In an exciting new find, researchers reported on Wednesday that curcumin has been found effective in killing esophageal cancer cells. Scientists are now hoping that the new find would help develop an effective anti-cancer drug, a much needed thing of the current times.

The study was conducted at the Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland and has presented one of the most interesting finds of the present times. Curcumin is an ingredient found in turmeric and is responsible for lending curries their distinctive yellow color. Researchers attacked the esophageal cancer cells with the aforementioned ingredient and discovered that it killed the same within a mere 24 hours.

Lead researcher Dr Sharon McKenna said, "Scientists have known for a long time that natural compounds have the potential to treat faulty cells that have become cancerous and we suspected that curcumin might have therapeutic value".

Another medicinal property of curcumin was discovered in America in 2007 when the researchers reported that it may help stimulate and strengthen immune system cells in patients with Alzheimer's disease.