Curry Powder Ingredient Kills Cancer Cells

Researchers under Dr. Sharon McKenna discovered that curcumin, a compound found in the popular Indian ingredient used in curry powder, destroyed resistant esophageal cancer cells in recent lab studies. Within 24 hours of being introduced to cancer cells, cells began dying under a process not related to apoptosis. To prove the cells did not undergo apoptosis, McKenna applied a molecule that stops caspases from triggering cell suicide, which did not make a difference in the number of cell deaths. This lead researchers to believe that the cells were killed via another cell signaling path. Mckenna has long believed that natural compounds can aid in treating cancerous cells and previously suspected curcumin was among them. These results can help researchers develop a possible treatment for esophageal cancer. Professor Gerald O’Sullivan of the University of College Cork (Ireland) is optimistic of these results, stating, "The development of natural compounds as chemo-preventative agents is also a very promising area of research."

This type research is vital because esophageal cancer is a common cause of death related to cancer. More than 80% of patients die within 5 years of diagnosis, and the number of cases have grown over the past decades. I support research for a cure because I personally knew somebody who passed away due to this illness.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/168987.php

Nathan Poon

VTPP 434-502