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Turmeric could be used in the fight against cancer,
research has suggested.
Scientists at Ohio State University have been conducting
studies into the effect that curcumin, which is found in
the spice, has on cancer cells.
They found that it both killed the cells and prevented
them from spreading in laboratory settings.
"Curcumin interacts with certain proteins to generate
anti-cancer activity inside the body," said assistant
professor of medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy James
Fuchs, adding: "We're focusing on the pathways that are
most involved in cancer and trying to optimise for those
properties."
Researchers are planning to advance to animal testing,
with the ultimate goal of creating a pill using the
curcumin compound, which is currently not easily
absorbed by the human body in turmeric.
In June Food Ingredients First reported that scientists
had discovered health benefits in several herbs and
spices including cinnamon and oregano, which were found
to have antioxidant properties.
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