Dietary supplementation with curcumin and quercetin may reduce the number and size of polyps in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis who have undergone surgical removal of the colon. These results were published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Adenomatous polyps are non-cancerous growths in the colon or rectum that may eventually develop into cancer. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited genetic condition characterized by the development of many—often more than a hundred—adenomatous polyps in the colon or rectum. Individuals with FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colorectal cancer.
To evaluate a potential alternative to COX-2 inhibitors in patients with FAP who have undergone surgery, researchers conducted a study to explore the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplementation with curcumin and quercetin. Curcumin is a constituent of the spice turmeric. Quercetin is found in foods such as apples, onions, and tea. After an average of six months, all patients had a decrease in the number and size of polyps. The average decrease in the number of polyps was 60%, and the average decrease in polyp size was 51%.Curcumin and quercetin produced minimal side effects, and none of the patients developed laboratory abnormalities.
The researchers conclude that the combination of curcumin and quercetin may reduce the number and size of rectal and ileal polyps in patients with FAP who have undergone surgical removal of the colon. Larger studies that include an appropriate comparison group will be needed to confirm these findings.
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