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The potential role of curcumin (diferuloylmethane) in plasma cell dyscrasias/paraproteinemia

Authors Golombick T, Diamond T

Published 7 March 2008 Volume 2008:2(1) Pages 161—163

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S2514



Terry Golombick, Terry Diamond

Department of Endocrinology, St George Hospital, Kogarah, Australia

Abstract: Plasma cell dyscrasias, most commonly associated with paraproteinemia, are a diverse group of diseases. Monoclonal gammopathy of undefined significance (MGUS) can precede multiple myeloma, a progressive neoplastic disease. MGUS occurs in association with a variety of other diseases and currently no treatment is recommended but rather “watchful waiting”. Given that the size of the M-protein is a risk factor for disease progression, early intervention with the aim of reducing the paraprotein load would provide an innovative therapeutic tool. Preliminary results from our pilot study show a drop of between 5% and 30% serum paraprotein in patients taking curcumin compared with patients on placebo. Curcumin is a diferuloylmethane present in extracts of the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant. As a natural product, this has exciting potential in the treatment of plasma cell dyscrasias.

Keywords: plasma cell dyscrasias, MGUS, myeloma, curcumin, paraproteinemia

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