Thai curry spice might combat cancer

According to a report in the Sun online (04/02/05), galangal, a ginger-like root used in Thai curries has been used traditionally as a treatment for stomach cancer, to ease dyspepsia and as a boost to the libido. Recent research by Peter Houghton, Professor of Pharmacognosy at King's College, London has confirmed its medicinal credentials after it was demonstrated that a galangal extract activated an enzyme which attacks cancer cells. Houghton and his team have discovered that galangal (Alpinia officinarum) not only has the ability to attack cancer cells, it is unusual by virtue of the fact that it can also strengthen healthy cells. When added to liver cells, cultured in vitro, galangal activated glutathione-S-transferase, one of several important enzymes involved in detoxifying and excreting carcinogens. The next step for the London team is to examine some epidemiological data to see if people who eat galangal on a daily basis are less likely to suffer from cancer than those that do not. http://www.rssl.com/OurServices/NaturalENews