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Could a fairly common item in the spice rack actually
treat the lung disease Cystic Fibrosis? Curcumin, a component of
turmeric, when fed to laboratory mice with the genetic disease made
most of the symptoms disappear.
The new research appears very promising for sufferers
of Cystic Fibrosis, however, patients should not consume large
quantities of curry spice in hopes of curing the disease. More research
will have to be performed before data can show the effects on humans.
The new research, performed at Yale University School of Medicine
appears in the current issue of Journal Science.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal
genetic (inherited) disease of the body's mucus glands. CF primarily
affects the respiratory and digestive systems in children and young
adults. The sweat glands and the reproductive system are also usually
involved.
On the average, individuals with CF have a lifespan of approximately 30
years.
According to the data collected by the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation, there are about 30,000 Americans, 3,000 Canadians, and
20,000 Europeans with CF.
The disease occurs mostly in whites whose ancestors came from northern
Europe, although it affects all races and ethnic groups. Accordingly,
it is less common in African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian
Americans.
Approximately 2,500 babies are born with CF each year in the United
States. Also, about 1 in every 20 Americans is an unaffected carrier of
an abnormal "CF gene." These 12 million people are usually unaware that
they are carriers.
(Source: HealthTalk, CA) |
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