Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center have found that when the dietary compounds curcumin and piperine were applied to breast cells in culture, they decreased the number of stem cells while having no effect on normal differentiated cells.
“This shows that these compounds are not toxic to normal breast tissue,” says Madhuri Kakarala, M.D., Ph.D., R.D. a research investigator at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.
“Women at high risk of breast cancer right now can choose to take the drugs tamoxifen or raloxifene for prevention, but most women won’t take these drugs because there is too much toxicity. The concept that dietary compounds can help is attractive, and curcumin and piperine appear to have very low toxicity.” (source)
Additional Research
Researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have also found that curcumin inhibits metastasis to the lungs of mice with breast cancer (5).
It also appeared to reverse the effects of paclitaxel (TaxolTM), a commonly prescribed front-line chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer that may trigger the spread of the disease over a long period of time. The drug alo frequently induces drug resistance after prolonged use, and is not effective in treating metastatic breast cancer (5).
Other Benefits Of This Combination
Flavorful and spicy, this mix goes well with just about anything!
1. Lowers Inflammation
Curcumin (6) and piperine(7) are both potent inflammation fighters. This is specifically interesting for people with osteoarthritis.
2. Fights Depression
Turmeric is said to be as effective as prozac in treating depression (8). Just add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric and a few cracks of fresh pepper to your salad or soup for a quick mood boost.
3. Supports Weight Loss
Black pepper and turmeric can be a great combination to help turn fat-storing cells into fat-burning cells to help support weight loss. You can even add the combination to smoothies or use it as a rub on roasted vegetables.
Additional reading: How to Maximize Turmeric Absorption?
sources:
[1]https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancers-in-general/cancer-questions/can-turmeric-prevent-bowel-cancer
[2]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959804905004776
[3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24819444
[4]https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
[5]https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/10/051015091008.htm
[6]https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/dietary-factors/phytochemicals/curcumin
[7]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25736698
[8]https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/depression-study-published-on-bcm-95-curcumin-215101301.html