British scientists have found that people suffering from cancer may get relief by using hot spices. Especially noticeable is the effect of turmeric, an important ingredient of the popular Indian curry, as it reduces the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy. As explained by one of the leading authors of research at the University of Leicester, Professor Karen Brown, cancer treatment is often not successful, because small pockets of cells are left after the procedures, and they again get spread, and the disease reappears.
These cells, according to scientists, are distinguished especially by their high resistance to chemotherapy. Despite the impact of drugs, the chemo resistant cells remain within the depths of healthy cells. During the experiment for improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, the scientists used curcumin – an extract of turmeric root. It was found that this substance contributes significantly to the effectiveness of chemotherapy, and also reduces the number of so-called chemo-resistant cells.
This allows us to achieve good results in preventing the return of the disease. Currently, as noted by Dr. Brown, the researchers are working to determine the mechanisms by which curcumin acts on cancer cells. In addition, the scientists plan to carefully review whether the spice extracts act equally and effectively on all the patients, or for that matter there are any contributing factors or, conversely, contraindications.
