Curry ingredient found to have cancer treating potentials

A new research has revealed that a molecule in curry has the capability to kill esophageal cancer cells. This suggests that this molecule might be developed as an anti-cancer treatment.

Scientists at the Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland have treated esophageal cancer cells with curcumin. Circumin is a chemical found in the spice turmeric, which gives curries the distinctive yellow color. They found the molecule started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours.

Their research also found that the cells began to digest themselves.

There were previous research which have revealed that circumin can suppress tumors. These previous research have also found that people who eat lots of curry may be less prone to the disease.

Lead author of the Irish study Sharon McKenna said their findings could be a stimulus for other scientists to develop the anti-cancer potentials of circumin especially for esophageal cancer.