Research done by the department of pharmacy at King's College London says that curry leaves have the potential to control diabetes and treat cancer. According to a team of London scientists, curry leaf contains agents that slow down the rate of starch-to-glucose breakdown in people with diabetes and can control the amount of glucose that enters the bloodstream.

Professor Peter Houghton, who headed the research team of 20, told the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Manchester that plants used in traditional Thai and Chinese medicine appeared to have cancer-fighting properties, reported The Guardian.

Fresh curry leaves contain iron, calcium and phosphorous and have 2.6% of volatile essential oils that are sufficiently soluble in water. It is also a rich source of vitamin A and vitamin C, and also contains significant amounts of carbohydrates, proteins and fibers. The medical properties of curry leaves include stimulation of digestive system, easy break down of food, controlling diarrhea and preventing premature hair greying.

Other health benefits of curry leaves are:

Fresh juice of curry leaves mixed with lime juice and sugar helps in morning sickness, vomiting and nausea due to indigestion.

Two teaspoons of fresh juice of curry leaves mixed with a teaspoon of lime juice is good for stomach upset.

The tender curry leaves taken with honey is a good remedy for treating Diarrhea, Dysentery and Piles.

Curry leaves when applied as a poultice can give effective results for the treatment of burns and skin eruptions.

Juice of curry leaves is good for eyesight and it also helps in prevention of cataract.

Curry leaves boiled with coconut oil are an excellent hair tonic and help in hair growth and to retain the natural pigmentation of hair.