Curry spice may help tackle cancer Source: Reuters News Publish Date: 04/10/2002  NEW YORK, Apr 10 (Reuters Health) - The substance that gives the spice turmeric its yellow color may help fight cancer, preliminary evidence suggests. Researchers have found in the lab that the active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, can enhance the cancer-fighting power of treatment with TRAIL, a naturally occurring molecule that helps kill cancer cells. TRAIL stands for tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand. In an experiment with human prostate cancer cells in a laboratory dish, the combination treatment killed off two to three times more cells than either treatment alone, according to a study released Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research in San Francisco, California. "Using these two agents--curcumin and TRAIL--we killed up to 80% of cells in culture," said study author Subhash Gautam, a researcher at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. "That's pretty remarkable." The next step is to see if the results with this experimental treatment combination can be reproduced in lab animals, he said. Turmeric is a common ingredient in Indian food, Gautam noted. Indian folklore suggests it helps reduce inflammation, he said, and there is some laboratory evidence that it has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other studies in the laboratory and in animals suggest the spice can help wounds heal and could also be protective against Alzheimer's. While turmeric consumption has not been proven to lower cancer risk, Gautam pointed out that the spice contains plant phytochemicals that are associated with many health benefits, including cancer prevention. Ann's NOTE: Anyone who noticed that this section has at least 4 other articles might object, as I do, to the use of the words "preliminary evidence" as used in the first paragraph. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.