Turmeric can Stop Cancer Cell Growth

New drug delivery system developed with the help of curcumin, the main ingredient in the turmeric spice can prevent bone cancer cells from spreading and promotes the growth of healthy bone cells.

Curcumin, the active constituent of the turmeric spice can successfully inhibit bone cancer cells while promoting the growth of healthy bone cells, reveals a new study. The findings of the study are published in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces.

The work could lead to better post-operative treatments for people with osteosarcoma, the second most prevalent cause of cancer death in children.

Turmeric - The Miracle Medicinal Spice
Turmeric spice is known for its medicinal value. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin. Curcumin possesses antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits.

‘Turmeric which has been used in cooking and as medicine for centuries in Asian countries has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and bone-building capabilities due to its active ingredient, curcumin.’
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The researchers, including Susmita Bose, Herman and Brita Lindholm Endowed Chair Professor in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, and graduate student Naboneeta Sarkar, report on their work in the journal.

Young patients with bone cancer are often treated with high doses of chemotherapy before and after surgery, many of which have harmful side effects. Researchers would like to develop gentler treatment options, especially after surgery when patients are trying to recover from bone damage at the same time that they are taking harsh drugs to suppress tumor growth.

Turmeric has been used in cooking and as medicine for centuries in Asian countries, and its active ingredient, curcumin has been shown to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and bone-building capabilities. It has also been shown to prevent various forms of cancers.

Why You Should Start Drinking Turmeric (Golden) Milk Right Away
Turmeric is an age-old herb which has medicinal properties. Turmeric added to milk offers a wide range of benefits.

"I want people to know the beneficial effects of these natural compounds," said Bose. "Natural biomolecules derived from these plant-based products are inexpensive and a safer alternative to synthetic drugs."

However, when taken orally as medicine, the compound can't be absorbed well in the body. It is metabolized and eliminated too quickly.

New Hope of Treating Cancer With Curcumin
Curcumin, one of the main ingredients of turmeric, has shown remarkable abilities to stop the division and spread of cancerous cells when used in different drug delivery systems.

In their study, the researchers used 3D printing to build support scaffolds out of calcium phosphate. While most implants are currently made of metal, such as ceramic scaffolds, which are more like real bone, could someday be used as a graft material after bone cancer surgery. The researchers incorporated curcumin, encapsulated in a vesicle of fat molecules into the scaffolds, allowing for the gradual release of the chemical.

The researchers found that their system inhibited the growth of osteosarcoma cells by 96 percent after 11 days as compared to untreated samples. The system also promoted healthy bone cell growth.

Turmeric Compound Impairs Cancer Cells in Mice
Curcumin, a natural chemical compound found in the spice turmeric can lead to inhibition of DYRK2 that impairs cell proliferation and reduces the cancer burden.

"This study introduces a new era of integration - where modern 3d printing technology is coupled with the safe and effective use of alternative medicine, which may provide a better tool for bone tissue engineering," said Bose.

Source-Eurekalert