Study: Component of Pizza Seasoning Herb Oregano Kills Prostate Cancer Cells Oregano, the fragrant seasoning herb commonly used on pizza and pasta is well-recognized for a
variety of beneficial health effects; Now, a new study by researchers at Long Island University (LIU) indicates that an ingredient of this spice could potentially be used to treat prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland and usually occurs in older men. Recent data shows that about 1 in 36 men will die of prostate cancer.
Estimated new cases and deaths from this disease condition in the US in 2012 alone are 241,740 cases and 28,170 premature deaths. Current treatment options for patients include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immune therapy. Unfortunately, these are usually associated with considerable complications and severe side effects.
Dr. Supriya Bavadekar, PhD, RPh, Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at LIU's Arnold andMarie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is currently testing Carvacrol, the naturally-occuring constituent of oregano, on prostate cancer cells.
The results of her study demonstrate that the compound induces apoptosis in these cells. Apoptosis, Dr. Bavadekar explains, is programmed cell death, or simply "cell suicide."
Dr. Bavadekar and her research team are presently trying to determine the signaling pathways that the compound utilizes to bring about cancer cell suicide.
"We know that oregano possesses anti-bacterial as well as anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on cancer cells really elevate the spice to the level of a super-spice like turmeric," said Dr. Bavadekar. The study is at its preliminary stage and she believes that the initial data indicates a huge potential in terms of Carvacrol's use as an anti-cancer agent.
Oregano is commonly used in food, thus has an advantage of maintaining a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA in the United States. Unlike many pharmaceutical preparations, there is a decreased risk of
severe toxic effects."
"Some researchers have previously shown that eating pizza may cut down cancer risk, mainly attributed to its Lycopene content. Lycopene is the nutritive antioxidant found in tomato sauce, but we now feel that even the oregano seasoning may play a role," stated Dr. Bavadekar. "If the study continues to yield positive results, this super-spice may represent a very promising therapy for patients with prostate cancer."
The results of the study were presented at the Experimental Biology 2012 session on April 24th.
Story Source:Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) (April 24, 2012)"Component of pizza seasoning herb oregano kills prostate cancer cells"
This article is for informational and educational purposes only; It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional.
