Saffron has chemopreventive effect against liver cancer
Saffron has a significant chemopreventive effect against liver cancer, Medical News Today writes referring to Hepatology journal. The study reveals that when rats with diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer were given saffron, it inhibited cell proliferation and stimulated apoptosis.
As the fifth most common cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide. The major risk factor for contracting HCC, according to medical evidence, is chronic infection with hepatitis B and C. Other risk factors include iron overload, fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse and exposure to environmental carcinogens (DEN) that is found in tobacco-smoke, cosmetics, gasoline, and processed foods including milk and meat products.