Curcumin present in turmeric killed cancer cells in lab tests
Curcumin present in turmeric killed cancer cells in lab testsSpicing up your life could prevent a nasty death, according to scientists. They've discovered that molecules in curry ingredients can destroy cancer cells.
Researchers at Cork Cancer Research Centre hungry to find a cure for oesophageal cancer, found that the chemical curcumin present in the bright yellow spice turmeric began killing cancer cells within 24 hours.
The discovery was reported in the British Journal of Cancer, and once cancer experts had digested the news, they were optimistic that it could lead to new treatments.
Team leader Dr Sharon 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.
"Rates of oesophageal cancer rates have gone up by more than a half since the 1970s and this is thought to be linked to rising rates of obesity, alcohol intake and reflux disease so finding ways to prevent this disease is important too."
Around 7,800 people are diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in the UK each year, and less than 20 per cent survive the disease beyond five years.
