Curry May Boost The Brain's Neural Stem Cells

Curry may prevent brain decay, according to recent findings published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy.

"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. Our findings on aromatic turmerone take us one step closer to achieving this goal," said lead study author Adele Rueger, in a news release.

For their findings, scientists found that the spice could indeed hold clues for treating certain neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's.

After analyzing how aromatic (ar-) turmerone influences adult brain stems known as endogenous neutral stem cells (NSC), researchers found that the spice helps to block the activation of microglial cells that have been linked to neuroinflammation and certain neurological disorders.

Furthermore, scientists examined how brain cell growth and differentiation in mice, with effects observed in vitro and in vivo.

Curry is often used as an ingredient in many dishes with Southern and Southeastern Asian origins as well as New World cuisines influenced by them such as Trinidadian, Mauritian or Fijian.