With 96,830 new cases diagnosed every year, according to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is one of the most common forms of this disease. The likelihood of developing colon cancer increases with age, and men over the age of 50 represent the most at-risk population. Though early diagnosis rates are on the rise leading to more effective treatment, researchers are still working to uncover new methods of intervention that may take less of a toll on the body.
Previous research has indicated that curcumin, the bioactive ingredient in turmeric, may play a role in this fight. The greatest potential benefit of curcumin supplements in this context is that they may be able to prevent or slow metastasis, which is the process of cancer cells spreading to other organs in the body. In a new study published by the Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy, researchers shed further light on the use of curcumin to combat colon cancer.
In a study abstract available on PubMed, the researchers note that curcumin might help people with colon cancer by limiting the production and expression of p-glycoprotein. This compound is known as an drug resistant protein and its main function is to expel foreign matter from cells. When it comes to cancer treatment, p-glycoprotein can reduce the effectiveness of medical intervention. As such, limiting the production of this protein in cancer cells may amp up efforts to eradicate this ailment altogether. For that reason, the researchers concluded that curcumin could be a viable addition to current colon cancer treatments.
As with all initial explorations, more research is necessary to confirm this finding. In the meantime, curcumin supplements have been shown to help promote overall physical and brain health by combating inflammation and the damage caused by free radicals. Click here to read more about Nutrivene Longvida Curcumin.