A spice used in curry dishes helps to prevent infection and now scientists think they’ve got a lead on how.
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a flavourful, orange and yellow spice that is a key ingredient in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. The spice has also been used in India’s traditional Ayurvedic remedies for 2,500 years.
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a flavourful, yellow spice common in Indian curries.Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a flavourful, yellow spice common in Indian curries. (Alastair Grant/Associated Press)
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.
Don’t forget that it’s also good for your animals.