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.
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.
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.
