Anti-cancer
Helps regulate the immune system

Effects of Turmeric Compounds on Cytokines Involved in Cancer

Table VI.2: Effects of Turmeric Compounds on Cytokines Involved in Cancer
CYTOKINES AND CHEMOKINES IN CANCER
HOW DO THEY CONTRIBUTE TO CANCER?
AND
HOW CAN TURMERIC COMPOUNDS HELP?

An Unregulated Immune System Response

Cytokines and chemokines are pro-inflammatory protein molecules. They are normally produced as part of a tightly regulated immune system response to injury or infection. However, in cancer they are uncontrolled and play a number of detrimental roles: (vi.30337087-89)

  • Contribute to the chronic inflammation that's linked to increased risk of developing cancer.
  • Help cancer cells resist death induced by chemotherapy and radiation.
  • Enable a steady supply of amino acids and essential fatty acids that tumors use to grow and develop new blood vessels.
  • Chemokine effects on cell movement also play a role in the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. They help cancer cells migrate and invade nearby tissue — opening the way to metastasis, a term that describes the spread of cancer far from its original site.

Aggressive tumors often produce high levels of cytokines. (vi.30337087-89)

Turmeric Compounds Help Regulate the Immune System

Studies show that turmeric's main curcumin compound blocks the over-production of many cytokines and chemokines. This limits their harmful cancer-promoting effects. (vi.30337087-89)

For example, radiation therapy for cancer involves creating sustained DNA damage to cancer cells in order to kill them. Radiation also induces a number of protective reactions in cancer cells, including stimulating immune system cytokines to repair the damage caused by radiation. Turmeric compounds such as curcumin block radiation-activated transcription factors, production of cytokines, and other survival factors. This activity can counteract cancer resistance to radiotherapy and increase treatment effectiveness. (vi.90)

Active Turmeric Compounds

Besides curcumin, turmeric compounds that help inhibit cytokines and chemokines involved in cancer include:

SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF TURMERIC COMPOUNDS
CXCL1 IFN-γ IL-2 IL-8
CXCL2 IL-1 IL-4 IL-12
IFN-α IL-1β IL-6 TNF-α
A process referred to as angiogenesis(vi.89)
Interferon-γ. (vi.88)
Promotes metastasis. (vi.56)
Interleukins. (vi.40)
Activates STAT-1 transcription factor. (vi.56)
Activates STAT-3 transcription factor involved in cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. (vi.56)

Join the 1000s of People Who Are Discovering the Benefits of Turmeric.



New Vegan, Cruelty Free, Non GMO, Stearate Free, Gluten Free Turmeric Health Supplement Made in the USA in a GMP-certified, FDA-approved facility.

Healthceuticals® Turmeric Curcumin Complex

100% Certified
Organic ingredients

  • Organic Turmeric Extract - standardized to 95% curcuminoids.
  • Organic Whole Turmeric - provides full spectrum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory turmeric benefits, including turmerones and numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
  • Organic Black Pepper Extract - standardized to 95% piperine; dramatically enhances bioavailablity.
  • Organic Phospholipids - markedly improve absorption.
  • Organic Ginger - works synergistically with turmeric to provide more powerful benefits.
  • Absolutely FREE of potentially harmful additives and fillers such as magnesium stearate.
Vegan | Cruelty Free | Non GMO | Stearate Free | Gluten Free Made in the USA in a GMP-certified, FDA-approved facility
Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed physician. If you require any medical related advice, contact your physician promptly. Information at this website is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard medical advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site.