NCI nutrition care source for oncology context, including the need to maintain adequate nutrition and caution around cancer diets that lack evidence.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the principal yellow polyphenol in turmeric. In cancer discussions it is studied mainly for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cell-signaling, microbiome, and treatment-sensitization mechanisms. Human clinical evidence remains limited and mixed, so it is best framed as investigational/supportive rather than a proven cancer treatment. Connection to Cancer Curcumin is the main yellow polyphenol in turmeric (Curcuma longa).
Systematic review and animal-model meta-analysis on curcumin and glioblastoma growth.
NCI professional summary on curcumin/turmeric and cancer, including preclinical mechanisms, clinical studies, bioavailability, and safety.
NCI patient summary noting curcumin is from turmeric, has limited reported side effects, and is not FDA-approved as a cancer treatment.
Evidence hub on diet, nutrition, physical activity, and cancer risk.
Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Combination with Paclitaxel in Advanced, Metastatic Breast Cancer
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of curcumin with paclitaxel in advanced/metastatic breast cancer.
Systematic review of randomized controlled trials on curcumin in cancer therapy, finding human evidence remains limited and sometimes conflicting.
Review focused on molecular mechanisms of curcumin and analogs in pancreatic cancer research.
Early clinical trial of curcumin in advanced pancreatic cancer, important historically but limited by bioavailability and small numbers.
Prospective phase II trial evaluating a curcumin phytosome formulation as complementary therapy with gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer.
Alternative cancer article presenting turmeric and curcumin benefits and anticancer claims; useful for tracking popular patient-interest claims.
MSK public article explaining what is known, uncertain, and potentially risky about turmeric and curcumin in cancer care.
MSK herb monograph on turmeric, curcumin, clinical evidence, adverse effects, and possible interactions in cancer care.
Patient-facing overview of turmeric and curcumin in cancer, noting laboratory evidence and the limits of clinical proof.
NutritionFacts.org article/video page reviewing curcumin and pancreatic cancer evidence from a nutrition perspective.
NCCIH safety and evidence overview for turmeric and curcumin, including cancer-treatment side effect research and supplement cautions.