Treating cancer is usually not an easy task. As a rule, the fight against a terrible disease includes complex therapy using radioactive materials, complex drugs, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, scientists believe that plants may be important in future treatment.

According to British researchers, there are already studies confirming the anti-cancer properties of elements of the natural world, and the constant discovery of new tumors and types of cancer requires new strategies.

“There are many different types and subtypes of tumors that are being discovered all the time,” said Susan Short, a professor at the University of Leeds, in an interview with the British edition of The Guardian. “So we still need new ideas and new approaches.” drugs.”

Two subtypes of cancer that show promise in this case are ovarian cancer and breast cancer. According to Melanie-Jane Hauer, researcher at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, one of the most prestigious in the world, yewa rare gymnosperm that can deliver powerful drugs in an easier and safer way.

“An effective anti-cancer drug called paclitaxel has been developed from the Pacific yew,” the scientist also commented to the British media. [ele] was based on a chemical whose yield is very small.”

“Hundreds of trees had to be cut down for its development. As a result, this species is now classified as critically endangered.”

Other ramifications of the disease such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma and others also benefit from natural ingredients. Rose periwinkle is responsible for the synthesis of vinblastine and vincristine used in the treatment of these types.

“Periwinkle was originally used as a traditional remedy for diabetes, but more recent studies have shown it to have anti-cancer properties,” Howes explained.

Other studies that are still ongoing are related to the work of Professor Short, which analyzes the effectiveness of a drug based on hemp against a brain tumor, and even in Brazil. Startup PHP Biotech is already trying to make triple-negative breast cancer treatments viable through the nation’s biodiversity.

“If we can show how we can get new medicines from nature by discovering the beneficial properties of plants, we will help treat diseases and demonstrate the value of biodiversity, encourage people to protect it,” Howes concluded.

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Source: CanalTech, The Guardian.