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- Will the ingredient cinnamon help prevent colon cancer?
Cinnamaldehyde, the chemical compound that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and smell, prevents colon cancer in mice.
By adding cinnamaldehyde to the food of mice, scientists found that it acted as a powerful inhibitor of disease progression. The aldehyde helped the mice defend themselves against colon cancer. The research was conducted by Georg Wondrak and Donna Zhang of the University of Arizona.
Defense mechanism
Wondrak and Zhang observed that in response to cinnamaldehyde (responsible for
the cinnamon scent ), mouse cells acquired the ability to defend themselves against exposure to the carcinogen. The aldehyde supported the body's elimination of toxins and accelerated regeneration.
A significant discovery
"This is a significant finding ," says Dr. Zhang, who, along with Wondrak, is a member of the UA Cancer Center.
Because colon cancer is aggressive and has a poor prognosis, there is an urgent need to develop more effective strategies against this disease .
Cinnamaldehyde versus cinnamon
The next step for scientists is to test whether cinnamon, unlike cinnamaldehyde, prevents cancer in a similar way. From there, they're close to human trials. Additionally, Wondrak wonders if cinnamon or cinnamaldehyde could be used as a weapon against diseases like diabetes.
Cinnamon, the third most widely consumed spice in the world, is still relatively unexplored in terms of its potential health benefits. It is generally considered safe. If scientists can establish cinnamon's positive effects, they could seize this opportunity to potentially improve the health of people around the globe.
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