Turmeric with Resveratrol work together to decrease the lung cancer causing effects of tobacco smoke/ auto exhaust toxin

     Benzo (a) pyrene (BP) is a cancer causing chemical found in cigarette smoke and vehicle exhaust. It is also released when burning coal or wood in a fireplace. 
In this new study mice were segregated into five groups which included normal control, BP-treated mice, BP treated mice that were given Turmeric, BP treated mice that were given Resveratrol and BP treated mice that were given Turmeric along with Resveratrol. Mice treated with BP only had a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and antioxidant enzymes such as reduced glutathione (GSH) and SOD were found to be significantly decreased following BP treatment. BP treatment also absolutely lead to signs of Carcinogenesis (the creation of cancer, the process by which normal cells are transformed into cancer cells).
     Administration of Turmeric to BP-treated mice decreased the levels of LPO significantly. Further, giving Resveratrol to BP-treated mice significantly elevated the activities of SOD. Combined administration of both Turmeric and Resveratrol lead to significant improvement in the level of LPO and an increase in the level of GSH as well as an increase in the activities of SOD. Individual treatments with either Resveratrol or Turmeric in BP-treated mice showed appreciable improvement in the damage leading to lung cancer. However, combined treatment with the two nutrients resulted in a noticeable improvement in the lung cells health with a greater decrease in lung cell damage. The research was performed by Scientists at the Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, India and it is published online ahead of print in the December 29th, 2009 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research.

Additional Information:

What is BP?

Benzo (a) pyrene (BP) is a member of a class of compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which generally occur as complex mixtures and not as single compounds. PAHs are primarily by-products of incomplete combustion. These combustion sources are numerous, including natural sources such as wildfires, industrial processes, transportation, energy production and use, food preparation, smoking tobacco, and disposal activities such a as open trash burning.

Why Are We Concerned About BP

BP along with other PAHs is suspected of causing cancer in humans. It is bioaccumulative, does not break down easily in our environment, and is subject to long range air transport.

What Harmful Effects Can BP Have On Us?

• Likely causes cancer in humans
• Causes skin disorders in humans and animals
• Causes harmful developmental and reproductive effects

How Are We Exposed To BP?

• In the home by breathing air contaminated by smoke from fireplaces, wood stoves, furnaces burning coal or oil and from food preparation.
• Eating meats and fish that have been smoked or charbroiled
• Smoking tobacco products
• Inhaling vehicle exhaust
• Inhaling fumes from working with coal tar and asphalt, working near charbroiling and high temperature frying equipment, working in coal coking operations and other industrial operations such as asphalt and aluminum production.