Curcumin is a natural ingredient which comes from the spice turmeric. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to combat inflammation and for its antioxidant properties. It’s being explored as a cancer treatment in part because inflammation appears to play a role in cancer.

“Growing evidence showed that curcumin and its analogs exert numerous pharmacological properties, for instance, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anticancer properties. Of these properties, the anticancer activity of curcumin is known as one of the crucial effects of it. Many studies have demonstrated that curcumin… induces apoptosis and antiproliferative against several types of cancer cell lines including prostate, breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and kidney.” (Tan and Norhaizan, Molecules, July 2019)

Research is still continuing, but so far there is great promise for curcumin as an anti-cancer agent. For now, we know that curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help the body recover and assist in warding off infection while the immune system is suppressed.  Some initial studies show that it appears to work well as a complementary therapy to chemotherapy and radiation for cancer:

“Curcumin reduces the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, resulting in improving patients’ quality of life. A number of studies reported that curcumin has increased patient survival time and decreased tumor markers’ level.” (Mansouri, et al, BMC Cancer, 2020)

IV curcumin can safely increase the levels of curcuminoids in the body, enhancing support for your immune system, and helping to combat oxidative stress, which in turn can help control inflammation. Although supplemental curcumin in capsule form can also be beneficial, the concentrations and quick delivery that are possible through IV administration make it potentially much more effective. This is especially true since curcumin breaks down quickly in the body and quick delivery to where it is needed most is essential. Curcumin IV therapy for inflammation delivers far more anti-inflammatory action than just supplements, or turmeric in foods possibly can.

Curcumin IV therapy, also known as Intravenous curcumin for cancer support, can be used concurrently with radiation or chemotherapy to support the body. Curcumin IV benefits the immune system in a number of ways:

1. Improved Effectiveness of Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy:
   • Clinical studies have demonstrated that curcumin consumption alongside chemotherapy drugs can increase their effectiveness. This leads to improved patient survival time.
   • Curcumin also enhances the expression of anti-metastatic proteins, which play a crucial role in preventing cancer spread.
   • Importantly, curcumin achieves this without exacerbating the side effects associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
2. Reduced Side Effects:
   • Curcumin helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.
   • It has been associated with decreased tumor markers’ levels, indicating a positive impact on cancer progression.
3. Other Beneficial Effects:
   • Curcumin decreases inflammation, a critical factor in cancer progression.
   • It targets signaling pathways that may halt cancer growth.
   • Additionally, curcumin prevents the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) acknowledges the positive effects of curcumin in cancer treatment. Early-phase trials have shown improved oxidative status, reduced mucositis severity, and enhanced quality of life for patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Curcumin seems to have an excellent cancer support role that can benefit patients now. More research is certainly needed to use curcumin as a stand-alone cancer treatment, but early research looks great. 

What types of cancer have shown positive responses to curcumin therapy?

Studies have shown that curcumin therapy can have positive effects in several types of cancer when used alongside traditional treatments. Here are some examples:

                                   

Adrenocortical Cancer:

• Curcumin products used as adjuvant therapy have shown improved results in people with adrenocortical cancer.

Breast Cancer:

• Curcumin has demonstrated anticancer effects in breast cancer. It inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis, contributing to better outcomes.

Prostate Cancer:

• Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may benefit prostate cancer patients. It can enhance traditional treatments.

Pancreatic Cancer:

• Studies suggest that curcumin can interfere with tumor growth pathways in pancreatic cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Colorectal Cancer:

• Curcumin has been investigated as an adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer. It shows promise in reducing side effects and enhancing treatment efficacy.

Curcumin IV for tumor reduction is one of the most exciting research studies on natural anti-cancer treatments.

Because curcumin has a variety of health benefits, there are a number of systems and pathways in the body that can be supported through the use of curcumin IV therapy. Curcumin IV therapy effectiveness can support cancer patients through their treatments, and in recovery to help the body recover. The benefits of curcumin IVs can be utilized by the general population of patients as well. Some examples are:

1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Curcumin is known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and may be beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
2. Antioxidant Effects: It has powerful antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals and may reduce oxidative stress.
3. Heart Health: Curcumin may improve heart health by enhancing the function of the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels) and reducing inflammation and oxidation.
4. Brain Health: Some studies suggest that curcumin can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which may help delay or even reverse brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function.
5. Cancer Prevention: Research indicates that curcumin may help prevent certain types of cancer by affecting cancer growth, development, and spread at the molecular level.
6. Digestive Health: It can aid in digestion and may help manage conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
7. Joint Health: Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce symptoms of joint pain and improve mobility in people with osteoarthritis.
8. Skin Health: It may help with skin conditions like acne and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

 

This means that curcumin IV therapy for chronic illness can also support the body in ways that can make many patients feel better and help them recover. For instance, curcumin IV for oxidative stress can deliver a powerful dose of antioxidants to the body, which destroys free radicals and protects cells. This can lower inflammation and boost overall health and immune response.

What about curcumin IV side effects? Curcumin is generally considered safe for most people, but there are a few things to consider. Curcumin is a blood thinner, so if you are already taking blood thinners you will consult with your doctor to determine if cancer support with curcumin IV is right for you. It may worsen gallbladder issues, such as gallstones, due to its effect on bile production.  Curcumin might interfere with iron absorption, which could be a concern for people with iron deficiency. Curcumin IV for chemotherapy support has shown great effectiveness, not only in decreasing inflammation and increasing immune support but also in increasing the effectiveness of many chemotherapy drugs. There are one or two chemo drugs that might be slightly less effective if used at the same time as curcumin. For this reason, Progressive Medical Center’s curcumin IV therapy protocol requires a personalized treatment plan after a consultation with a physician to determine the timing of curcumin IVs as part of your overall cancer recovery plan. 

Progressive Medical Center is a leader in both curcumin IV therapy in Atlanta, and in natural cancer support therapies. Our commitment to immune boosting cancer therapies has helped many patients not only navigate cancer treatment but thrive as survivors. We are a leader in natural cancer support in Atlanta, offering not only curcumin IVs, but many other functional medicine cancer support therapies for a fully integrative experience.

Progressive Medical Center is also a full-service clinic that treats a range of conditions and is committed to functional and integrative therapies for your complete care.