Turmeric Protects Against Cancer in Men and Children

3 July 2006

Are you a diehard fan of vegetarian dishes made with lots of turmeric? If the answer’s yes, you might have just ensured protection against prostate cancer and childhood leukemia.

Two recent research studies* have found that the curry spice turmeric, when combined with certain vegetables, holds good potential for the treatment and prevention of these cancers.

Turmeric Preventive for Prostate Cancer

• Scientists from Rutgers University tested turmeric, with active ingredient curcumin, along with PEITC (phenethyl isothiocyanate), a naturally occurring substance found in abundance watercress, cabbage, winter cress, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi and turnips on prostate cancer in mice.


• PEITC and curcumin, alone or in combination, demonstrate significant cancer-preventive qualities in prostate cancer cells.


• In the study mice were injected with PEITC three times a week for four weeks, beginning a day before the introduction of the prostate cancer cells.


• The injections significantly retarded the growth of cancerous tumours, and using PEITC and curcumin in tandem produced even stronger effects.


• Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the US, but is very low in India because of the dietary intake of large amounts of plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals that have protective or disease-preventive properties.

Turmeric Preventive for Childhood Leukemia

• At Loyola University Medical Centre in Chicago, curcumin, the compound that gives turmeric its yellow colour, was shown to stop leukaemia cells multiplying.


• Scientists said the risk factors leading to childhood leukaemia were complex and included pre- or post-natal exposure to radiation, pollution or some drugs. However they reported: "Our studies show that turmeric - and curcumin - in the diet mitigate the effects of some of these risk factors."

Turmeric’s Anti Inflammatory Benefits

Turmeric is an antioxidant that can:

• Shield DNA from harmful exterior pollutants known to cause leukemia


• Block harmful effects of cigarette smoke


• Protect against chromosome damage and


• Prevent harmful chemicals from forming after eating processed foods

Curcumin, one of the active compounds in turmeric, may be responsible for much of this benefit.

Turmeric is also said to slow the rate of diseases such as Alzheimer's and to possess anti-inflammatory properties that could help with Crohn's Disease.

* Prostate cancer research: January 15 2006 issue Cancer Research, “Combined Inhibitory Effects of Curcumin and Phenethyl Isothiocyanate on the Growth of Human PC-3 Prostate Xenografts in Immunodeficient Mice.”

* Childhood leukemia research presented t the Childhood With Leukemia conference in London, September 2004.

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