It contains crocins water-soluble carotenoids that may inhibit tumor growth and progression of cancer. It carries antibacterial properties and is a natural disinfectant.

Tip: Marinating with oregano can help reduce the formation of heterocyclic amines HCAs created when meat is cooked at high temperatures. Garlic helps boost the immune system to help fight diseases, as well as colds and flu. It also decreases the growth of cancer cells. Cynthia Wigutow is a registered and licensed dietitian with about two decades of experience in acute and long-term care settings.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in dietetics and nutrition from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, Texas, and her Master of Science in dietetics and nutrition from Florida International University in Miami. Cynthia currently serves as president of the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Home News and Media Six cancer-fighting herbs and spices. Cancer Fighting Herbs and Spices. September 22, Cancer protection starts with your spice rack. Oregano contains carvacrol, a molecule that may help offset the spread of cancer cells by working as a natural disinfectant.

This herb is often found in classic Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta. Though saffron comes with a hefty price tag, it contains water-soluble carotenoids called crocins. Crocins may inhibit tumor growth and progression of cancer. Because of its price, saffron is typically used in small amounts.

The spice is particularly tasty when added to rice and curries. Much like oregano, thyme also contains carvacrol. Thyme is a welcome addition to potatoes, rice dishes, vegetables, soups, and sauces.

Some studies have identified properties in lavender that may be helpful against cancer. A compound within lavender called POH showed some benefit in palliative care patients with recurrent gliomas. Lavender is becoming increasingly popular in desserts, but is also an easy and delicious addition to tea.

The National Foundation for Cancer Research supports innovative research into new and unique ways to fight cancer. One of our supported projects that is progressing quickly into drug development is led by NFCR researcher Yung-Chi Cheng, Ph. Read more here. Does Green Tea Reduce the Risk of Cancer?

Study Links Dietary Fat Consumption to Breast Cancer Survival Rate. Free Cancer Screening Guidelines. National Foundation for Cancer Research NFCR is a c 3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Tax ID : Donor Portal. Can Herbs and Spices Treat Cancer? June 10, NFCR Writer Brittany Ciupka Blog. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, which gives curry powder its yellow color.

Garlic Garlic contains a chemical called organosulfur compounds. Ginger Whether fresh or dried, ginger contains great antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Black Pepper A study conducted by scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer and published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, found pepper along with turmeric — inhibited the growth of cancerous stem cells of breast tumors.

Cayenne Pepper At the university of California, a study found capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant found in cayenne pepper, stifled the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Allspice Allspice is another spice that boasts anti-inflammatory properties. Oregano Oregano contains carvacrol, a molecule that may help offset the spread of cancer cells by working as a natural disinfectant. Saffron Though saffron comes with a hefty price tag, it contains water-soluble carotenoids called crocins.

Thyme Much like oregano, thyme also contains carvacrol.

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Explore the interesting world of science with articles, videos and more. ChemLuminary Awards Recognizing ACS local sections, divisions and other volunteers for their work in promoting chemistry. Now researchers are finding clues that help explain how the substance works.

Their conclusions suggest that one day it could come in a new, therapeutic form. About 10 years ago, researchers reported that capsaicin can kill prostate cancer cells in mice while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

But translating that dose to humans would require them to eat a huge number of chili peppers per day. Figuring out how capsaicin works could help researchers transform it into an effective drug in the form of an injection or pill.

The scientists were able to detect how the compound interacts with cell membranes by monitoring its natural fluorescence. The study showed that capsaicin lodges in the membranes near the surface. Add enough of it, and the capsaicin essentially causes the membranes to come apart.

With additional research, this insight could help lead to novel tools against cancer or other conditions. We use cookies to remember users, better understand ways to serve them, improve our value proposition, and optimize their experience.

Learn more about managing your cookies at Cookies Policy. org US and Canada outside North America. Habañeras are the highest rated pepper for capsaicin content according to the Scoville heat index.

Habañero peppers, which are native to the Yucatan, typically contain up to , Scoville units. The more popular Jalapeño variety from Oaxaca, Mexico, and the southwest United States, contains 2, to 5, Scoville units. As described in their study, the scientists observed that capsaicin inhibited the activity of NF-, a molecular mechanism that participates in the pathways leading to apoptosis in many cell types.

Apoptosis is a normal cellular event in many tissues that maintains a balance between newer replacement cells and aged or worn cells. In contrast, cancer cells seek to be immortal and often dodge apoptosis by mutating or deregulating the genes that participate in programmed cell death.

The pepper extract also curbed the growth of prostate cancer cells through regulation of androgen receptors, the steroid activated proteins that control expression of specific growth relating genes.

In prostate cancer cells whose growth is dependent on testosterone, the predominant male sex steroid, capsaicin reduced cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Prostate cancer cells that are androgen independent reacted to capsaicin in a similar manner. Capsaicin reduced the amount of androgen receptor that the tumor cells produced, but did not interfere with normal movement of androgen receptor into the nucleus of the cancer cells where the steroid receptor acts to regulate androgen target genes such as prostate specific antigen PSA.

Capsaicin also interfered with the action of androgen receptors even in cells that were modified to produce excess numbers of androgen receptors. The hot pepper component also reduced cancer cell production of PSA, a protein that often is produced in high quantities by prostate tumors and can signal the presence of prostate cancer in men.