Chemopreventive effect of turmeric against stomach and skin tumors induced by chemical carcinogens in Swiss mice

The anticarcinogenic effect of dietary turmeric on benzoapyrene-(BP) induced forestomach neoplasia and 7,12-dimethylbenzaanthracene (DMBA)-induced skin tumorigenesis in female Swiss mice was evaluated. To further elucidate the mechanism of antineoplastic action of turmeric, its effect on the hepatic cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase activities was studied in female Swiss mice. Turmeric (2% or 5%) in the diet significantly inhibited the BP-induced forestomach tumors, and this response was dose and time dependent. The 2% turmeric diet significantly suppressed DMBA-induced skin tumors in mice. The 5% turmeric diet for seven consecutive days resulted in a 38% decrease in the hepatic cytochrome b5 and cytochrome P-450 levels. Glutathione content was increased by 12%, and the glutathione S-transferase activity was enhanced by 32% in the liver. Our results document a protective effect of turmeric on BP-induced forestomach and DMBA-induced skin tumors in mice.