Turmeric and cancer: Expert explains how curcumin helps reduce inflammation

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric. Dr Sowrabh Kumar Arora shares some critical information about curcumin and its connection to cancer.

When you think of spices that add flavour to your food and also offer health benefits, turmeric is a top choice. Often called "The Indian Saffron," this bright yellow spice enhances the flavour of curries. It may help fight cancer. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is becoming important in cancer treatment and prevention. But how does this golden spice help reduce inflammation and fight cancer?

What are the benefits of curcumin in turmeric?

Previous studies have also found that various chemicals found in foods such as turmeric, apple peels and green tea could potentially be beneficial in helping to ward off cancer. (iStock)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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Curcumin, also known as Diferuloylmethane, is the substance that gives turmeric its bright yellow colour and its health benefits. Research from the National Cancer Institute shows that in countries where people consume 100-200mg of curcumin daily, there are lower rates of certain cancers, such as breast, bowel, stomach, and skin cancer. This information prompts consideration of how increased curcumin intake could improve health.

Surgical oncologist Dr Saurabh Kumar Arora tells Health Shots, "Curcumin can slow down the growth and spread of cancer cells. It works by blocking certain chemicals that help cancer progress." This is especially important during treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as curcumin can increase cancer cells' sensitivity to these therapies, thereby enhancing their overall effectiveness.

What is the role of curcumin in cancer?

How does curcumin help with cancer treatment? Dr Arora explained several important ways in which curcumin works. "First, it acts as a strong antioxidant, which protects healthy cells from the harmful effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This has two benefits: curcumin not only enhances the effectiveness of conventional treatments but also reduces their side effects."

Curcumin helps protect against cancer and can slow down the change of healthy cells into cancer cells. It works by blocking harmful chemicals that can cause cancer. "Curcumin is an integral part of cancer prevention; even if cancer has already developed, it can slow down tumour growth and stop cancer from spreading to other organs," says the doctor.

Adding curcumin to your daily diet is easy and beneficial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers curcumin to be safe. This makes it a trustworthy part of your nutrition plan. A safety study published in Phytotherapy Research reports that curcumin is generally well tolerated, with few adverse effects. This makes it a safe option for anyone who wants to improve their health.

Dr Arora advises people to take about 500-2,000 mg of curcumin each day for the best health benefits. It may be challenging to obtain this amount by consuming raw turmeric; therefore, natural curcumin supplements or capsules are a viable option. However, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional before starting any supplements, especially if you'll be taking them long-term, because needs can vary from person to person.

Turmeric and curcumin may help combat cancer and reduce inflammation; however, they should be used alongside conventional treatments rather than as substitutes for them. This includes lifestyle changes such as maintaining a balanced diet with ample fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)