Curcumin can Shrink Breast Cancer Tumors :Study

Curcumin an active ingredient in turmeric has cancer curing properties. It can shrink tumors and slow down the growth of breast cancer cells.

Researchers from the University of Louisville did a test on mice. Some mice were given high doses of curcumin in their diet while others were surgically implanted with capsules containing 200 milligrams of curcumin . These implants were replaced with new ones after four and a half months. The results showed that rats with implants had a 30 percent reduction in tumor growth. But the dietary curcumin was ineffective. The curcumin also slowed down the rapid division of cancerous cells.

 The study, published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, says that curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidants present in the compound shrink the cancerous tumors. But when consumed orally as a flavoring in food or in high doses, it gets metabolized by the stomach acids before it is broken down and its properties released.

Ramesh C Gupta, researcher at University of Louisville, Kentucky, said that the curry flavoring works by blocking the effects of hormones that feed the growth of breast cancer cells, reports the Daily Mail.

Curcumin is known for its healing properties, it is used extensively in Indian and Asian cuisine and ancient practices of medicine to treat chest pain, hemorrhage, bruises and tooth aches. It is effective in lowering cholesterol, in heart diseases and  Alzheimer's.

The American Cancer Society reported nearly 232,340 new cases and 39,620 deaths last year. The incidence rates are higher in African American women below the age of 40.