Paired Effect of Curcumin and Omega-3-fatty Acids To Be Tested For Diabetes Prevention

Combining turmeric, an Indian spice with an omega-3 fat may delay or prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes, report Australian researchers. Scientists are seeking 80 Australian candidates for the study to reduce systemic inflammation that impacts the body's insulin secretion and function, the root cause of Type-2 diabetes.

"Two bio-active compounds found in Indian food - curcumin and omega-3 fat - will be tested for the study. Both are anti-inflammatory agents," said lead author Manohar Garg from the University of Newcastle's Nutraceuticals Research Group.

The participants will be divided into four groups: One group will get curcumin only, the second will get omega-3 fat only, the third will receive both, and the fourth will serve as a control group.

"The anti-inflammatory mechanisms surrounding curcumin and omega-3 fats are different, so we will test if they complement each other and have treatment synergies beyond their individual effects," said Garg.

"We believe the combination is safe, free of side-effects and may prove to be as effective as drugs used for management of diabetes."

Curcumin (turmeric) -- promotes the healing of bruises, sprains, wounds and inflammation, said Garg.

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"Nowadays the level of curcumin intake has dropped considerably as people switch to fast foods, and it parallels with a significant rise in type-2 diabetes cases," Garg concluded.

Source-IANS