Researchers in the UK are carrying out tests to find out if a chemical found in curry has the ability to fight bowel cancer tumours in patients.

The chemical, Curcumin, which is found in the spice turmeric, is believed to have a range of health benefits. The compound is useful in fighting cancer cells grown in laboratory and it is also beneficial for stroke and dementia patients, according to earlier studies.

Researchers at hospitals in Leicester are investigating if giving curcumin alongside chemotherapy drugs will benefit patients. Te4h study will include forty patients at Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital. The study will study benefits of giving curcumin pills seven days before ard chemotherapy treatment begin for the patients.

The leader of the study, Professor William Steward said, "The prospect that curcumin might increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy is exciting because it could mean giving lower doses, so patients have fewer side effects and can keep having treatment for longer."

He pointed out that the research is at its initial stage but also said that the research might lead to new and more effective drugs in the future for treating the disease.