Turmeric, a golden spice derived from the roots of the Curcuma longa plant, has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments due to its active ingredient, curcumin. Known for fighting inflammation, colds, and asthma, curcumin has also been found to have many health benefits for men, particularly in terms of prostate health.
Boosting the Immune System
Research conducted by the Linus Pauling Institute at OSU and the University of Copenhagen found that curcumin could increase levels of a protein called cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), which plays a crucial role in preventing infection by strengthening the immune system. Curcumin was found to increase the expression of the CAMP gene by nearly threefold.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to be effective against various inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel, and psoriasis.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
Turmeric is considered an anticancer food and spice due to its multitude of cancer-fighting properties. Curcumin has been found to fight cancer from multiple fronts. In fact, a 2012 issue of Frontiers of Bioscience reported curcumin had a blend of anti-carcinogenic, pro-apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities.
The effects of curcumin on prostate cancer have been well-documented. A study conducted by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, found that combining turmeric with a phytonutrient, phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) derived from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, reduced tumor growth and may be effective in preventing and treating prostate cancer. Another study from Oregon Health and Science University reported that curcumin had potential anti-metastatic effects on bone-derived prostate cancer cells. Research from Columbia University also found that curcumin could cause prostate cancer cells to undergo apoptosis or “commit suicide.”
In a pre-clinical study, it was suggested that curcumin could be helpful for men with castration-resistant prostate cancer who were undergoing hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]). The research team from Thomas Jefferson University’s Kimmel Cancer Center discovered curcumin could suppress two substances (p300 and CPB) known to work against hormone therapy. Furthermore, they found that prostate cancer tumor growth and mass were significantly reduced in mice treated with curcumin.
Prostatitis Treatment
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent candidate for managing prostatitis. Animal studies have shown that curcumin is effective in managing chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, as it can reduce the activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
In a study involving men with prostatitis who were given a combination of curcumin, quercetin, saw palmetto, and stinging nettle along with antibiotics, it was found that the men had significantly better resolution of their symptoms compared to those who received only antibiotics.
How to Take Curcumin/Turmeric
The suggested turmeric dose is 400 to 600 mg three times daily in the form of a standardized powder (curcumin). Turmeric and curcumin are safe when taken as directed. Dr. Andrew Weil, founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, recommends including turmeric in your diet by adding it to foods during and after cooking, unless you have inflammatory bowel disease.
In conclusion, turmeric, with its active ingredient curcumin, offers numerous health benefits for men, especially in terms of prostate health, fighting inflammation, and bolstering the immune system. Adding this golden spice to your daily diet can help promote overall health and well-being.
