KOLKATA: Treatment of liver cirrhosis is set to take a big leap, thanks to a potentially landmark experiment that shows turmeric in nano form can help reverse even serious damage to the organ.
Researchers at New Delhi’s Jamia Hamdard University have successfully used curcumin - extracted from turmeric and broken into nano form - to control and cure cirrhosis of liver in an animal model experiment. Human trials will start within two months and researchers are hopeful of a major breakthrough.
The university, which studies and develops traditional methods of treatment and medicines, started the experiment about a year ago. "We have all come across references to turmeric’s healing powers in history and mythology. So, we decided to check its efficacy. It was found that when used in large doses, turmeric wasn’t particularly useful. But broken into nano particles, it worked wonders. It even reversed cirrhosis which is incurable," said S Ahmad, vice-chancellor of Jamia Hamdard. The varsity plans to apply for a patent.
The curcumin extract is an anti-oxidant that helps revive dead cells. It acts as a repairing agent and can regenerate cells that have broken up into nodules. And animal experiments have proved that it has no toxic effect.
"The trouble with traditional medicines is that not enough studies have been done to prove their efficacy. Neither do we know how their utility could be enhanced. We are trying to fill in the blanks. In this case, the result has been fascinating and we are confident that the human trials will be successful as well," added Ahmad.
Source
I'll drink to that!!
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