How a chemical found in turmeric could help your health, from arthritis to indigestion

Scientists have found that an anti-inflammatory chemical found in turmeric seems to have potent cancer-fighting properties and could help treat osteoarthritis and other chronic diseases. David Cox looks at the research taking place in Ireland and internationally

Curcumin appears to be effective in offering relief to people suffering from forms of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.

When Ismael Obaidi first began working as a cancer researcher at University College Dublin (UCD), he was fascinated by the idea of identifying natural substances with anti-cancer properties. Working with Tara McMorrow, an associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at UCD, he tested a whole range of neutraceutical compounds on human kidney cancer cells.

Intriguingly curcumin, a distinctive yellow-orange chemical found in turmeric, an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, emerged as the most effective compound. “I found it blocked and inhibited the development of cancer cells,” says Obaidi, who now works at Trinity College Dublin.