Researchers from the U. of Chile presented to foreign correspondents scientific advance which prevents the recurrence and metastasis of the cancer

Completely inhibit the recurrence and metastasis of cancer by Curcumin, one of the active ingredients of turmeric. That was the great achievement of Chilean researchers of the Centre for advanced chronic diseases (ACCDiS ), who presented their progress at the national and international press at a conference organized by image of Chile.

According to national and international reporters they reported overnight on Wednesday December 12 scientists from the University of Chile, Felipe Oyarzun and Marcelo Kogan - both of the Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas-, one of the most difficult challenges in this work was to find ways to convey the Curcumin to generate the expected biological effects. The solution?: "nanotechnology to solve problems as cancer", as explained by Professor Kogan.

"If the formulation is not solubilizes or not disperse it has no chance of generating a biological effect", complemented Felipe Oyarzún, who concerned about how it could generate a nanoemulsion based on Curcumin - i.e., a mixture of fatty substances and water, similar to milk- which reached its objective in 100 percent of animals treated with just a dose, While that 70 per cent of those who did not receive it again have manifestations of cancer.

"A very small dose of our formulation completely prevented the recurrence of the tumor and metastasis generation", explained Professor Oyarzún, who also stressed that this molecule "has an incredible potential: is cheap, is safe, available for all".

"One of the most important advantages of this formula is that it allows to take advantage of its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, which does not get properly through the simple consumption of turmeric due to its insolubility in water, malabsorption and instability", said the doctor Felipe Oyarzún.

Since this formulation can be transformed into powder and, After mixing with water, return to self-administer, It is simple to transport it to faraway places and at a low cost. In addition, dehydrated it possesses a greater preservation time.

Currently the team has chosen two patents, three international scientific publications and promptly, the formulation may be consumed by people from the development of a beverage that will include it. This, as a way of bringing the benefits of the nanovehicles created by researchers.

For Constanza Cea, Executive Director of Chile's image, These developments are crucial for the country's image, "allowing you to continue to position us as a country that contributes to the search for solutions to global challenges. This is possible thanks to the value of our people and the talent of so many professionals, "working with high levels of quality and ensuring always innovate".

The work of ACCDiS is part of the work of scientists of the University of Chile and the Catholic University of Chile, that you study chronic diseases most prevalent in Chile and abroad, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.