Evidence supporting the use of: Curcumin
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Curcumin, the principal active component of turmeric, has been investigated for its potential to support cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, primarily by reducing side effects such as inflammation, mucositis, neurotoxicity, and fatigue. Several preclinical studies and a growing number of small clinical trials suggest that curcumin exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties, which may help mitigate some of the toxicities associated with chemotherapy. For example, curcumin has been shown to modulate molecular pathways that are implicated in inflammation (such as NF-κB and COX-2), and animal studies indicate it can reduce chemotherapy-induced organ damage.

A few randomized controlled trials in humans have explored curcumin supplementation during chemotherapy. Some of these studies report modest benefits, such as reduced severity of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers, or lessened peripheral neuropathy in patients receiving paclitaxel. However, sample sizes are typically small, and results are sometimes inconsistent or not statistically significant.

Overall, current evidence for curcumin’s effectiveness in reducing chemotherapy side effects is preliminary and limited by methodological weaknesses. There are also concerns about the bioavailability of oral curcumin. Larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed to establish clear benefits and safety. Despite these limitations, the use of curcumin is scientifically motivated, and it continues to be the subject of active research for supportive care in oncology.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Milk Protein
Mistletoe