Viet Nam has become the world's tenth country to successfully applying nanotechnology to produce Nano Curcumin - a substance that can help treat cancer, experts said Tuesday.

The breakthrough is the result of a two-year research project conducted by scientists at the National Chemistry Institute of the Viet Nam Science and Technology Academy.

The scientists have used the technology to produce Nano Curcumin from Curcumin, which is exacted from local yellow turmeric, commonly known as Curcuma longa.

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.

"It will help improve treatment of a number of diseases, especially cancer," said Pham Huu Ly from the chemistry institute.

By applying the technology, locally-produced Nano Curcumin could be five times cheaper than its import price.

The project's results would open many new opportunities for turmeric cultivation in Viet Nam, added Ly.

"Nano Curcumin will be used to support disease tackling efforts and shorten treatment time. It will offer hope for many patients in Viet Nam in future," said Viet Nam Internal Medicine Association Chairman Prof. Nguyen Khanh Trach.

The project has marked an important step in applying nanotechnology to the medical and pharmaceutical industries in Viet Nam, added Trach.