LEICESTER: Curry, a hot favorite in many countries, may contain hidden ingredients that could help in the fight against cancer. According to a Liz Clark, based on the latest research at University of Leicester, England, the scientists are studying cumin, a constituent of curry as a part of research to see how diet may also be involved. It is thought that cumin may be able to suppress tumors and could be effective when taken in tablet form. Professor Andy Gescher and Professor Will Steward from the Department of Oncology and the Center for Mechanisms of Human Toxicity want to develop useful drugs, which are kinder to patients than existing ones. "Our aim is to find effective, non-toxic drugs that prevent Cancer," said Professor Gescher. Cumin is not the only everyday dietary substance that research has indicated may be effective in fighting Cancer. A tea extract, which is believed to present, a promising approach towards reducing the risk of developing cancer is another of many ingredients that have been explored. "We are trying to find out how these various agents, most of them found in our diets, interfere with the development of budding cancer cells and we are exploring their activities in patients. We are keen to find out how they get in to the patients circulation, how they target cancer tissues and how long they stay in human body," added Professor Gescher. The Leicester Group takes a special approach to its research, which includes human pilot trials. This is not being followed anywhere else in the United Kingdom, and only a very few places in Europe. A marked increase in cancer research at Leicester is set to continue. Many younger scientists are working together on the projects, and an institute of Cancer studies will be set up to coordinate research (Dawn News Service). |
