An indian spice commonly used in soups and curries have been found kill certain cancer cells.  In the research, the scientists found that when oesophageal cancer cells were treated with curcumin – a chemical found in turmeric – it started to kill cancer cells within 24 hrs.   The cells began to digest themselves.

The findings were published in British Journal of Cancer.  Many cancer experts believe that the finding could help doctors find new treatment for cancer.

ANI reports:

Dr Sharon McKenna said: “Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value.”

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.

“Rates of oesophageal cancer rates have gone up by more than a half since the 70s and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease so finding ways to prevent this disease is important”

THT has pointed out several times that in the quest for healthcare transformation, we must utilize all possible avenues.  Given the treatment of cancer is very violent to the health and the side effects are devastating, it becomes even more important to tap into these natural resources.

They are cheap, effective, no side effects, and may be not as strong need for FDA approval either.