The Benefits of Turmeric for Prostate Health
Curcuma longa, better known as turmeric, is an ancient spice traditionally appreciated by the peoples of India, Asia, and the Middle East for use in cuisine and beauty applications. Turmeric has a recognizable, vibrant yellowish-orange hue. This power root is loaded with health supporting nutrients; curcuminoids are perhaps the most notable.
As the most active phytochemicals in turmeric root, curcuminoids offer powerful health-promoting effects through antioxidant, neuroprotective, and immune system boosting activity.[1]
Turmeric and Prostate Health
Turmeric offers many positive health benefits, especially to prostate health. A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial cited radioprotective effects of curcumin in patients with prostate issues. Furthermore, of two patient groups, one that received the curcumin supplement and one that received placebo, the group receiving the curcumin supplementation showed significant, long-lasting, improvement in urinary ease and frequency.[2]
Another study investigated the potential effects of curcumin on harmful prostate cells in vitro. When curcumin was administered to the cells, researchers observed a notable increase in harmful cell death as the curcumin concentrations increased.[3] Keep in mind that these results, though exciting, are still preliminary and it's premature to call turmeric a cure or treatment of any sort.
Experts believe that a combination of high body inflammation and high androgenicity increase the risk for developing serious prostate issues.[4] Some research suggests that curcumin may down-regulate androgen receptors and promote a normal response to inflammation, actions that have some wondering if it may help fight the rate of excess cell proliferation.[5] [6]
Turmeric and Enlarged Prostate
A paper published in Italy's Panminerva Medica evaluated the effect of a curcumin supplement taken by persons with BPH (enlarged prostate). Sixty-one patients were divided into two groups for the 6-month study. The results showed that the group who received curcumin supplementation experienced fewer urinary issues and less incontinence than the control group. Significant improvements were found not only in urinary stream but also reported quality of life.[7] Researchers surmise that curcumin may actually help the body inhibit the compounds that cause prostate enlargement.[8]
Turmeric's Bonus Benefit for Male Health
This is worth mentioning. A 12-week study compared the effects of curcumin with regular medication. You can scour the details for yourself, but, in short, at the conclusion of the study, curcumin supplementation had turned on genes responsible for erectile response, leading the experts to encourage investigation into whether curcumin may support erectile function.[9]
Supplementing with Turmeric
There are a lot of turmeric supplements out there, so you want to begin looking into the company to make sure it sells a high-quality, pure supplement. Global Healing's Prostrex™ contains turmeric root, saw palmetto, nettle leaf, and other herbs that will boost prostate health and promote normal urine flow. It’s a great way to support your prostate.
References (9)
- Shailendra Kapoor, MD. Curcumin and its Emerging Role in Pain Modulation and Pain Management. Korean J Pain. Jul 2012; 25(3): 202-203. doi: 10.3344/kip.2012.25.3.202.
- Hejazi J, Rastmanesh R, Taleban FA, Molana SH, Ehtejab G. A Pilot Clinical Trial of Radioprotective Effects of Curcumin Supplementation in Patients with Prostate Cancer. J Cancer Sci Ther 5: 320324. doi: 10.4172/1948-5956.1000222.
- Piantino CB, Salvadori FA, et al. An evaluation of the antineoplastic activity of curcumin in prostate cancer cell lines. Int Braz J Urol. 2009 MayJun;35(3):35460; discussion 361. PMID:19538771.
- Tsui KH1, Feng TH, Lin CM, et al. Curcumin blocks the activation of androgen and interlukin6 on prostatespecific antigen expression in human prostatic carcinoma cells. J Androl. 2008 Nov Dec;29(6):6618. doi: 10.2164/jandrol.108.004911.
- Marie Hélène Teiten, François Gaascht, et al. Chemopreventive potential of curcumin in prostate cancer. Genes Nutr. Mar 2010; 5(1): 61–74. PMCID: PMC2820199.
- Peter H. Killian, Emanuel Kronski, Katharina M. Michalik, et al. Curcumin inhibits prostate cancer metastasis in vivo by targeting the inflammatory cytokines CXCL1 and 2 Carcinogenesis. Carcinogenesis (2012) 33 (12):2507-2519.doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgs312.
- Ledda A1, Belcaro G, Dugall M, et al. Meriva®, a lecithinized curcumin delivery system, in the control of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot, product evaluation registry study. Panminerva Med. 2012 Dec;54(1 Suppl 4):1722. PMID: 23241931.
- Kim HJ, Park JW, Cho YS, et al. Pathogenic role of HIF1α in prostate hyperplasia in the presence of chronic inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2013 Jan;1832(1):18394. doi: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.09.002.
- Zaahkouk AM, Abdel Aziz MT, Rezq AM. Efficacy of a novel water-soluble curcumin derivative versus sildenafil citrate in mediating erectile function. Int J Impot Res. 2014 Aug 7. doi: 10.1038/ijir.2014.24. PMID: 25099638.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
