In other words, “every mouthful of food you eat is having a conversation with your DNA”, Houghton said.

Thus, you can eat either to switch on protective or disease-promoting genes, she said. Research shows that sulforaphane does the former.

At a cellular level, sulforaphane activates a “switch”, Nrf2, that governs the expression of hundreds of protective genes, Houghton said. Sulforaphane is the “most potent, naturally occurring molecule” for Nrf2 activation.

Houghton is MD and chief scientific officer of Cell-Logic, the Queensland-based specialist company in nutrigenomics, functional foods and nutraceuticals. Her PhD research at the University of Queensland investigated bioactive nutrigenomic phytochemicals with significant clinical potential.

She is the author of Switched On – Harnessing the Power of Nutrigenomics to Optimise Health (Integra, 2010).

Binu Kuruvilla, a medical doctor in clinical practice, is head of research and development at Arjuna Natural, based in Kerala, India. Kuruvilla collaborates with partners worldwide to research integrative methods for treatment of oncological, cardiovascular, metabolic, inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.

He does research into a potent turmeric extract used in the food supplement bio-curcumin known as BCM-95.

Curcumin’s main claim to fame is as an effective method of reducing inflammation. Kuruvilla joins experts internationally who say that inflammation is the precursor to many, if not all, chronic disease.

In some countries, doctors use BCM-95 with chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic agents as part of conventional cancer treatment, Kuruvilla said. Arjuna’s research supports a large body of clinical trials showing that curcumin “sensitises” cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation.

“This allows doctors to get same efficacy of a higher dose of chemo or radiation with a lower dose, making both more effective and less toxic.”

Curcumin can also prevent oxidative stress leading to the chronic low-grade inflammation, Kuruvilla said.

Turmeric is clearly no new kid on the health block. Kuruvilla said that fresh turmeric is part of  Ayurveda, the ancient Indian traditional healing system, dating back to 6,000BC.

In modern times, about 13,000 publications show turmeric’s benefits for a wide variety of health indications.

Benefits of curcumin are limited by poor absorption and bioavailability. Kuruvilla’s research has, therefore, focused on improving both to produce a therapeutic level of free curcumin.

The result is BCM-95 – a formulation blended with essential oil of turmeric to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic activity.

  • Cape Town-based Coyne HealthCare organised the conference.