Curcumin helps prevent and fight stomach cancer, research suggests

24 Apr 2019 --- Curcumin, the yellow powder derivative of the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) that is widely used as a food colorant and flavoring, may also have therapeutic properties in helping prevent and combat stomach cancer. This is according to study of gastric cancer supported by the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the Federal University of Pará (UFPA). The findings of the research were published in the journal Epigenomics.

“Curcumin influences enzymes that modulate the acetylation of histone, which are small proteins that package DNA. Histone acetylation alters accessibility of chromatin and allows DNA binding proteins to interact with exposed sites to activate gene expression. In gastric cancer cell lines, curcumin suppressed cell proliferation and induced death of cells [a healthy biological process] by activating genes responsible to those processes,” Dr. Danielle Queiroz Calcagno, a professor at UFPA and first author of the study, tells NutritionInsight.

For centuries, turmeric has been ubiquitously known for its healing properties. In India, traditional Ayurvedic healing practices incorporate the root’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Previous studies of the curcumin extract found the compound to be potent in preventing and fighting Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, kidney disease and obesity – among more prevalent ailments like stomach problems, body aches and various skin conditions.

“Interestingly, curcumin has potential therapeutic value against Helicobacter pylori infection, a common stomach bacteria linked to gastritis, stomach ulcers and even cancer,” Dr. Calcagno further highlights.

But more research is needed before curcumin finds its place in clinical practice. “Our present study showed some limitations, mainly the fact that the anticancer potential of dietetic compounds is only proven by preclinical studies, so we can’t establish an adequate dose to prevent or help the treatment of gastric cancer,” says Dr. Calcagno.

Curcumin is a natural regulator of histone activity
The researchers undertook a vast review of the scientific literature on all nutrients and bioactive compounds with the potential to prevent or treat stomach cancer and found that curcumin is one of them.

In their study of gastric cancer, scientists at UNIFESP and UFPA analyzed histone acetylation patterns in stomach cell samples from healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with stomach cancer.

The researchers found that the cells from stomach cancer patients displayed alterations in the pattern of expression of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). These alterations are classified as epigenetic and affect the structure and integrity of the genome in many tumors, including stomach cancer.

The study revealed that the bioactive properties of curcumin regulate the activity of HATs and HDACs, which spurred the research team to identify other substances that might influence histone acetylation and hence help prevent or treat stomach cancer.

In addition to curcumin, other bioactive compounds found to play a key role in modulating histone activity were cholecalciferol, resveratrol (present mainly in grape seeds and red wine), quercetin (abundant in apples, broccoli and onions), garcinol (isolated from the bark of the kokum tree, Garcinia indica) and sodium butyrate (produced by gut bacteria via fermentation of dietary fiber).

“We now plan to clarify the anticancer and epigenetic effects of bioactive compounds derived from plants in the Amazon, such as açaí [Euterpe oleracea] and nanche or hogberry [Byrsonima crassifolia], with a view to their future use in the prevention and treatment of stomach cancer,” Calcagno says.

Applications in the nutrition and beauty spaces
Innova Market Insights notes that turmeric is already the fastest growing flavor in the food ingredients sector with over 44 percent growth in global soft drink launches (CAGR 2014-2018). And where knowledge of curcumin’s range of health properties is beginning to broaden, industries are thusly adapting with new product launches. In February 2019, the extract was listed as a nootropic ingredient in California-based Nilo Brands’ Hangover Recovery, marketed as a product that accelerates the breakdown of toxins released in the liver when drinking alcohol.

Overlaps of curcumin into personal care are beginning to emerge in the beauty market, Natalie Martinez, Head of Sales (Cosmetics) at pharmaceutical company Sabinsa, tells NutritionInsight. “Sabinsa has two curcumin ingredients that are both highlighted in cosmeceutical grades. We have done a lot of work testing to make sure that we can formulate interesting products, for both nutrition and cosmetics.”

By Benjamin Ferrer