This Article is From Jun 28, 2009

Legume liquorice can beat cancer: Study

Legume liquorice can beat cancer: Study

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London:

Liquorice, a legume that is related to beans and peas and native to Europe and parts of Asia, is known to combat inflammation. But now a new study has revealed it as the latest weapon in battle to beat cancer.

Researchers at the Cancer Research UK have found that liquorice could offer valuable protection against sunburn and skin cancer, which is becoming the most common cancer among 15- to 34-year-olds in Britain.

In fact, a team at the Institute of Chinese Medical Science in Taiwan has now discovered why. They found that the active molecule glycyrrhizin blocks AP-1, a protein that can cause inflammation and cancer, the 'Daily Mail' reported. Similar research at Hamdard University in India revealed that liquorice helped skin cells recover after being damaged by UV light.

"When we applied glycyrrhizin topically, there was an increase in enzymes that help restore cells to their optimal function after being damaged," lead researcher Sahar Rahman was quoted as saying.

The new findings mean that glycyrrhizin from liquorice could soon be used in creams designed specifically to prevent and treat skin cancer, according to the researchers.

Derived from the root of glycyrrhiza glabra, a plant from southern Europe and Asia, liquorice has been used medicinally for thousands of years.

In Chinese medicine, it's known for its ability to improve digestion, balance the liver and combat stress. In Western herbal medicine, liquorice is widely used for inflammatory illnesses, to combat stomach ulcers and treat viral infections such as hepatitis and cold sores.

But how can you use it to protect your skin from the summer sun? "I'd suggest using organic sunscreens and after-sun formulations containing liquorice or glycyrrhizin," said Sarah Palmer, medical herbalist in Bristol.

"If an area is sunburned, apply a liquorice balm. You could also take liquorice internally for an added effect, either as tea or as a supplement. But don't take liquorice regularly if you've hypertension as it raises blood pressure," she added.

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