I understand the benefit of curcumin is well-known. However, My onco advised me not to take curcumin (Tumeric) supplement at the very beginning of my SBC treatment. I have done some research and my understanding is that some of the breast cancer drugs are metabolized via CYP3A4 ie. Letrozole, Taxol. A CYP3A4 inhibitor would increase the drug’s toxicity and vice versa, a CYP3A4 inducer would decrease the efficiency of the drug.
My study :
(2) mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/turmeric
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Do Not Take If
- You are taking chemotherapy drugs such as camptothecin, mechlorethamine, doxorubicin, or cyclophosphamide : Turmeric inhibits the action of these drugs against breast cancer cells in lab experiments. Clinical relevance is not known.
- You are taking drugs metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme : Curcumin inhibits cytochrome 3A4 enzyme, ` the metabolism of certain prescription drugs. Clinical relevance is not known.
(3) nature.com/articles/srep06587#article-info
***** Extracted from above link *** Results
Effect of curcumin on EVL (Everolimus) pharmacokinetics in rats
… The results showed that 50 and 100 mg/kg of curcumin both significantly decreased the Cmax of EVL by 76.7% and reduced the AUC0-540 by 70.6% and 71.5%, respectively. The MRT of EVL was significantly increased by 100 mg/kg of curcumin by 35.3%, but not affected by 50 mg/kg of curcumin.
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