Consumption of curry contributes to maintaining health and protection against infections, especially gastrointestinal, according to a US study.
Curcumin, which is contained in the popular curry spice turmeric, leads to a significant increase in a protein that stimulates the immune system, scientists have found.
Protein helps the body fight bacterial and viral infections, and has an effect against the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.
Curcumin almost triples the levels of the antimicrobial protein cathelicidin, says lead researcher Prof. Adrian Gombart of Oregon State University.
Curcumin can also be used to create therapies for infectious diseases.
The results are published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry .
Based on the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, a number of studies have examined its benefits for various diseases, including some cancers and cirrhosis of the liver.
Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory for symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders.
A study from the University of Nottingham has shown that curcumin may be useful in relieving painful inflammatory conditions such as tendinitis and arthritis.