A spice used in curry dishes helps to prevent infection and now scientists think they've got a lead on how.
CBC News
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A spice used in curry dishes helps to prevent infection and now scientists think they've got a lead on how.
Curcuminis a compound found in turmeric, a flavourful, orange and yellow spice that is a key ingredient in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The spicehas also been used in India's traditional Ayurvedic remedies for 2,500 years.
Now American and Danish scientists have found curcumin increases levels of a protein called CAMP that helps the immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses and fungi the first time they try to attack.
CAMP is the only known antimicrobial of its type in humans, researchers say.
"This research points to a new avenue for regulating CAMP gene expression," said Adrian Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the Linus Pauling Institute in Corvallis, Ore.
"It's interesting and somewhat surprising that curcumin can do that, and could provide another tool to develop medical therapies," he added in a release.
In Friday's issue of the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Gombart and his colleagues said curcumin caused levels of CAMP to almost triple in laboratory experiments on human cells.
Vitamin D also increases levels of CAMP but high amounts of the vitamin can lead to more calcium being released into the blood.That's one reason researchers are testing other natural alternatives like curcumin.
CAMP seems to kill a broad range of bacteria including those that cause tuberculosis and also seems to protect against the development ofsepsis, a serious body-wide response to infection that patients often acquire while being treated in hospital.
Earlier this month, researchers in England announced the first human trials testing curcumin to fightcancer. Theyhope it will increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing side-effects.
"We've shown that [curcumin]has well over 100 mechanisms of damaging cancer cells, particularly colon cancer cells," Professor Will Stewart from England's University of Leicester told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
"One of the major mechanisms is affecting the way that they grow blood vessels into themselves."
With files from Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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Let me break down the key concepts from the article for you. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has caught the attention of scientists for its potential in preventing infection. The spice has been a staple in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine and has a rich history in traditional Ayurvedic remedies in India.
American and Danish scientists conducted research suggesting that curcumin increases the levels of a protein called CAMP (Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide). This protein plays a crucial role in empowering the immune system to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi during their initial attacks. Notably, CAMP is identified as the sole known antimicrobial of its type in humans.
Adrian Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, expressed his surprise at curcumin's ability to enhance CAMP gene expression. The findings, published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, revealed that curcumin nearly tripled CAMP levels in laboratory experiments on human cells.
The article also mentions that vitamin D can increase CAMP levels but notes the potential side effect of releasing excess calcium into the blood. Researchers are exploring natural alternatives like curcumin to address this concern. CAMP, in addition to its antimicrobial properties, appears to have a broad-spectrum effect, including targeting bacteria causing tuberculosis and protecting against the development of sepsis, a severe body-wide response to infection.
Furthermore, the article touches upon recent human trials in England, where curcumin is being tested to fight cancer. Researchers hope that curcumin could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy while minimizing side effects. Professor Will Stewart from the University of Leicester emphasized curcumin's potential in damaging cancer cells, particularly in affecting the growth of blood vessels into these cells.
The article provides a glimpse into the multifaceted properties of curcumin, ranging from its impact on the immune system to its potential applications in cancer therapy. It's a fascinating exploration of the health benefits associated with a spice deeply rooted in culinary and traditional medicinal practices.
