In a study done at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2008, researchers found evidence that Curcumin Plus Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer.
The study used mice injected with pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells in order to establish pancreatic tumor xenografts. The mice fed curcumin (2000 pppm in 18% corn oil) had a 43% reduction in tumor volume. The mice fed fish oil (15% fish oil + 3% corn oil) had a 25% reduction in tumor volume. The mice fed a combination of curcumin and fish oil had the greatest reduction (OVER 72%) in tumor volume.
The authors conclude, “The preceding results evidence for the first time that curcumin combined with omega-3 fatty acids provide synergistic pancreatic tumor inhibitory properties.”
Reference: “Prevention and treatment of pancreatic cancer by curcumin in combination with omega-3 fatty acids,” Swamy MV, Citineni B, et al, Nutr Cancer, 2008; 60 Suppl 1(81-9). (Address: Department of Medicine, Hem-Onc Section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA).