INTRODUCTION:
Prostrate cancer develops in the prostrate, a gland in the male reproductive system which accumulates zinc and produces citrate. It surrounds the urethra and is associated with urinary dysfunction. A single mutation in the DNA of a prostrate cell leads to the abnormal growth of the cell, which ultimately leads to cancer. Nearly 5-10% of prostrate cancer occurs due to the heritable DNA mutations. Obesity and increase in the level of androgen promotes the prostrate cell growth effectively. It is the second deadliest disease after lung cancer. Nearly 10,000 men die every year due to the ailment. Treatment includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy which provide a number of side effects.
PROPERTIES OF OREGANO- A HERB:
Herbs and spices are known for their antibacterial,anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous properties which ignites the idea of using them in the treatment of various types of cancers. Oregano(Origanum vulgare) is an important culinary herb used as a food additive for its flavourful leaves. The chemical compounds such as carvacrol, thymol, limonene, pinene, ocimene, and caryophyllene contributes to the flavour. Among these compounds, carvacrol plays an important role in cancer treatment. Oregano is rich in vitamin K and fibre.
IMPORTANCE OF CARVACROL:
Carvacrol, a phenol with antibacterial properties is present in the oregano oil. It gives a pleasant taste and odour and hence prevents bacterial contamination. It induces apoptosis of cancer cells. The main mechanism of how the carvacrol compound kills the cancer cells is still unknown.
TRADITIONAL PRACTICES OF THE HERB:
Though oregano is a culinary herb, its medicinal properties were recognized and utilized by Hippocrates in the early centuries for stomach and respiratory ailments. It serves as a cure for sore throat in Greece even today. It is used as a cure for respiratory ailments and nervous disorders in the Austrian traditional medicine.
AN INTERESTING FACT:
Inappropriate diet increases the risk of prostrate cancer but researchers have confirmed that the people who consume pizzas are less likely to get prostrate cancer. Results show that mediterranean food serves as a healthy diet for people with prostrate cancer.
CONCLUSION:
It is estimated that nearly 10,000 people die every year due to prostrate cancer in The United Kingdom and it increases year by year. The current research of Dr. Supriya Bhavadekar, a leading researcher in the field of Cancer in United States may provide an alternative for the treatment of prostrate cancer by the introduction of oregano based drugs in the future.