Turmeric Component Inhibits Cancer Growth

LOS ANGELES--Researchers determined that curcumin triggers cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in a dose-dependent fashion, according to a study published in the October issue of Clinical Cancer Research (11, 19:6994-7002, 2005).

Researchers found HNSCC cell lines CCL 23, CAL 27 and UM-SCC1 treated with curcumin resulted in dose-dependent growth inhibition of all three cell lines. In vivo growth studies were conducted using nude mice xenograft tumors, in which curcumin was applied as a noninvasive topical paste to the tumors. Inhibition of tumor growth was observed in xenografts from the CAL27 cell line.

Researchers concluded curcumin treatment resulted in suppression of HNSCC growth both in vitro and in vivo. "Our data support further investigation into the potential use for curcumin as an adjuvant or chemopreventive agent in head and neck cancer," the study authors wrote.