A Systematic Review Assessing Clinical Utility of Curcumin with a Focus on Cancer Prevention.

Abstract

SCOPE\nThere is extensive pre-clinical evidence for utility of curcuminoids across many diseases with a particular focus on cancer prevention, yet there remains a paucity of clinical evidence for its approved use. To assess current knowledge on the broader potential for clinical efficacy of curcumin and in particular, in cancer prevention strategies, we undertook a systematic review determining the number and quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) undertaken across any pathology.\n\n\nMETHODS AND RESULTS\nSearch strategies for RCTs using a quantifiable amount of curcuminoids, were applied across Medline, Embase, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov. There were 314 curcuminoid-based RCTs, with 100 of these revealing significant within- and between- group changes relating to the primary outcome. Twenty three studies were conducted in a setting where there was an increased risk of cancer. Fifteen of these met all prescribed quality criteria, and 10 revealed positive outcomes.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nA substantial number of studies reveal positive outcomes following curcumin use. However, despite the vast array of preclinical data, there have been relatively few RCTs conducted in the prevention setting. Future approaches to trials must deliver improved robustness and credibility of curcumin-related research to facilitate approvals for use in clinical settings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.