SUMMARY: Researchers will study if curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, can be used to treat chytrid infections in amphibians.
THE PROBLEM: Chytrid disease has devastated amphibian populations around the world. Amphibian trade, especially pet amphibians, is contributing to the global translocation and emergence of chytrid fungi. A major shortcoming in Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) mitigation plans has been ignoring the role that private industry can play in preventing Bd spillover to the environment. Businesses and pet owners are the first line of defense in preventing novel introductions of Bd. Finding a new treatment that is safe, inexpensive, easy-to-use, and effective could provide a strategy to prevent further dissemination of disease.
THE PROJECT: The team will study the use of curcumin to treat chytrid disease. Preliminary data suggests that curcumin can kill Bd, and the team will take a closer look at how curcumin kills chytrid and identify ways to increase its effectiveness.
POTENTIAL IMPACT: If successful, the team’s findings will have scientific and non-academic impacts that will produce Bd treatment solutions for private industry and pet owners, with trade policy implications.
Study ID
D25ZO-047
Study Status
Active
Start Date
07/01/2025
Grant amount awarded
$132,916
Grant recipient
University of Tennessee
Study country
United States
Investigator
Matthew Gray, PhD