12/13/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo
Turmeric has gained immense popularity over the years not just for the unique flavor it adds to dishes like curries, but also for its various health benefits. One of its most promising therapeutic applications is as a natural remedy for cancer. Although the anticancer potential of turmeric isn’t new, a recent study published in Cancer Letters further proved the importance of this golden spice in understanding and treating cancer.
The team of American researchers evaluated the ability of curcumin, which is a polyphenol in turmeric, to target cancer stem cells that are assumed to be the primary cause of cancer tumor formation and malignancy. Unlike conventional cancer models used in previous studies, the cancer stem cell model suggests that only a small population of cancer cells drive the initiation, maintenance, and growth of tumors. These stem cells regularly undergo renewal and differentiation into other cancer cells, which no longer have the ability to regenerate themselves. Therefore, in this model, cancer stem cells that are not killed by treatments lead to the formation of more invasive and treatment-resistant tumors.
In this study, the researchers found that curcumin is more effective in eradicating cancer since unlike conventional treatments, this polyphenol also targets cancer stem cells. It can do so through various mechanisms of action, which include the following.
Overall, the results of this study show that for cancer treatments to be effective, they have to target and kill cancer stem cells just like turmeric does. Otherwise, these cancer stem cells will pave the way for the formation of more invasive and treatment-resistant tumors. (Related: Turmeric OUTPERFORMS conventional chemotherapy drugs in treating all forms of cancer.)
Some other health benefits associated with turmeric include the following:
The body does not easily absorb turmeric since it needs fat for it to dissolve and get into the gut. Some tips on how you can maximize the therapeutic potential of turmeric include the following:
For more articles about the different health benefits of turmeric, visit Turmeric.news.
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Tagged Under: anticancer, anticancer food, cancer remedy, cancer stem cells, curcumin, natural medicine, natural remedies, research, tumor, turmeric
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