The Mechanisms by Which Turmeric Works Against Cancer
Executive Summary
- Turmeric is highly beneficial for both cancer prevention and treatment.
- This article describes the mechanism of turmeric on cancer.
Introduction
Turmeric is one of the best foods to prevent and fight cancer.
The Mechanisms by Which Turmeric Works Against Cancer
These quotes are from the book Anticancer.
Which Cancers it Inhibits
The principle molecule responsible for that effect (against cancer) is curcumin. In the laboratory, curcumin inhibits growth in a large number of cancers: colon, prostate, lung, liver, stomach, breast, ovarian, brain, and leukemia, for example.
Promoting Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
It also inhibits angiogenesis and forces cancer cells to die (through the process of cell suicide known as apoptosis). In mice, curcumin prevents the development of several types of tumors caused by chemical carcinogens.
A primary issue in cancer is that cancer cells refuse the messages from the immune system to commit suicide — a natural function of cells referred to by the medical community as apoptosis.
Inhibiting Cancerous Tumors
Additionally, curcumin inhibits the growth of human tumors when implanted in mice.
A major factor in reducing the growth of tumors is to keep them from redirecting blood vessels to themselves.
Cancer Levels in India Where Turmeric is Consumed Broadly Versus Western Countries
Naturally, it makes sense to check cancer outcomes in the country where turmeric is consumed in the highest quantities.