curcumin

[artydutch]

I have had a suggestion to take curcumin. Reading a little it seems quite a potent supplement. Are there any contra indicators taking it in MF?

[hunter5582]

I have been taking curcumin for many years now to manage the systemic inflammation and related conditions like osteoarthritis and tendonitis. It was recommended by my rheumatologist and Integrative Medicine doctor. It is more effective than any NSAID I ever took. Note that my MPN care team is also aware of the this and all of the supplements I take.

It is important to consult with a knowledgeable medical provider about the use of supplements. This is not all doctors as many are not familiar with the use of complementary health interventions. That is why I consult with an Integrative Medicine doctor.

Anything that is biologically active enough to help you can also hurt you and interact with things. You will see warnings from some sources that curcumin might potentiate the blood thinning effect of aspirin. I have not found this to be an issue in my case. The potential for drug-supplement interactions is something that needs to be evaluated with each drug and supplement that you take.

There is a clinical trial underway at the University of Southern California currently in Phase 2. Curcumin to Improve Inflammation and Symptoms in Patients With Clonal Cytopenia of Undetermined Significance, Low Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms . clinicaltrials.gov/study/NC... It will be very interesting to see if we can get some hard data that supports the success that some of have had with curcumin.

While considering curcumin is very reasonable and potentially helpful, it is a decision best made with input from a knowledgeable medical provider and with the knowledge of your MPN care team.

Wishing you all the best.

[artydutch in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for all that info. I will run it past my team. I found an old comment from prof Harrison, that she was not against trying it.

[EPguy]

My husband is taking it with GP being informed. It seems to help his knee arthritis, preferable to the scary pills the Dr ordered.

There are increasing reports of still rare liver injury with the newer concentrated forms. This report has:

" Liver injury due to turmeric appears to be increasing in the United States, perhaps reflecting usage patterns or increased combination with black pepper. Turmeric causes potentially severe liver injury that is typically hepatocellular, with a latency of 1 to 4 months and strong linkage to HLA-B*35:01. "

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/362...

It is the new hi potency forms that seem related. We've scheduled a CMP blood test for my hubby at ~ 3 months to check. Most MPN pts get regular CMP tests, so any risk should be actionable.

I've posted this before but just noticed there is a mutation that is strongly associated, HLA-B*35:01. Maybe this is something that can be checked.

I just found this too, on green tea supplements, same implication of B*35:01. "Green tea-related liver injury has distinctive clinical features and close association with HLA-B*35:01"

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/328...

B*35:01 seems relevant to other conditions too. I will ask my Dr whether we can check this gene. If one has it, some supplements may be contra indicted.

[artydutch in reply to EPguy]

I have connected with a dietitian, who suggested it, as in addition to MF, I have hip and knee arthritis and sarcoidosis. I have wanted to see what I can do food wise to feel better. However reading yours and Hunters reply, I will run it past my MPN doctors. Thank you for the info!

[Anouchka]

I have liked taking curcumin for its health benefits but unfortunately found out it is counterproductive to the brand of aspirin I have to take (pPV patient) so use I sparingly …. So probably best to consult further.

[artydutch in reply to Anouchka]

Thank you. I will check it out further.

[IKEALover in reply to Anouchka]

what do you mean??

[Anouchka in reply to IKEALover]

It can work adversely with anti coagulants and my aspirin brand here in France is to keep healthy blood flow esp in my legs ….

[IKEALover in reply to Anouchka]

Oh, I’m taking Gaia Extra Strength liquid turmeric 2x daily and my MPN Dr. said I can.

[Anouchka in reply to IKEALover]

I’ll have to double check with my heam team. Tks

[IKEALover in reply to Anouchka]

Welcome, good luck. Hope it’s all good. My MPN Dr. is at MD Anderson if that makes a difference when you ask yours.

[Anouchka in reply to IKEALover]

Thank you again - but I’m in Europe. Still finding my way thru their approach to it all…

[IKEALover in reply to Anouchka]

Welcome. I know, i am too, it’s overwhelming…

[Manaaki]

I have taken Tumeric for 3 months now and it really helped with my knee pain and heavy periods . I had not run it past my Dr and recently found out it interacts with aspirin which I am taking daily. Admittedly it made me concerned and I have stopped it until I can find out more information as some date I came across suggested an increased risk of brain bleeds. I miss it as it worked really really good in my case to lower systemic inflammation .

[artydutch in reply to Manaaki]

I feel it is something to not take without advice from my consultant. Thank you.