TITLE:
The Effect of Curcumin (as Meriva) on Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC), NK Cells and T Cell Populations in Patients with Stage 0/1 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
AUTHORS:
Terry Golombick, Terrence H. Diamond, Arumugam Manoharan, Rajeev Ramakrishna
KEYWORDS:
Stage 0/1 Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Curcumin
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.6 No.7,
July
13,
2015
ABSTRACT: Purpose: To determine the effect
of curcumin (as Meriva) on absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), T cell populations
and NK cells in patients with Rai stage 0/1 chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
over a period of six months. Experimental Design: Twenty-one patients with
significant lymphocytosis (>20 × 109 lymphocytes/L) and stage 0/1
CLL were recruited into the study and received oral curcumin 2 grams/day. Blood
samples were collected at baseline and at 2 monthly intervals for six months
for full blood count, leukocyte surface antigens, liver function, serum
biochemistry, immunoglobulins, CRP and ESR. A positive biologic response was
defined as a reduction in the ALC of more than 20% from pre-treatment levels.
Results: Four patients (20%) demonstrated more than 20% decrease in ALC, three
of whom had lower ALC at the end of the study as compared to baseline. The
decrease in ALC was accompanied by an increase in CD4, CD8 and NK cells. No demonstrable
response was seen in seventeen patients (80%) who exhibited stable, fluctuating
or increasing ALC during the study. Conclusion: A subgroup of stage 0/1 CLL
patients may be responsive to curcumin therapy. The beneficial response appears
to be immunomodulated.