Turmeric is an orange colored Indian spice and contributes mildly bitter taste to the cuisines. Its active ingredient is an extracted compound called curcumin. It has been used for thousands of years and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Though it is used for treating several conditions like jaundice, chest, urinary tract infection and more; researchers are also investigating the benefits in prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
Kill Lung Cancer Cells
Turmeric and curcumin work to kill cancer cells in both small and non-small cell lung cancer. They prevent cell survival signals and damage DNA in cancer cells. The anti-tumor activity prevents the spread of cancer. Various researches that shown that it works to stop metastasis i.e. the spread of cancer from one organ to another.
Anti-Cancer Properties
Curcumin is widely studied for its anti-cancer properties and protects lungs from cancer causing agents such as nicotine. Its anti-tumor effects regulate the cell cycle and it works as a potential adjuvant therapeutic agent for lung cancer. It works to significantly decrease the growth of tumor.
Inhibits Metastasis
Turmeric or curcumin inhibits the metastasis growth by suppressing tumor angiogenesis. Various studies have been conducted and found that it acts on various biochemical pathways to prevent metastasis.
Prevent Re-growth of Cancer Stem Cells
In addition to helping in killing lung cancer cells, it also works to prevent the re-growth of cancer stem cells. It enhances the benefits of the treatments that doctors already offer. Also, it is uniquely responsive to chemotherapy and radiation.
Radio-Sensitizer
Curcumin also helps in radiation treatment for lung cancer. Some studies have suggested that the use of curcumin as a radio-sensitizer. It works to sensitive tumors to radiation and protects healthy lung tissue to reduce the risk of radiation-related form of lung inflammation.
How Much Turmeric should be taken?
It is inherently non-toxic and the amount of 10,000 to 12,000 mg per day comes with few or no side effects.
What do you think about the role of Indian Spices in the treatment of lung cancer? Share with us in the comments.
The information offered in this blog is for educational purposes only. Consult your doctor for any issues you face.