Turmeric and Skin Cancer – Can One Spice Really Hold the Answer to Fighting Skin Cancer?
Have you ever wondered why some cultures have higher rates of skin cancer than others? Recent studies on turmeric and skin cancer may hold the answer to this question.
Scientific research has found evidence to back the claims that this spice can reduce inflammation, relieve pain and both fight and prevent cancer.
This is the spice that gives curry its unique flavor. It has long been revered in Ayurvedic and Ancient Chinese medicine for its healing properties.
Turmeric and skin cancer: finding the answer
Skin cancer is considered by some to be the most common malignancy in the country. There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Melanoma is the most serious type.
Numerous studies have found that curcumin, the main component in turmeric, is a powerful cancer fighter which also acts to prevent cancer. While researchers have identified some of the ways it works against cancer, more studies are needed to fully discover its anti-cancer properties.
Following previous studies on its application against cancers, it was a natural extension to study turmeric’s effects upon cancer of the skin.
When Texas researchers treated three different melanoma cell lines with curcumin, they found that the cancer cell survival rate was decreased. It brought on apoptosis, or cell death. In an article about the study, published in a recent issue of Cancer, the scientists noted that circumin had potent anti-proliferative in addition to pro-apoptotic effects on melanoma.
In another study published in Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, researchers reviewed studies on several botanicals, including turmeric, which had anti-cancer properties. The scientists suggested that the use of these botanicals as dietary supplements could offer protection against cancers that resulted from exposure to UV radiation. They work in synergy with sunscreen to enhance protection.
An article in Phytomedicine by Michigan scientists indicated that the curcumin’s of turmeric showed inhibiting activity against several cancers, including melanoma.
Turmeric and Skin Cancer – Can One Spice Really Hold the Answer to Fighting Skin Cancer?
French researchers found that curcumin was cytotoxic to melanoma cells when tested in vitro. When combined with a prophylactic solution, then tested in vitro, curcumin was also effective, showing a significant inhibition of growth. According to the article in an issue of the International Journal of Cancer, the immune response survival time was increased as well.
Turmeric’s effectiveness may be increased when combined with other supplements that fight cancer.
Green tea extract, resveratrol, selenium together with aloe vera are all natural supplements that can be combined with turmeric.
Scientific studies alongside clinical trials are establishing the optimal dosage for turmeric and skin cancer treatment, but experts agree that there are little to no side effects. Natural health practitioners generally recommend an intake of 400-600 mg per day of standardized 95% curcumin extract in capsules.
Natural medicine is quickly becoming the go-to source for healing diseases. Protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and supplement with turmeric and skin cancer may soon be a distant memory.
Turmeric and Skin Cancer – Can One Spice Really Hold the Answer to Fighting Skin Cancer?
