Synergistic Interplay between Curcumin and Polyphenol-Rich Foods in the Mediterranean Diet: Therapeutic Prospects for Neurofibromatosis 1 Patients

Abstract

Neurofibromas are the hallmark lesions in Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1); these tumors are classified as cutaneous, subcutaneous and plexiform. In contrast to cutaneous and subcutaneous neurofibromas, plexiform neurofibromas can grow quickly and progress to malignancy. Curcumin, a turmeric-derived polyphenol, has been shown to interact with several molecular targets implicated in carcinogenesis. Here, we describe the impact of different dietary patterns, namely Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) compared to the Western diet (WesDiet), both with or without curcumin, on NF1 patients’ health. After six months, patients adopting a traditional MedDiet enriched with 1200 mg curcumin per day (MedDietCurcumin) presented a significant reduction in the number and volume of cutaneous neurofibromas; these results were confirmed in subsequent evaluations. Notably, in one patient, a large cranial plexiform neurofibroma exhibited a reduction in volume (28%) confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Conversely, neither unenriched MedDiet nor WesDiet enriched with curcumin exhibited any significant positive effect. We hypothesize that the combination of a polyphenol-rich Mediterranean diet and curcumin was responsible for the beneficial effect observed on NF1. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first experience with curcumin supplementation in NF1 patients. Our report suggests that an integrated nutritional approach may effectively aid in the management of NF1.

Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in the Modulation of Central and Peripheral Nervous System Cancers: Facts and Misdeeds

“…We describe the first experience with curcumin supplementation in NF1 patients. We show that a therapeutic strategy involving a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet together with the administration of 1200 mg/day of curcumin results in a significant reduction of the number and volume of cutaneous neurofibromas in NF1 patients [121]. Notably, we demonstrate by Magnetic Resonance Imaging that in one patient this therapeutic strategy results in a sensible reduction in volume (28%) of a large cranial plexiform neurofibroma.…”

Natural Polyphenols Targeting Senescence: A Novel Prevention and Therapy Strategy for Cancer

“…All the above cases imply the brilliant role of polyphenols in treating drug/radio-resistant stubborn cancers ( Figure 2). Of note, polyphenolic compounds are part of the human diet, and recent findings suggest that the combination of curcumin and Mediterranean diet, a dietary food pattern rich in polyphenols, were effective in the management of Neurofibromatosis 1 for patients [55]. Thus, combinatorial treatment of clinical drugs or radiotherapy with resveratrol or other polyphenols can enhance their therapeutic effects and avoid their resistant effects.…”

Adult‐onset brain tumors and neurodegeneration: Are polyphenols protective?

“…Interestingly, in one patient the reduction in volume (28%) of a large cranial plexiform neurofibroma was showed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging. On the contrary, an unenriched Mediterranean diet or Western diet enriched with curcumin exhibited no significant positive effect (Esposito et al, ).…”