TLDR Certain spices may help prevent and treat skin cancer, but more human trials are needed.
The 2018 document reviews the potential of nutraceuticals, particularly those derived from spices, in the treatment and prevention of skin cancer. It highlights the therapeutic properties of curcumin from turmeric, ginger, garlic, cloves, rosemary, saffron, and capsaicin, noting their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitumorigenic, and antioxidative effects. The document cites studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these compounds in inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, with some also showing promise in dermatological applications such as alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. However, it emphasizes the need for more clinical trials to validate the findings from cell and animal models. The document also acknowledges the historical use of these spices in traditional medicine and the support of NIH grant number R21CA164218 for the work.
10 citations,
April 2015 in “PubMed” Rosemary oil and minoxidil 2% both effectively increase hair count in people with androgenetic alopecia, but rosemary oil causes less scalp itching.
61 citations,
January 2007 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology” Garlic gel with betamethasone cream significantly improves hair regrowth in alopecia areata.
122 citations,
November 1998 in “Archives of Dermatology” Aromatherapy with certain essential oils is a safe and effective treatment for hair growth in alopecia areata patients.
16 citations,
September 2018 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” Plant-based remedies may treat hair loss by reducing inflammation and improving insulin resistance.
9 citations,
March 2011 in “Oxidative stress and disease” Some herbal treatments are effective for skin disorders, but more research and regulation are needed.
1 citations,
December 2023 in “Annals of Phytomedicine An International Journal” Nanoemulgel improves delivery and effectiveness of plant-based drugs for various conditions.
1 citations,
January 2017 in “Social Science Research Network” The document suggests creating a secure database for indigenous knowledge and recommends that the TKDL actively fight patents that slightly alter traditional knowledge.
December 2021 in “International journal of minor fruits, medicinal and aromatic plants” The document concludes that in Sri Lanka, 25 common plants are traditionally used as home remedies for various health issues due to their medicinal properties.
