The Combined Effects of Myristica fragrans and Curcumin on Saccharomyces cerevisiae serving as a Cancer Cell Model
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Microbiology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The relentless pursuit of understanding and overcoming cancer has shaped one of the most critical scientific endeavors of our time. Many lab studies have been conducted to find new cures using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for cancer cells due to both types of cells preferring glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Many studies have shown Myristica fragrans and curcumin to have antifungal properties due to the phytochemicals present in them. The purpose of the study was to assess the combined properties of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and curcumin as a potential cure against cancer cells using a model organism, S. cerevisiae. It was hypothesized that as the combined concentration of (nutmeg) and curcumin would increase, the antifungal inhibitory properties against S. cerevisiae would increase, due to the anticancer properties present in both Myristica fragrans and curcumin present in the phytochemicals. In order to test this, three solutions were created with one control of olive oil and two experimental groups with varying concentrations of nutmeg and curcumin. 30 disks were soaked in each solution and placed onto a petri dish that was streaked with yeast. After the 72-hour incubation period, no zone of inhibition was apparent for the control and both experimental groups. It was determined that the primary cause of these results was due to the solutions separating too quickly which altered the amount of phytochemicals saturating the disks. The usage of a better solvent would have allowed for the results to be measurable.
Recommended Citation
Patel, Rudra, "The Combined Effects of Myristica fragrans and Curcumin on Saccharomyces cerevisiae serving as a Cancer Cell Model" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 99.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/99
Location
PENNY 311
Start Date
4-5-2025 10:45 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The Combined Effects of Myristica fragrans and Curcumin on Saccharomyces cerevisiae serving as a Cancer Cell Model
PENNY 311
The relentless pursuit of understanding and overcoming cancer has shaped one of the most critical scientific endeavors of our time. Many lab studies have been conducted to find new cures using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for cancer cells due to both types of cells preferring glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen. Many studies have shown Myristica fragrans and curcumin to have antifungal properties due to the phytochemicals present in them. The purpose of the study was to assess the combined properties of Myristica fragrans (nutmeg) and curcumin as a potential cure against cancer cells using a model organism, S. cerevisiae. It was hypothesized that as the combined concentration of (nutmeg) and curcumin would increase, the antifungal inhibitory properties against S. cerevisiae would increase, due to the anticancer properties present in both Myristica fragrans and curcumin present in the phytochemicals. In order to test this, three solutions were created with one control of olive oil and two experimental groups with varying concentrations of nutmeg and curcumin. 30 disks were soaked in each solution and placed onto a petri dish that was streaked with yeast. After the 72-hour incubation period, no zone of inhibition was apparent for the control and both experimental groups. It was determined that the primary cause of these results was due to the solutions separating too quickly which altered the amount of phytochemicals saturating the disks. The usage of a better solvent would have allowed for the results to be measurable.
