Turmeric - Alkeran (Melphalan) Interaction
Herbal: Turmeric
Also Known As: Curcuma longa, Curcuma, Curcumae Longa, Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, Curcumin, Curcumine, Curcuminoid, Curcuminoïde, Curcuminoïdes, Curcuminoids, Halada, Haldi, Haridra, Indian Saffron, Nisha, Pian Jiang Huang, Racine de Curcuma, Radix Curcumae, Rajani, Rhizoma Cucurmae Longae
Drug: Melphalan
Brand names:
Alkeran
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jul 22, 2023
Interaction Details
Melphalan is classified as belonging to the following category: Alkylating Agents
Turmeric has antioxidant effects. Theoretically, this may reduce the activity of chemotherapy drugs that generate free radicals. However, research is conflicting.
In vitro research suggests that curcumin, a constituent of turmeric, inhibits mechlorethamine-induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells by up to 70%. Also, animal research shows that curcumin inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression. However, some in vitro research shows that curcumin does not affect the apoptosis capacity of etoposide. Also, other laboratory research suggests that curcumin might augment the cytotoxic effects of alkylating agents. Reasons for the discrepancies may relate to the dose of curcumin and the specific chemotherapeutic agent. Lower doses of curcumin might have antioxidant effects while higher doses might have pro-oxidant effects. More evidence is needed to determine what effect, if any, turmeric might have on alkylating agents.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Mitchell TM. Correspondence re: Somasundaram et al., Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2003;63(16):5165-6; author reply 5166-7.
- Somasundaram S, Edmund NA, Moore DT, Small GW, Shi YY, Orlowski RZ. Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2002;62(13):3868-75.
Turmeric Overview
Turmeric is a commonly used spice and a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to India and other parts of South Asia and is known for its bright orange-yellow color and its warm, slightly bitter flavor.
In traditional medicine, turmeric is believed to have a number of health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants and other compounds, such as curcumin. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and it is often used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain, digestive problems, skin disorders, and respiratory infections.
Most dietary supplements that utilize turmeric standardize their products based on a specific amount of curcumin (curcuminoids) per dose.
Additionally, turmeric supplements are often paired with black pepper extract (piperine) to improve oral absorption.
Melphalan Overview
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Melphalan is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow). Melphalan is also used to treat a certain type of ovarian cancer (cancer that begins in the female reproductive organs where eggs are formed). Melphalan is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells in your body.
Turmeric - More Interactions
Turmeric interacts with 1067 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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