Washington, Jan. 18 (PTI): A mixture of vegetables and curry powder is effective in treating established prostate cancer, the second largest cause of death among men in the United States, according to researchers.

There are crucial chemicals in the mixture that "hold real potential for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer," the researchers at Rutgers University said in a study quoted in the media here.

The vegetables contain phenethyl isothiocyanate or PEITC while the curry powder contains curcumin, a yellow pigment found in the spice itself and both are considered phyto-chemicals, non-nutritive substances in plants that have protective, antioxidant or anti-disease qualities, 'The Washington Times' reported.

"The bottom line is that PEITC and curcumin along or in combination demonstrate significant cancer preventive qualities in lab mice and the combination of PEITC and curcumin could be effective in treating established prostate cancers," the lead author of the study and professor of pharmaceutics at Rutgers Ah-Ng Tong was quoted as saying.