In recent years researchers have paid close attention to turmeric, a Southeast Asian spice that comes from the root of a flowering plant in the ginger family. Scientists have focused on curcumin, the biologically active substance in turmeric that also gives the spice its distinctive bright yellow color. Curcumin has been extensively studied for its potential use in preventing and treating a number of different conditions and diseases, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and prostate cancer. Research has included human as well as animal studies, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Some patients with ovarian cancer hold out hope that turmeric can help them heal. “With ovarian cancer, but also any gynecologic cancer, it makes sense that women would be looking for a natural complement to treatments like chemotherapy,” says Steve Vasilev, MD, medical director of integrative gynecologic oncology at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “However, I don’t recommend turmeric supplements for my patients undergoing ovarian cancer treatment, due to potential interactions with medications and chemotherapy.” RELATED: How to Manage the Side Effects of Chemotherapy
What the Research Says
In a lab setting, turmeric has demonstrated anticancer properties, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, with animal studies showing it may have protective effects against colon, stomach, and skin cancers. That’s because when turmeric is applied directly to tumor cells, it stops them from replicating. But there’s no proof yet that curcumin has this effect on the human body. Much more data is needed to see if what’s observed in the lab will work with real tumors, Memorial Sloan Kettering notes. Even studies that show that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties have not been definitely proven outside the lab, Dr. Vasilev says. RELATED: 8 Complementary Therapies to Add to Your Chemo Treatment
Major Drawbacks to Consider
In general, Vasilev is not a fan of women taking any kind of herbal supplement when they’re in the midst of cancer treatment, especially when they’re on chemotherapy or Avastin (bevacizumab), a drug that can boost the effectiveness of chemo. “With ovarian cancer, treatments have very specific mechanisms of action, and they are carefully chosen for how they will combine for each patient,” Vasilev says. “They are laser-focused when it comes to what they are meant to do in the body. But a supplement is not.” In fact, Vasilev says, high doses of curcumin may actually interfere with treatment. Chemotherapy is a “pro-oxidant,” he explains, which means it targets cancer cells through a process called oxidative stress. Curcumin, which has antioxidant properties, can make the pro-oxidant effect less powerful. “If you’re in chemo, the last thing you want is something that will counteract your treatment,” Vasilev says. “Because supplements offer very high doses of compounds that are separated from their natural sources, and they’re supercharged and amplified, that’s a real concern.” RELATED: Cancer Treatment Making You Feel Sick? Exercise Can Help
Finding the Right Balance
Does all of this mean that ovarian cancer and turmeric never go together? Not at all, Vasilev says. In fact, he sees all kinds of reasons for women with ovarian cancer to use turmeric in the kitchen. “If you’re cooking with turmeric, that means you’re not overdoing it in terms of the amount,” he says, noting that you might benefit in general from the spice’s anti-inflammatory qualities. “Also, you’re probably using it in a way that involves eating more vegetables, which is always a good thing.” Plus, it might spark your appetite. Ovarian cancer treatment can make food unappealing, so if a turmeric-spiced stew gets you hungry, Vasilev suggests an extra helping. RELATED: 6 Ways to Use Turmeric to Boost Your Health
