A natural chemical found in red chili peppers may help treat prostate cancer, according to a recent study by scientists at the American Cancer Research Center.
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| Capsaicin found in red chili peppers can cause prostate cancer cells to self-destruct (Image: TTO) |
This chemical is called capsaicin, a compound in chili peppers that causes a burning sensation, tears, and sweating when consumed. According to researchers’ findings, it can induce self-destruction of prostate cancer cells.
This discovery is based on laboratory studies conducted on mice. Scientists found that capsaicin reduced the growth of cancer cells by up to 80% in the test subjects.
Capsaicin also aids in reducing the size of prostate tumors. In the study, mice treated with capsaicin showed a one-fifth decrease in tumor size compared to those that did not receive capsaicin treatment.
In the UK, the Prostate Cancer UK charity has also indicated that a capsaicin-based medication could be used in the future to treat prostate cancer, a disease that kills 10,000 men in the country each year.
However, experts advise against consuming excessive amounts of chili peppers, as they may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
T.VY
