Turmeric is the bright yellow coloured herb, often referred as ‘Queen of spices’. It has many therapeutic benefits that help our body.  Apart from its anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties, recently the researchers have discovered the anti cancer and anti-viral properties that are useful in treating the oral and cervical cancers caused by HPV. 

According to the study of Alok Mishra of the Emory University, Atlanta, U.S, stated that “Turmeric has established antiviral and anti-cancer properties”. Dr Mishra’s research group first noted the effect of curcumin on HPV and cervical cancer cells in 2005. The antioxidant slowed the expression of HPV, suggesting that curcumin could control the extent of HPV infection.

“Since HPV-related oral cancer cases are on the rise, we tested the same hypothesis on oral cancer,” Dr Mishra says. “They turned out to be some very interesting findings” he added. 

The new research indicates that curcumin turns down the expression of HPV in infected oral cancer cells by downregulating the levels of cellular transcription factors AP-1 and NF-kB.

The research has been published in the journal ecancermedicalscience. As turmeric has many health benefits more than just a spice, experts suggest its intake daily. 

By Lizitha