Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume 4, Issue 8 , Pages 1035-1038, August 2006

Combination Treatment With Curcumin and Quercetin of Adenomas in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

  • Marcia Cruz–Correa

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA
    • Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • ,
  • Daniel A. Shoskes

      Affiliations

    • Department of Kidney Transplant, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA
    • ,
  • Patricia Sanchez

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA
    • ,
  • Rhongua Zhao

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA
    • ,
  • Linda M. Hylind

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • ,
  • Steven D. Wexner

      Affiliations

    • Department of Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Weston, Florida, USA
    • ,
  • Francis M. Giardiello

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationAddress requests for reprints to: Francis M. Giardiello, MD, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205; Fax: (410) 614-8337.

published online 06 June 2006.

Background & Aims: Familialadenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by the development of hundreds of colorectal adenomas and eventual colorectal cancer. Regression of adenomas in this syndrome occurs with the administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, but these compounds can have considerable side effects. We evaluated the efficacy of the combination of diet-derived nonprescription supplements curcumin and quercetin to regress adenomas in patients with FAP. Methods: Five FAP patients with prior colectomy (4 with retained rectum and 1 with an ileal anal pouch) received curcumin 480 mg and quercetin 20 mg orally 3 times a day. The number and size of polyps were assessed at baseline and after therapy. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to determine differences in the number and size of polyps. Treatment side effects and medication compliance also were evaluated. Results: All 5 patients had a decreased polyp number and size from baseline after a mean of 6 months of treatment with curcumin and quercetin. The mean percent decrease in the number and size of polyps from baseline was 60.4% (P < .05) and 50.9% (P < .05), respectively. Minimal adverse side effects and no laboratory abnormalities were noted. Conclusions: The combination of curcumin and quercetin appears to reduce the number and size of ileal and rectal adenomas in patients with FAP without appreciable toxicity. Randomized controlled trials are needed to validate these findings.

Abbreviation used in this paper:  FAP, familial adenomatous polyposis

 

 Supported in part by the John G. Rangos, Sr. Charitable Foundation, the Clayton Fund, and National Institutes of Health grants K07 CA092445, CA 53801, and P50 CA 62924-10. The drug for this trial was provided by the manufacturer, Farr Laboratories. Daniel A. Shoskes is a Consultant for Farr Laboratories, which made the supplement used in the study.

PII: S1542-3565(06)00278-3

doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2006.03.020

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Volume 4, Issue 8 , Pages 1035-1038, August 2006