Scientists from the University of Munich discovered that the substance contained in turmeric could be the basis for a more effective treatment for colon cancer. Study published magazine Cell Death and Differentiation.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. In more than half of their cases, the p53 gene, which suppresses tumor growth, is “turned off” as a result of mutations. At the same time, the production of a special miR-34 molecule stops. In a new study, researchers showed that curcumin, a natural compound found in spicy turmeric, can activate the miR-34 spare trace in cell cultures and mice.
Curcumin increased the production of so-called reactive oxygen species (ROS) in tumor cells. These ROS activated the signaling pathway leading to miR-34 production. As a result, tumor cells age prematurely and subsequently programmed cell death is activated.
In mice, curcumin inhibited the metastasis of colorectal cancer cells to the lungs. In addition, the substance made the tumor cells more sensitive to the chemotherapy drug.
Scientists believe that curcumin could form the basis of new drugs for complementary cancer therapy, but more research is needed.