The University of Arizona College of Nursing was awarded a $1.6 million grant to research the healing potential of the substance curcumin for acute lung injury.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome can be lethal and is expensive to treat. Researcher Dr. Charles Downs said he hopes the study will lead to the development of a cure.
“It looks like it may hold some promise in this area primarily because of its antioxidants and beneficial effects,” said Downs.
Curcumin is a compound found in the spice turmeric and has been used to reduce inflammation.
Currently, there is not a cure for acute respiratory distress syndrome, although some patients recover after treatment.
