Pet Cancer and the Proven Benefits of Green Tea, Rosemary and Tumeric

The pet food company Royal Canin researched the effects of green tea, turmeric, rosemary, pomegranate, and black pepper on cancer cells and found three of these natural ingredients stopped cancer cell growth:

• green tea,
• turmeric,
• rosemary.

Royal Canin is considering using natural additives in commercial pet food that it markets for pets with cancer.

Research Findings

This research was done with three types of cancer cells (round, epithelial, and mesenchymal cells) in the laboratory (in vitro research). Researchers combined each of the natural ingredients with the various types of cancer cells to determine whether the natural ingredient slowed the cancer cells’ growth or killed the cancer cells. Results of the study showed the following:

• Green tea, rosemary, and turmeric killed cancer cells.
• Combinations of turmeric and rosemary blocked cancer cell growth.
• Turmeric was most effective cancer cell killer.
• Pomegranate and black pepper did not affect cancer cell growth when used at physiologic doses that can be achieved in pet food.

What types of pet cancer develop from round, epithelial, and mesenchymal cancer cells?
Round cells develop cancers such as mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, plamacytomas, transmissible venereal tumors, and cutaneous lymphoma.

Epithelial cells develop cancers called carcinomas: adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma. Carcinomas begin in glands of the skin, skin cells themselves, or in cells that line the internal organs. Carcinomas are the most common form of cancer.

Mesenchymal cells develop cancers called sarcomas or leukemias: Sarcomas can begin in bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle—these are called connective tissue cancers. Connective tissue cancers include osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma. Mesenchymal cell cancers also include the cancers that originate in blood vessels or bone marrow. These cancers can affect any type of red or white blood cell, or plasma cells in the marrow, the blood or the lymph: lymphoma, myeloma, plasma cell tumors.

How common is cancer in dogs?

Between 30% and 50% of senior dogs develop cancer. In fact, cancer is the most common cause of death in senior dogs.

Which cancers are most common in dogs?

The most common canine cancers are mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, melanoma, and osteosarcoma.

Which dog breeds are most inclined to develop cancer?

There are genetic predispositions to develop cancer in several breeds: Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat Coated Retrievers, West Highland White, Gordon Setter, Standard and Miniature Schnauzer, Standard Poodle, Doberman Pincher, Rottweiler, Bouvier des Flanders, Great Dane, and Labrador Retriever.

There are also dog breeds that rarely develop cancer. For example, Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Airedale, Collie, Dachshund, Papillion, Pekingese, and Miniature Pinscher develop cancer less frequently than would be expected.

Which cancers are most common in cats?

Although feline cancer is half as common as canine cancer, feline cancers tend to be more aggressive and more rapidly fatal than are canine cancers.

The most common feline cancers are lymphoma, leukemia, squamous cell carcinoma, and soft tissue sarcoma, including vaccine–induced sarcoma.

Among the cat breeds more likely to develop cancer are Siamese and Oriental breeds.

What can we do now?

We know that if pet food companies are researching addition of natural food extracts and finding them helpful in controlling the growth of cancer, it won’t be long before these extracts appear in commercial foods. But, why wait. Consider adding a pinch of green tea, rosemary or turmeric to your pet’s homemade diet now. Go slowly, especially with cats, and help your pet remain cancer free.

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