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Page 105
| cal companies to seek anti-inflammatory drugs that can modulate prostaglandins and fatty acids, actions already available to us in many herbs and natural enzymes. |
| Two types of enzymes, cyclooxygenase enzymes 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2), are involved in the functions of cartilage cells and joint-lining cells. COX-1 is necessary for a healthy gastrointestinal tract and good kidney function, while COX-2 is induced by tissue injury and leads to inflammation and pain. It is found in tumor tissue and its overexpression increases cancer invasiveness and resistance to cell death. Many drug companies are trying to develop COX-2 inhibitors as a new line of cancer-fighting drugs, particularly for colon cancer. Bromelain and quercetin, along with herbs like turmeric, horse chestnut, and licorice, act as powerful nontoxic anti-inflammatory agents, especially when taken together. 10 |
| Turmeric (Curcumin) |
| Curcumin as well as other curcuminoids present in turmeric have been extensively researched recently and are thought to be responsible for this plant's liver-protective and antioxidant properties. Turmeric, the main spice in curry blends, works against environmental mutagens and inhibits the mutagenicity of cigarette smoke. Turmeric has been shown to be a much stronger cell-protective agent (antioxidant) than vitamin C, and has protected against DNA damage induced by lipid peroxidation by 85 percent, compared to beta-carotene at 50 percent and vitamin E at 57 percent. |
| The antitumor effect of curcumin results from a combination of mechanisms. Curcumin reduces the induction of ornithine decarboxylase activity, reduces polyamine synthesis, and blocks oxygen free radicals. Turmeric also inhibits cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and the production of arachidonic acid, which are all proflammatory, tumor-promoting, and have inhibitory effects on the immune system. Curcumin also enhances the production of several important cancer-fighting cells. |
| Turmeric has a long history of use in the treatment of cancer. In recent studies, turmeric extract has been demonstrated to be cytotoxic to both human chronic myeloid leukemia cells and Dalton's lymphoma cells. Curcumol and curdione isolated from the volatile oil of turmeric have shown an inhibitory effect on sarcoma 180 in mice. Turmeric is used in China to treat early-stage |
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