From curry to the lab

Though preliminary in nature, many studies have documented its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. This has led to clinical trials to investigate and isolate the active chemicals in turmeric. The promise is enormous as curcumin, a chemical present in turmeric, can not only slow the spread of cancer but also the growth of new tumour blood vessels and cause malignant cells8212;for many types of cancers8212;to die the way normal cells do.

While turmeric is also being linked to the prevention of heart disease, a totally new facet that has emerged in the past two years is its ability to fight malaria. There also seems to be reasoned speculation that it holds promise against HIV. Little wonder that the golden spice finds a pride of place in the Indian kitchen.