PV and Turmeric

[Denman23]

Hi does anyone know if it’s okay to take Turmeric if you are taking Hydroxycarbamide?

[Wyebird]

I have ET not PV . Lots of people think it’s amazing. I took it but then experienced large bruises so my heamo told me to stop.

I’m sure many people will report positivity.

Meanwhile, please make sure you discuss with your heamo.

[Denman23 in reply to Wyebird]

Thanks for the info I will speak to him about it

[jillydabrat]

Good morning, I take it with Hydroxy and when I told my consultant she never said anything about it so I assumed it was okay and it hasn’t done me any harm at all. Hope this helps xx

[samiris]

Many Heamo are not well knowledgeable about food and diet. They usually hesitate to give clear advice when asked questions like this about Turmeric.

And sometimes when they want to say something, just say "everything is OK at moderate level", no clear and specific answer.

On the other hand, most professional dietitians don't have good knowledge about blood diseases like ET and PV and the prescribed medications interactions. They may provide some general advice of healthy general diet and again suggest a moderate diet.

Hematology/Oncology Pharmacologists may be good source on this matter.

Similar question about ginger root, cumin, pomegranate/cranberry and other fruits juices, if they are OK and useful for PV/ET?

How about Turmeric for PV patients under Pegasys treatment?

[hunter5582]

Yes it is OK; however, Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) is a blood thinner. It can potentiate this aspect of aspirin. It is an effective anti-inflammatory. I started taking it to deal with osteoarthritis. It has been more effective than any NSAID I ever took. It is also safer to take with aspirin than NSAIDs. Do be aware that Turmeric/Curcumin is not readily bioavailable so the formulation you choose matters.

Like all things MPN, we are all different in how we react. For sure, discuss with your hematologist. Unfortunately, many Western-trained docs are not familiar with complementary health approaches like Turmeric. Some will dissuade it out of caution regarding something about which they lack the knowledge to offer meaningful input. Integrative (Functional) Medicine docs tend to be more knowledgeable about the use of complementary health approaches.

Hope you are able to use the Turmeric and achieve your expected benefits.

[quonut in reply to hunter5582]

Hi Hunter

May i ask what you mean when you say, Turmeric is not readily bioavailable ?, My wife purchased 500mg capsules from local health shop plus 100% ground turmeric powder from local indian store. These were for my wife who suffers from athritis badly, i have also started taking the capsules. Was just curious about the Bioavailable word.

Regards

Patrick.

[hunter5582 in reply to quonut]

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, does not pass readily into the bloodstream. Most if it will pass right through you without being absorbed unless it has some assistance. There are several ways to make this happen. When cooking, combining turmeric with oil helps. In tablet form, agents like peperine (black pepper extract) help the curcumin make it into your bloodstream. There are other formulations that work as well. I use a proprietary formulation called CurcuWin. It is an ingredient in various supplements you can purchase. There are others that work as well. The key is bioavailability.

[quonut in reply to hunter5582]

I have seen it available with black pepper extract, now i understand. Thank you.

[h2ogal]

ET, Jax2, 10 hydroxy per week. My Dr. told me not to because of possible interactions with the hydroxy so I stopped. After 6 months I had a lot of pain & started again. Feel so much better taking it. I also take ginseng. Make sure to get a good quality. I do take them in the morning and my hydroxy at night.

My new Dr. says that it is ok. As always, check with your Dr.

I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me.