Turmeric (curcuma or kunyit) Help Prevent Liver Cancer

The new study found that of turmeric,(Curcuma or kunyit) a spice commonly used to add flavor and color foods, can provide a significant chemopreventive effect against liver cancer.

When turmeric was given to rats with diethylnitrosamine (DEN), which causes liver cancer, there was inhibition of cell proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver cancer, is a kind of fifth most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in the world.

Several studies have shown that turmeric contains antioxidants, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. The research team administered turmeric to the experimental animals with 75mg/kg dose, 150 mg / kg, and 300 mg / kg per day for two weeks after DEN injection and continued for 22 weeks.

The results showed turmeric significantly reduce the number and incidence of swelling of the liver. In animals receiving the highest dose significantly inhibiting swelling of the liver.

"Our findings suggest a protective effect of turmeric that gives anti-cancer by promoting cell death (apoptosis), inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, and prevent inflammation.