From the Journal of Virology, comes an interesting article concerning possible anti-TSE(Transmissable Spongiform Encephalopathies) drugs. Mad Cow Disease(BSE), vCJD(variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) and Scrapie are all forms of TSEs.

Curcumin, the major component of the spice turmeric and the yellow pigment in curry powder, has several properties that make it of interest as a possible anti-TSE drug. First, its structure resembles Congo red, the most potent of the small-molecule PrP-res inhibitors that have been assayed in ScNB cells in that both are potentially planar compounds that have two aromatic rings or ring systems with conjugated linkers. Structure-activity studies have provided evidence that the potential for coplanarity of the rings and linker is important for the inhibitory potency of Congo red . Second, unlike Congo red, curcumin is uncharged and is thought to have at least limited bioavailability to the brain after consumption. Indeed, recent studies with a rat model of Alzheimer's disease reported that dietary curcumin reduces ß-peptide deposition in the brain as well as associated neuropathology and cognitive deficits. Third, curcumin has antioxidant activity, a factor that may be important given that oxidative damage is a feature in TSE neuropathogenesis. Fourth, humans consume curcumin in large amounts with no apparent toxicity. Toxicology studies have indicated that rodents can tolerate for a long period up to 5% of their diet being turmeric oleoresin (80% curcumin) without their life spans being shortened (http://ntp-server.niehs.nih.gov/htdocs/LT-studies/tr427.html). These considerations prompted us to test whether curcumin could inhibit the formation and accumulation of PrP-res. More

See, here at pure bs, we are curious about a great many things. Honest!