A combination of curcumin (a compound found in the curry spice turmeric) and piperine (a substances derived from black peppers) could help protect against breast cancer by targeting stem cells, according to a recent study.
In lab experiments, scientists discovered that applying curcumin and piperine to breast cells helped decrease the number of stem cells (which are known to promote tumor growth) while having no effect on normal cells. By limiting the number of stem cells, the study's authors suggest, it may be possible to inhibit tumor growth.
In past research on animals, curcumin has been found to help reduce risk of progestin-accelerated breast cancer (a type of breast cancer thought to be particularly common among women receiving a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy).
Other studies indicate that curcumin may help lower risk of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cataracts, and skin cancer.
