There is probably no traditional Asian herb that is studied more in modern western medicine laboratories than curcumin, the active ingredient of the spice turmeric.
This article focuses on a study that investigated using curcumin for an unusual tumor growth in the pituitary gland called pituitary adenoma. It is considered benign, because there has been no evidence of pituitary adenomas spreading beyond the pituitary gland.
But that doesn't mean those tumors don't grow and cause problems. Pituitary tumors can lead to vision problems. Because the pituitary gland is the master switch for the thyroid gland, adrenals and sex glands, pituitary tumors can disrupt one's hormonal balance and lead to other serious ailments including cancer.