IIT-M team conducts research on cancer-curing properties of turmeric

IIT-M team conducts research on cancer-curing properties of turmeric

Question:Consider the following statements with respect to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL):
(1) It is an agent with the ability to programme cell growth.
(2) The active compound from the common household spice turmeric “ curcumin” can enhance cancer .
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c ) Both 1 and 2
(d ) None of these
Answer:(d)

  • Context:
  • Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras have shown that the active compound from the common household spice turmeric ‘curcumin’ can enhance cancer cell death.
  • About:
  • TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is an agent with the ability to programme cell death (apoptosis) and has triggered many preclinical studies the world over.
  • The IIT-M research team chose curcumin as it is known to inhibit carcinogenesis and induce apoptosis in various cancer cells.
  • The researchers isolated leukaemia cells from cancer patients and found that non-toxic concentrations of curcumin can significantly increase the efficiency of TRAIL-induced cell death. 

By-Arpit Mishra

Links:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/iit-m-team-conducts-research-on-cancer-curing-properties-of-turmeric/article32071234.ece