Turmeric is a golden-yellow spice from the ginger family, long used in traditional cooking and medicine, particularly in South and Southeast Asia. In recent years, it has gained widespread attention for its potential health benefits, especially in relation to inflammation. Much of this interest focuses on curcumin, the main active compound found in turmeric, known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020).
But what does scientific research tell us about turmeric and cancer, and where are the limits of current knowledge?
Functions and Potential Benefits of Turmeric
Research suggests that turmeric, largely due to its active compound curcumin, may offer several biological functions that support overall health. These effects may be relevant in the context of overall wellbeing, they should be viewed as supportive rather than therapeutic (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017).
- Anti-inflammatory effect
Curcumin has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways, including key signalling mechanisms involved in the initiation and regulation of inflammation (Liu et al., 2025). Research indicates that curcumin may help reduce levels of several inflammatory markers, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (Liu et al., 2025). By reducing levels of these markers, curcumin may support the maintenance of a balanced inflammatory response, which is important for overall health.
- Antioxidant activity
By neutralising harmful free radicals and supporting the body’s natural antioxidant defences, curcumin contributes to maintaining cellular health and protecting cells from oxidative stress, which is associated with aging and various chronic conditions (Izadi et al., 2024). While these antioxidant effects are beneficial for overall physiological function, it is important to note that they do not prevent, treat, or cure cancer.
- Immune function
Curcumin may help support a balanced immune response by influencing key immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells (Allegra et al., 2022). It may also enhance the body’s resilience during periods of physical or oxidative stress.
- Digestive health
Curcumin has traditionally been used to support digestion. Some people find it helps reduce bloating and improve digestive comfort, which can be particularly useful during recovery or long-term care (Allegra et al., 2022).
What Science Shows
In preclinical research, curcumin has demonstrated the ability to slow the growth of certain cancer cells, promote programmed cell death (apoptosis), and interfere with pathways involved in tumour development (De Waure et al., 2023). These laboratory and animal findings are encouraging. Human clinical studies remain limited and small-scale. Some research suggests that curcumin may help reduce inflammation markers, support quality of life, and ease certain treatment-related symptoms. However, there is currently no strong clinical evidence showing that turmeric can treat or cure cancer (De Waure et al., 2023).
What Science Does Not Show
Despite promising early research, turmeric should not be viewed as a substitute for standard cancer treatment. There is no proof that turmeric can prevent cancer progression, and claims that turmeric can “cure” cancer are not supported by scientific evidence (Turmeric and Cancer, n.d.). While it may offer supportive benefits for overall wellbeing, its role in cancer care remains complementary rather than therapeutic.
Safety and Caution
Turmeric used in cooking is generally safe for most people. However, concentrated turmeric or curcumin supplements may require additional consideration for certain individuals.
People who should seek medical advice before using turmeric supplements include:
- Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy (Turmeric, 2025)
- Individuals taking blood-thinning medications (Turmeric, 2025)
- People with gallbladder disease or digestive conditions (Welsh Medicines Information Centre, 2025)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women (Jones, 2020)
Turmeric supplements may interact with certain medications or affect treatment outcomes.
An Important Perspective
Turmeric should be viewed as a complementary option, not an alternative therapy. It should never replace medical treatment, prescribed medications, or professional advice. Open communication with healthcare providers about supplement use is essential for safe and coordinated cancer care.
Conclusion
Turmeric has well-documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, and early research highlights potential supportive benefits for overall health. However, current evidence from large-scale human studies is insufficient to support turmeric for cancer treatment. Used responsibly and with professional guidance, turmeric may be part of a broader approach to wellbeing, but informed decisions and medical care remain central to cancer management.
References
1. Sharifi-Rad, J., Rayess, Y. E., Rizk, A. A., Sadaka, C., Zgheib, R., Zam, W., Sestito, S., Rapposelli, S., Neffe-Skocińska, K., Zielińska, D., Salehi, B., Setzer, W. N., Dosoky, N. S., Taheri, Y., Beyrouthy, M. E., Martorell, M., Ostrander, E. A., Suleria, H. a. R., Cho, W. C., . . . Martins, N. (2020). Turmeric and its major compound curcumin on Health: Bioactive effects and safety profiles for food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medicinal applications. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 01021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01021
2. Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D. (2017). Curcumin: A review of its Effects on Human health. Foods, 6(10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092
3. Liu, M., Wang, J., Song, Z., & Pei, Y. (2025). Regulation mechanism of curcumin mediated inflammatory pathway and its clinical application: a review. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1642248. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1642248
4. Izadi, M., Sadri, N., Abdi, A., Zadeh, M. M. R., Jalaei, D., Ghazimoradi, M. M., Shouri, S., & Tahmasebi, S. (2024). Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation. GeroScience, 46(3), 2933–2950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01092-5
5. Allegra, A., Mirabile, G., Ettari, R., Pioggia, G., & Gangemi, S. (2022). The impact of curcumin on immune response: An immunomodulatory strategy to treat sepsis. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(23), 14710. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314710
6. Prasad, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2011). Turmeric, the golden spice. Herbal Medicine – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
7. De Waure, C., Bertola, C., Baccarini, G., Chiavarini, M., & Mancuso, C. (2023). Exploring the contribution of curcumin to cancer therapy: A Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Pharmaceutics, 15(4), 1275. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041275
8. Cozmin, M., Lungu, I. I., Gutu, C., Stefanache, A., Duceac, L. D., Șoltuzu, B. D., Damir, D., Calin, G., Goroftei, E. R. B., Grierosu, C., & Boev, M. (2024). Turmeric: from spice to cure. A review of the anti-cancer, radioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric sourced compounds. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11, 1399888. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1399888
9. Turmeric and cancer. (n.d.). https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/turmeric#:~:text=Turmeric%20and%20cancer-,Turmeric%20and%20cancer,How%20you%20have%20it
10. Turmeric. (2025, November 20). Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/turmeric#:~:text=Turmeric%20also%20has%20other%20uses,taking%20indomethacin%20(Indocin%C2%AE).
11. Welsh Medicines Information Centre. (2025, November 25). Turmeric: potential adverse effects – Welsh Medicines Advice Service. Welsh Medicines Advice Service. https://www.wmic.wales.nhs.uk/turmeric-potential-adverse-effects/#:~:text=Liver,there%20have%20been%20reports%20of:
12. Jones, W. (2020, June 20). Turmeric supplements and breastfeeding – Breastfeeding and Medication. https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/fact-sheet/turmeric-supplements-and-breastfeeding#:~:text=Turmeric%20is%20a%20supplement%20recommended,those%20used%20for%20culinary%20purposes.
