The pigment found in the spice turmeric not only gives yellow curry its vibrant color, it could also play an important role in the fight against cancer.

BEIJING, July 12 -- Curcumin, the ingredient that gives curry seasoning its distinctive yellow color, could destroy malignant cells that cause melanoma, a deadly skin cancer, a new study finds.

    Researchers led by Razelle Kurzrock of the University of Texas Anderson Cancer Center in Houston treated three melanoma cell lines with curcumin at different doses and for different duration.

    Results show that curcumin treatment decreased cell viability in all three cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, curcumin induced apoptosis in tumour cells at high concentrations for short periods of time and low concentrations for long periods of time - a new finding in the study of curcumin, said the researchers.

    The study is the latest to suggest that curcumin is a potent suppressor of cell viability and inducer of apoptosis in melanoma cell lines. 

    However, they said, tests of cells in labs don't necessarily predict what will happen when tried in people. And using sunscreen and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun or tanning beds, is still the best protection against melanoma

    The study is to be published in the August 15, 2005 issue of the journal Cancer, but available on line on Monday, July 11. Enditem

    (Agencies)