A compound found in the Asian spice turmeric, used in curry dishes, has been found to have beneficial properties that could make it a promising drug candidate for treating Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Jülich, Germany, have found the spice compound promotes stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain, giving hope for patients who suffer from stroke and Alzheimer's disease,
Medical News today reports.
The study, published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, found that the bioactive compound found in the spice is called aromatic (ar-) turmerone, and previous studies have shown it can block inflammation, which is linked to certain neurological disorders.
Using brain scans to examine the impact of the compound on laboratory rats, the researchers found those injected with the substance had notable improvements in neurological functions, compared with those that did not receive the compound.
"While several substances have been described to promote stem cell proliferation in the brain, fewer drugs additionally promote the differentiation of stem cells into neurons, which constitutes a major goal in regenerative medicine,” said researcher Adele Rueger. “Our findings on aromatic turmerone take us one step closer to achieving this goal."
Turmeric contains another compound called curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective features.
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