According to new research in the USA, popular spices, such as, pepper and turmeric contain compounds which could help in treating breast cancer, by limiting stem cells that cause tumours from growing.

Turmeric and pepper have been widely explored as potential cancer treatments, however, the current study for the first time suggests, the two spices could also prevent cancer by targeting stem cells.

Cancer is able to recur and spread, as conventional chemotherapies are unable to eliminate cancer stem cells. However, researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Centre discovered, the delivery of curcumin found in turmeric, an Indian spice and piperine, a black peppercorn derivative, when administered to cell cultures reduced the number of stem cells, without affecting normal cells. For the study, both derivatives at the equivalent of about 20-times the potency of what would be consumed in a diet, were applied to the breast cells.

In the opinion of researchers, the elimination of cancer stem cells, including decreasing normal stem cell numbers is crucial in the fight against cancer.

Piperine was found to enhance the effects of curcumin, with both compounds stopping the self-renewal process of cancerous stem cells, proving that these compounds are not as toxic to normal breast tissue, as drugs like tamoxifen or raloxifene.

However, more research on the role of these compounds in breast cancer treatment is needed, before adding extra curcumin or piperine to our diets.

Curcumin, meanwhile has other well known health benefits in traditional Asian medicine, which uses it for treating gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, including being a powerful antioxidant.

Piperine has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to improve digestion and also in weight loss treatments, including showing the ability to substantially increase nutrient absorption in combination with other food.

The study findings have been published online in the November issue of the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.