Curcumin and Milk Thistle
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I was taking Super Bio-Curcumin from Life Extension Foundation for its proven cancer-killing effects. Then I read the warning label on the back: “Do not take if you have a biliary tract obstruction. Use during chemotherapy should only be performed under the direct supervision of a qualified medical professional. Curcuminoids may enhance the action of anti-platelet drugs and the effects or Warfarin.” Then I discussed this with one of the Cancer Naturopathic Doctors at Life Extension Foundation who recommended I dc the Curcumin (Tumeric).
Now after more careful review of the notes on my own case, I find that my common bile duct is distended, not yet blocked. The ND’s concern was that because the Curcumin causes an increased flow of bile, It might cause a problem. My more major concern, however, is killing cancer–and more research shows that Curcumin/Tumeric may kill cholangio and other cancers–according to other posts. My chemotherapy is not of the anti-platelet variety. So I’m probably going to try going back on the Super-Bio-Curcumin from Life Extension. The revised formula I believe omits bio-perine and uses another method to increase absorability. If I encounter a problem, I will dc it.
Judi, Don’t forget the Vitamin D!
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/vitamin-D
Also, I agree with Kristin…..mix turmeric with olive oil and black pepper and just drink.
That sounds like a very sensible and helpful program. I’ve never heard of anyone having any difficulties with curcumin or milk thistle in any form. Would you consider having him take the C, E, and fish oil sooner? All three are widely recommended, and you might want to have him get the benefit from them early on.
Please give my best to your brother!
Kristin
Well, I think my research is over for the time being!!! I have started my brother on the Super Bio-Curcumin capsule (once daily) and Siliphos (milk thistle – more bioavailable silybin) (once daily). I asked him to use them on all days except for those when he receives chemo (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin) and for 2 days afterwards. From what I have read these do not appear to interfere with his particular chemo and the oncologist also gave his ok.
If he tolerates these 2 well over the next 3 weeks, I plan to add Vitamin C (1000mg), Vitamin E (400 IU)and fish oil (1000mg…300mg omega-3) when I see him next in the beginning of March. In addition to good nutrition, I’m hoping that all of this helps.
I have found 1 source of curcumin using nanosphere technology from Life Enhancement (NanoCurcuminoids, 100 mg). However, there is not much evidence in the way of how much actually is bioavailable from this source except that they state “may be equivalent to as much as 1000 mg of a typical 95% curcumin extract.” I was looking for a product to deliver a higher dosage with fewer capsules and there is no evidence that this product has greater bioavailability than another product they sell: Super Bio-Curcumin which is listed as having 400mg mg capsule “equivalent to 2,772 mg of a typical 95% curcumin extract. ” and this is supported by at least 1 clinical study on bioavailability in India. Curcumin has been shown in in vitro studies to enhance the efficacy of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (both chemo meds my brother is taking) in pancreatic/colon cancer cell lines. Also, there is an ongoing clinical trial in patients with pancreatic cancer taking gemzar plus curcumin (high dose 8g/day) that was supposed to conclude in 2005 but is still recruiting. Preliminary results presented in 2008 showed 5 of 11 either had stable disease or partial response and 6 had tumor progression…not great results but the group was small and I hold out even a little hope.
According to the book Anticancer (author: Servan-Schreiber) curcumin is absorbed much more readily when combined with black pepper and mixed with oil. He recommends 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder mixed with a pinch of ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon olive oil daily. I’ve been taking it that way for over a year now. The book has footnotes with all the research references, if you’re interested.
Hope this helps! My best to both of you.
Kristin
Judy…I have noticed that you have not received a response to your questin and wanted to let you know that your post has not been overlooked. By using the search function I was not able to come up with any previous postings regarding encapsulated curcumin. Seems that you are the first. Please, share with us any information coming your way.
Best wishes,
MarionI have been doing quite a bit of reading in the medical literature and would like to have my brother start taking these supplements in addition to Vit C, Vit E, Fish Oil and quercetin. However, I know that the bioavailability of Curcumin and Milk Thistle is quite low because they are not water soluble but there are nanotechnologies to make these more bioavailable (at least for curcumin). I’ve been trying to find curcumin WITHOUT bioperine which can interfere with some chemo. Does anyone have a source to get encapsulated curcumin in the US? Thanks so much. Judi
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