Turmeric and Ginger For the Prevention of Cancer

Kurkumin is one of the product compounds from plant secondary metabolites of turmeric and ginger. Traditionally, kurkumin been used in medicine in Asia, including Indonesia, to treat wounds, eliminate pain and arthritis. Now experts are finding that could also kurkumin treat cancer.

Ginger plants in Indonesia only. These plants are found in Java, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara, and South Moluccas. Because of the large potential as future drugs, experts are now focusing on native plants of Indonesia.

There are a lot of data and literature that indicates that turmeric and ginger great potential as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-immunodeficiency, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidants, antikarsinogenik, and anti-infection.

According to Timothy Moynihan, MD, consultant medical oncologist from the Mayo Clinic, the anti-oxidant content on kurkumin able to reduce inflammation and swelling. "Kurkumin much studied as a cure for cancer because of inflammation or inflammation are common in cancer patients," he said.

Research shows, the antioxidant turmeric can protect the fat, hemoglobin, and DNA from free radical attack. Anticancer substances found in turmeric also has tosisitas that can selectively destroy cancer cells without damaging normal tissue so as to minimize side effects.

Laboratory studies and animal experiments show, kurkumin to slow the spread of cancer and tumor cell growth in blood vessels. "This causes cancer cells to die," Moynihan added. Various research in the laboratory showed, kurkumin effective to prevent colon cancer, prostate, and breast cancer.

However, according to Moynihan, the current study was conducted at an early stage so that the experts do not recommend this herbal medicine in the treatment or prevention of cancer. Until now research is still conducted kurkumin experts.