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 and 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 published in the Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy cited radioprotective effects of curcumin in prostate cancer patients. 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 prostate cancer cells in vitro. When curcumin was administered to the cancer cells, researchers observed a notable increase in cancer 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 for cancer. However current understanding is that a combination of inflammation and high androgenicity increase the risk for developing prostate cancer. [4] Some research suggests that curcumin may down regulate androgen receptors and soothe inflammation, actions that have some wondering if it may help fight the rate of cancer cell development. [5] [6]
Turmeric and Enlarged Prostate
A study published in the December 2012 issue of 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 infections and less incontinence than the control group. Significant improvements in urinary stream and quality of life were also reported. [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 published in 2014 used animal models to compare the effects of Viagra and curcumin. You can scour the details for yourself, but, in short, at the conclusion of the 12-week study, curcumin supplementation had produced a notably improved erectile response… making many wonder if curcumin may support erectile function? [9] Read more
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