Enhance Immune Surveillance
Curcumin prevents cancer cells from evading normal immune system detection and improves the body’s ability to detect and destroy malignant cells.
Inhibit Local Cancer Invasion
Curcumin blocks protein-melting enzymes and fibroblasts that allow cancer to penetrate and invade local sites.
Inhibit Cancer Stem Cells
Curcumin makes cancer stem cells (normally resistant to chemotherapy and radiation) more sensitive to treatment and thereby less likely to allow cancer to regrow.
Reduce Production of Adhesion Molecules
Curcumin keeps malignant tissue from sticking to vessel walls and reduces cancer cells’ ability to form distant metastases.
Unfortunately, poor bioavailability (the ability of the body to utilise curcumin products) still remains problematic for many supplements on the market.