How Turmeric Can Help Treat Oral Cancer

 In recent years, there have been numerous studies conducted to measure the impact of natural products on our health. Now, we’ve recently discovered that the yellow spice turmeric could be beneficial in treating some forms of oral cancer. Our latest blog will go into further detail on the benefits turmeric provides and how you can begin to integrate the product within your daily health care regimen.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a leading factor behind the development of oral cancer. While researchers are studying potential cures for oral cancer and for HPV, they’ve found that the spice turmeric offers “established anti-viral and anti-cancer properties”. Researchers originally noted the impacted that turmeric can have on HPV and cervical cancers in 2005. Then, medical teams found that turmeric can help slow the expression of HPV and could control the HPV infection. The new findings further highlight the benefits that turmeric can have on our oral health.

The studies showed that turmeric can turn down the expression of HPV in infected oral cancer cells by down-regulating the AP-1 and NF-kB cellular transcription factors. These findings could indicate that turmeric can have a therapeutic role in oral cancer control as medical teams seek to minimize the extent of the danger oral cancer causes and control its spread across the body.

Turmeric for Daily Oral Health

In addition to its cancer-fighting properties, turmeric can also impact day-to-day oral health, research from the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology has shown. A study completed in 2014 found that rinsing the mouth daily with a solution containing 0.1% turmeric extract was more beneficial in terms of treating gingivitis than traditional mouthwash products. The study also showed that turmeric contained anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties.

These studies continue to show that turmeric supplements, commonly available at most health food stores, can have a significant impact on oral health. It’s an area of rich promise for the dental health field and one that could be crucial to ensuring your optimal dental health in future! To learn more on this exciting development, speak with our trusted clinic team today!