Thu,Oct 31,2013
HANOI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has become the world's tenth country to successfully applying nanotechnology to produce Nano Curcumin, a substance that can help treat cancer, announced the Vietnam Science and Technology Academy.
The breakthrough is the result of a two-year research project conducted by scientists at the National Chemistry Institute of the Vietnam Science and Technology Academy, local daily Vietnam News reported on Thursday with sources from the academy.
Specifically, the scientists have used the technology to produce Nano Curcumin from Curcumin, which is exacted from local yellow turmeric, commonly known as Curcuma longa.
Turmeric has long been used as a traditional medicine for injuries, liver detoxification and stomach diseases. Its proven biomedical characteristics include anti-inflammation, oxidisation, cancer and coronary prevention, plus kidney and liver protection.
However, Curcumin is difficult to dissolve in water, due to its low absorption rate.
The technology helps increase the dissolution in water of normal Curcumin, as Nano Curcumin is 40 times more absorbent, said Pham Huu Ly from the chemistry institute, adding that it will help improve treatment of a number of diseases, especially cancer.
By applying the technology, locally-produced Nano Curcumin could be five times cheaper than its import price. So, the project 's results would open many new opportunities for turmeric cultivation in Vietnam.
According to Prof. Nguyen Khanh Trach, chairman of the Vietnam Internal Medicine Association, Nano Curcumin will be used to support disease tackling efforts and shorten treatment time, and it will offer hope for many patients in Vietnam in the future.
The project has marked an important step in applying nanotechnology to the medical and pharmaceutical industries in Vietnam, said the expert.
Annual airshow kicks off in Houston
U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group stages military exercises
Volkswagen showcases new energy vehicles in Beijing 
Different eye catching shows at housing fairs in China
Special family portraits call attention to left-behind children
Migrant children’s pain and joy in city
Lingerie show dazzles Wuhan Motor Show 2013 
Running in fun customs at Beijing Int'l Marathon 
Weekly Sports Photos
Unveil PLA air force base 
World has never been dark-- a blind kid’s life in Tibet
Oriental education or western education?
China in autumn: Kingdom of red and golden
Pet costume competition
Chinese screen goddesses from Beijing Film Academy Day|Week|Month
