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British scientists discovered the key to spicy foods to kill cancer cells.

Capsaicin, a component of chilli peppers, can kill cancer cells by attacking their mitochondria, the parts of cells that are responsible for generating energy. The research raises the possibility that other cancer drugs can be developed to target mitochondria. The study from the University of Nottingham was published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. " The report showed that vanilloids, the family of molecules to which capsaicin belongs, stick to proteins on cancer cell mitochondria and generates apoptosis, or cell death, without harming surrounding healthy cells. We believe that, in fact, we found the 'Achilles heel' for all major cancers Dr. Timothy Bates, University

of Nottingham Capsaicin was tested on cultures of lung cancer cells and human pancreas. Lead researcher Dr Timothy Bates said: "As these compounds attack the very heart of cancer cells, we believe, in fact, we found the 'Achilles heel' fundamental to all types of cancer." "The biochemistry of the mitochondria in cancer cells is very different from normal cells." "This is an innate selective vulnerability of cancer cells." Dr. Bates said a dose of capsaicin that could induce cancer cells to apoptosis would not have the same effect on a normal cell. Potential drugs The experiments showed that pepper extracts killed cancer cells grown in the laboratory, but have not yet been tested to see if they are safe and effective in humans Josephine Querido, Cancer Research UK The fact that capsaicin and other vanilloids are often in food shows that are safe to eat. This could make the process of making a drug containing them a much faster and cheaper. Bates said: "Capsaicin, for example, already found in treatments for muscle strain and psoriasis, which raises the question of whether an adapted topical treatment could be used to treat certain types of skin cancer." "It is also possible that patients with cancer or those at risk could be advised to develop a diet richer in spicy foods to help treat or prevent disease." But Josephine Querido, information officer at Cancer Research UK Foundation, said: "The investigation did not suggest that eating vast quantities of chilli pepper will help prevent or treat cancer." "The experiments showed that pepper extracts killed cancer cells grown in the laboratory, but have not yet been tested to see if they are safe and effective in humans." Cancer Research UK recommends reducing the risk of cancer through a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Bates added that the mitochondria in cancer cells could also be targeted by other compounds. <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> videosurveillance He said research and drug development for chemotherapy anti mitochondrial be "extremely significant" in the fight against cancer.