Turmeric is one of the herbs originated from India. Besides being used as a spice, turmeric is also often used as an ingredient of traditional medicine. The herb is known to contain chemical compounds, such as curcumin and essential oils, which can help treat various diseases.

As an antioxidant, curcumin can help protect the body from free radicals. Also, it turns out that turmeric has the potential to reduce the risk of cancer. Some studies show that turmeric can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the body. Those studies are further reinforced by the results of a literature review published in the Nutrients journal recently.

In the review, it was stated that curcumin in turmeric can affect various types of molecules that play a role in cancer cell growth, including transcription (which is related to DNA replication), growth, cytokines (cell signaling), to controlling cell death. Curcumin is found as a very promising anti-cancer drug, whether consumed alone or combined with other drugs.

Unfortunately, there are several things that need to be considered.  Turmeric can be directly processed by the body into metabolites if consumed directly, whichmay prevent curcumin to reach the location of the cancerous cells. One study found that using nanoparticle protein to protect curcumin may be an effective solution.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Giordano, A., and Tommonaro, G. (2019). Review: Curcumin and Cancer. Nutrients, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102376.
• Medical News Today - Does turmeric have anticancer properties? (2020). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327455.php#1, 22 January 2020.