The main benefit for which black mashua is known throughout the world is its anti-cancer effects . Recently, a study from the University of Granada (UGR) has discovered that mashua can eliminate up to 50% of anti-cancer cells in cell cultures and, in addition, together with moringa and cherimoya, it could increase the effectiveness of 5 -fluorouracil, a drug widely used to treat colorectal cancer .
Another previous study carried out by researchers from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and published in the journal Phytochemistry , demonstrated that molecules isolated from Tropaeolum tuberosum collected in the province of Ingavi, in the department of La Paz (Bolivia), had anticancer activity on lung, kidney, bladder and prostate tumor cell lines, so it could be used to develop new therapies to combat cancer.
It has also been attributed anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, neuroprotective, inhibitory properties of benign prostate hyperplasia and as a cell regenerator, as in the study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology . The agronomist Tomas Manuel Flores explains in a document that mashua has the following benefits :
ANTIBIOTIC
It is effective against the bacteria Escherichia coli , Candida albicans and Staphylococcus , making it beneficial against genitourinary ailments.
TESTOSTERONE LOWER
This property meant that in pre-Inca cultures they forced the army warriors to consume them in large quantities; This way they ensured that their sexuality would be inhibited. Leaving this anecdote aside, reducing testosterone levels can protect against prostate conditions. A study that corroborates this has been published by the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
REMEDY AGAINST ALLERGIES
Mashua inhibits the release of histamine, inflammatory enzymes and leukotrienes, which is why it helps with allergies and asthma .
SKIN RENEWER
Regularly eating this tuber can promote the production of collagen which, together with the vitamin C it contains, can help in the skin regeneration process, slowing down skin aging.
ALLEVIATE THE PAIN
“Anthocyanins inhibit inflammatory metabolisms, which is why it is recommended in sports injuries, in cyclical pain in the breasts and in inflammation and pain associated with fibromyalgia ,” explains the agronomist.
GOOD AGAINST CARDIOVASCULAR PROBLEMS
Its high levels of antioxidants and vitamins C and E help protect the heart against cardiovascular diseases .
Obtained from: https://www.webconsultas.com/curiosidades/mashua-negra-propiedades-del-anticancerigeno-andino