Healing Properties of Curry Spice

Research in Singapore suggests the spice Curcumin, found in Turmeric, may be an effective remedy for healing wounds.

The compound is believed to have an antioxidant effect, reducing damage caused to open wounds by hydrogen peroxide and other oxidizing agents. Curcumin has long been used by Indian and Asian herbalists and is popularly known for it's healing properties.

Dr Toan-Thang Phan of Singapore General Hospital commented, "I think that Curcumin can be good for both acute and chronic wounds, but we need to demonstrate this scientifically".

The researchers claim that, subject to clinical trials, curcumin could be developed as a registered medicine. This follows complaints last year from the Indian Alternative Medicine community that pharmaceutical companies are patenting widely-known herbal remedies that have been in common use for centuries.

Saturday, 2 February 2002