Curry Spice a Cancer Killer
Oct 28th, 2009 | By admin | Category: Featured, Herbs, TurmericNew tests show that a main ingredient in curry powder has the power to kill cancer cells.
The research, conducted at the Cork Research Cancer Centre and published in the British Journal of Cancer, could lead to new treatments for oesophageal cancer.
Dr Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.
The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals.
Dr McKenna said: “Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value.”
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “This is interesting research which opens up the possibility that natural chemicals found in turmeric could be developed into new treatments for oesophageal cancer.
Curcumin has long been thought to help in a wide range of ailments, including dementia and arthritis. Add cancer that that list, and pass the curry!
Source: BBC News
Popularity: 5% [?]
