Compounds are called diterpenoids and occur naturally in a few organisms

They occur most naturally in both rosemary and thyme, two common herbs

Tests found diterpenoids block enzymes which produce body inflammation

The enzymes are prevalent in cancer, tumour sufferers and other diseases

The Sunday roast could help fight the pain of cancer and other diseases, researchers revealed last night but it’s the herbs rather than the meat, potatoes or veg which are nature’s wonder drug.

For rosemary and thyme, traditional ingredients to add a bit of spice to joints, stuffing and even roast potatoes, act as natural painkillers, according to the latest medical study.

They both contain key chemical compounds that act as an analgesic to inflammation and pain, including the kind that affects those suffering from cancer, tumours and other diseases.

Rosemary and thyme contain key chemical compounds that act as an analgesic to inflammation and pain, including the kind that affects those suffering from cancer, tumours and other diseases

The compounds are called diterpenoids and occur naturally in a handful of plants, fungi and other organisms and two kinds of diterpenoids – carnosol and carnosic acid – are particularly effective.

They inhibit inflammation in the body, said the study by German and Italian scientists for the specialist British Journal of Pharmacology.

And the good news is they occur most naturally in both rosemary and thyme, two common herbs used in a variety of recipes and cooking to add a bit of extra flavour to the pot.

It is yet another boost for the superfood claims of rosemary, in particular, as in March it was found to be the common link in an Italian village where a large proportion of residents live to beyond 100.

Tests on both human cells and mice found the diterpenoids in rosemary and thyme block the enzymes in the body which produce inflammation and the pain associated with it.

The compounds are called diterpenoids and occur naturally in a handful of plants, fungi and other organisms and two kinds of diterpenoids – carnosol and carnosic acid – are particularly effective

The enzymes are prevalent in cancer and tumour sufferers. Incorporating the herbs into medicines could be a way to relieve pain, said researcher Dr Giuseppe Bifulco of Italy’s Salerno University.

He said: ‘Two key enzymes of inflammation, are primary targets of carnosol and carnosic acid which are major bioactive ingredients of herbs that are used as spices – namely sage and rosemary.

‘Our study provides comprehensive insights into their anti-inflammatory mechanism.’

Source: Daily Mail