The scientists tested whether tumeric in the diet could decrease the growth of tumors in Swiss mice. They looked at two types of tumors intentionally produced by cancer causing chemicals benzo[a]pyrene-(BP) and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). BP caused cancer in the stomach. DMBA caused skin cancer. Turmeric (2% or 5%) in the diet significantly reduced the growth of the stomach tumors caused by BP. The reduced tumor growth was more for the higher dose and for longer periods of treatment. A diet of 2% turmeric diet significantly stopped skin tumors caused DMBA. Then the scientist looked at how tumeric produced its anticancer effect. In female Swiss mice they tested turmeric’s effect on established cancer pathways. These included the hepatic cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase. The 5% turmeric diet for seven days in a row decreased the hepatic cytochrome b5 and cytochrome P-450 levels by 38%. Glutathione content was increased by 12%. Glutathione S-transferase activity was increased by 32% in the liver. These results document a protective effect of turmeric on stomach cancer caused by BP and skin tumors caused by DMBA in mice.
Chemopreventive effect of turmeric against stomach…[Nutr Cancer. 1992]