Tumeric, a spice commonly found in curries may boost the brain's ability to heal itself. A report in the journal Stem Cell Research and Therapy suggests that aromatic-turmerone, a compound found in turmeric, could encourage the growth of nerve cells thought to be part of the brain's repair kit.
Scientists say this work, based in rats, may pave the way for future drugs for strokes and Alzheimer's disease. But they say more trials are needed to see whether this applies to humans.
Aromatic-turmerone is the lesser-studied of two major compounds in turmeric that may have an effect on the human body.
Previous studies suggest the other compound, curcumin, could reduce inflammation in the body and have anti-cancer benefits.
In this latest study of Tumeric by researchers from the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine in Julich, Germany, rats were injected with aromatic-turmerone and their brains were then scanned.
Particular parts of the brain, known to be involved in nerve cell growth, were seen to be more active after the aromatic-turmerone infusion.
Scientists say the compound may encourage a proliferation of brain cells.
In a separate part of the trial, researchers bathed rodent neural stem cells (NSCs) in different concentrations of aromatic-tumerone extract.
NSCs have the ability to transform into any type of brain cell and scientists suggest they could have a role in repair after damage or disease.
Dr Maria Adele Rueger, who was part of the research team, said: "In humans and higher developed animals their abilities do not seem to be sufficient to repair the brain but in fish and smaller animals they seem to work well."
Read More - BBC
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