Turmeric (Curcuma longa), and particularly its active compound curcumin, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic properties. While turmeric has a long-standing history in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for various ailments, its specific use for polyps—especially colon polyps—has gained some scientific attention in recent years. Laboratory and animal studies suggest that curcumin can modulate inflammatory pathways, inhibit cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and interfere with several molecular mechanisms involved in polyp formation and progression to colorectal cancer.

Some small-scale human studies and pilot clinical trials have looked at curcumin supplementation in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a genetic condition that leads to the formation of numerous polyps in the colon. A 2006 pilot study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combination of curcumin and quercetin led to a modest reduction in polyp number and size. However, subsequent studies have been inconsistent, with some showing benefit and others failing to demonstrate significant effects. Limitations of existing research include small sample sizes, short study durations, and variability in curcumin bioavailability.

Overall, while there is a plausible biological rationale and some preliminary evidence for the use of turmeric/curcumin in the management or prevention of polyps, the scientific evidence is not yet robust or conclusive. Larger, well-controlled clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety.