Cancer of the colon is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the USA and there are few preventive strategies available to help fight this scourge. Some reports suggest that a diet high in animal fats and proteins increases the risk for colorectal cancer; but recent evidence has refuted that theory. Other studies have shown that bioactive compounds found in plant foods such as spices may help to counter this disease. Licorice is the latest spice to be studied in this context.

Preventive drugs

One group of compounds that have shown to help prevent colorectal cancer are the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen and the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors such as Celebrex and Vioxx. The only problem with these drugs is that they have frequent and severe side effects such as intestinal ulceration and cardiac toxicity. Licorice ON the other hand has been found to aid in the healing of ulcers by inhibiting the ulcer-causing Helicobacter bacteria.

Research

Writing in the Journal of Clinical Investigation the Vanderbilt researchers describe how glycyrrhizic acid, found in licorice and helps to prevent the formation of colon tumours by inhibiting the enzyme 11? - hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11? HSD2).

One of the principal pathological processes underlying cancer is inflammation; and it is the presence of too much 11? HSD2 in the colon that aggravates the inflammatory component of colorectal cancer. The anti-inflammatory drugs mentioned previously work by blocking the inflammatory process generated by the 11? HSD2 enzyme. Glycyrrhizic acid however works by blocking the 11? HSD2 enzyme itself; thereby preventing the formation of the inflammatory compounds themselves.

Other properties of Licorice

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a spice that has been used as both a food flavourant and a traditional medicine for thousands of years. Glycerhizin, the compound that gives licorice its sweet flavour and is a potent anti-viral agent. It is both active against HIV and protects the immune systems of those infected with the virus.

If taken to excess for long periods of time licorice may have side effects such as fluid retention and electrolyte imbalance. However these are minor when compared to those caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Moreover it is unnecessary to eat large quantities of licorice in order to ward OFF colorectal cancer. Rather take small quantities regularly with other cancer fighting spices (such as coriander, fenugreek and garlic and mustard). Eat these with a diet rich in a variety of fruit and vegetables and you will protect your colon with foods that contain a wide range of cancer fighting phytonutrients.