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Indian spices may delay liver damage

Category: Liver Diseases

Individuals for whom liver tests have indicated damage may want to consider adding Indian food to their diet, as new research has shown that some of the spices used in the ethnic food may delay the liver damage that eventually leads to cirrhosis.

Many of the most common liver conditions can be caused by genetic faults which can cause the liver's bile plumbing system to become clogged and eventually stop working. This leads to liver damage that can cause cirrhosis, an irreversible condition that can result in liver failure.

The study, which was published in the journal, Gut, found that curcumin, a component of the Indian spice turmeric, can delay this process by reducing inflammation in the liver's plumbing.

This spice had been shown in previous studies to reduce general inflammation levels and increase antioxidants, but this is the first study to show that it can have specific benefits for those suffering from liver problems.

Researchers said that better drugs could be developed from the spice to target liver diseases. Treatments for these ailments currently involve harsh drugs, the long-term effects of which are unknown. The study said these spices could lead to more effective, natural treatments.