Cancer particularly of the stomach, colon and liver is listed among the top 20 causes of mortality around the world. With a lot of research into newer and newer drugs to tackle it, science has bought to the forefront the role of naturally-occurring compounds from plants and more recently from animals in aborting the progression of cancer. 
One such compound which has caught the attention of members of scientific community is conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Typically CLA is a fatty acid and has been shown to be similar to a fatty acid – linoleic acid. However, CLA has been found to be beneficial as opposed to linoleic acid since it prevents the progression of cancer unlike linoleic acid, which has been found to promote cancer.
The sources of CLA in nature are meat and dairy products obtained from grazing animals, particularly feeding more on grass rather than grains. In the market however, diet supplements available contain synthetic CLA with meager health benefits as compared to the naturally occurring compound. Earlier studies into health benefits of CLA have shown that it is effective against diabetes and obesity as well.
The research pertaining to CLA is still in its nascent stages and there is a long way to go before its long term beneficial effects to human health are established however, the few trials conducted so far look quite promising particularly in tackling some of the common cancers like breast and colon cancers.
With a lot of naturally-occurring compounds exhibiting the potential to tackle cancer more avenues for cancer research and treatment should be explored.
Image credit: Arizona edu
Source: Life extension