PressTV... German scientists have suggested that a compound in the yellow curry spice turmeric could cause a proliferation of nerve cells in brain.
Researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Julich, Germany, identified the effectiveness of the aromatic-turmerone on the neural stem cells (NSCs).
NSCs have the ability to transform into any type of brain cell and researchers believe that they could have a role in repair after damage or disease.
"It is interesting that it might be possible to boost the effectiveness of the stem cells with aromatic-turmerone. It can help boost repair in the brain," said one of the study researchers Dr Maria Adele Rueger.
Scientists say the findings, based in rats, may pave the way for future medication for strokes and Alzheimer's disease, according to a report in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy.
"It is not clear whether the results of this research would translate to people, or whether the ability to generate new brain cells in this way would benefit people with Alzheimer's disease,” stated Dr Laura Phipps at the charity, Alzheimer's Research UK.
"We'd need to see further studies to fully understand this compound's effects in the context of a complex disease like Alzheimer's, and until then people shouldn't take this as a sign to stock up on supplies of turmeric for the spice rack," Phipps added.
The curry compound is also known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties as the powder can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and protect healthy cells from the side-effects of radiotherapy.
Curry had long been thought to have healing powers in certain cultures and has traditionally been used as an alternative remedy for a wide range of problems including liver and digestive disorders, allergies and acne.
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