In a new study, researchers found that turmeric may help prevent or combat stomach cancer.
This is because the yellow powder derived from the turmeric plant, curcumin, has anti-tumor properties.
The finding may help develop new prevention and treatment strategies for stomach cancer.
The research was conducted by researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA).
Stomach cancer is a malignant tumor found in the tissues of the stomach.
The risk factors of cancer include smoking and a diet of highly processed or salty foods.
At the early stage of cancer, there may be no clear symptoms.
The later symptoms may include feeling bloated after eating, feeling full after eating small amounts of food, nausea, heartburn or indigestion.
Previous research has shown that natural compounds might help prevent or combat stomach cancer.
In the study, the team examined stomach cell samples from healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with stomach cancer.
They found that curcumin from turmeric played a key role in inhibiting tumor growth.
In addition to curcumin, other natural compounds could play a similar role.
This includes compounds in grape seeds and red wine, compounds in apples, broccoli and onions, compounds from the bark of the kokum tree, Garcinia indica), and compounds produced via fermentation of dietary fiber.
The team hopes that their findings may help develop new treatment and prevention methods for people with stomach cancer or those at a high risk of cancer.
The lead author of the study is Danielle Queiroz Calcagno, a professor at UFPA.
The study is published in the journal Epigenomics.
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