The BBC has released an article claiming that an extract in the bright yellow curry spice turmeric can kill cancer cells. The yellow pigment of turmeric, which is called curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. Curcumin helps the body destroy mutated cancer cells, so they can’t spread through the body.

Studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast cancer. Research conducted at the University of Texas suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help to slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice. In this study, published in ‘Biochemical Pharmacology’, human breast cancer cells were injected into mice. After the cells formed into tumors they were removed from the mice, to simulate a mastectomy.

The mice were then divided into four groups. One group received no treatment. Another group was given the cancer drug Taxol, the third group received curcumin and the last group was given both Taxol and curcumin.