(NaturalNews) Researchers at the Georgia Regents University Cancer Center
have identified an India-based plant which has been used for centuries to
treat inflammation, fever and malaria that could be used to help kill cancer
cells.
Dr. Ahmed Chadli, a researcher in the Molecular Chaperone Program
at the GRU Cancer Center and senior author of the study named the Journal of
Biological Chemistry's "Paper of the Week," said cancer cells typically
survive by hijacking so-called molecular chaperones that in turn guide and
protect the proteins that ensure normal cellular function, then tricking them
into assisting mutated versions of those proteins to stay alive, according to a
press release published by the university.
Therefore, development of
drugs has focused largely on the chaperone Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90)
"because it plays a key role in assisting mutating proteins, making it an
attractive cancer drug target," the release said.
'In the future, this
research could have applications in other cancers'
But the clinical
efficacy of Hsp90 inhibitors has been less than stellar; most current small
molecules that target Hsp90 have inadvertently resulted in the expression of
proteins that protect cancerous cells from cell death, thereby compromising the
Hsp90 inhibitors in the clinical setting.
In the current study; however,
Chaitanya Patwardhad, a graduate student in Dr. Chadli's laboratory, discovered
that gedunin, an Indian plant compound, attacks a helper protein, or
co-chaperone, of Hsp90 known as p23.
"This compound binds directly to
p23, leading to inactivation of the Hsp90 machine - without production of
anti-apoptotic proteins - thus killing cancer cells," said
Chadli. "The idea here is that this will open a door for new ways of targeting
Hsp90 by targeting its helper proteins, which may be used in combination with
established Hsp90 inhibitors that are ongoing clinical trials."
"In the
future, this research
could have applications in drug development for hormone-dependent cancers,
including breast, prostate and endometrial cancers," he said.
"One of the
major areas of scientific emphasis of the GRU Cancer Center is to develop
therapeutic approaches to cancer targeting specific
molecules within the cancer cell, including chaperones," added Dr. Samir N.
Khleif, director of the GRU Cancer Center. "This finding is an important piece
of the puzzle, bringing us closer to our goal of helping patients with
cancer."
Gedunin, according to Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., "is a
naturally occurring Hsp90
inhibitor. In vitro, Gedunin induces Hsp90-dependent client protein degradation
and displays antiproliferative activity."
It is obtained from the Indian
neem tree and has been used for centuries in Asia as a natural remedy for
malaria. It has also been used as an insecticidal and, most recently, as an
anti-cancer agent.
Gedunin may be useful in treatment of neurological
disorders too
In 2009, researchers found a nearly 80 percent decrease
in the cell proliferation in ovarian cancer cells after in-vitro treatment with
gedunin. (http://saypeople.com)
A separate study by Emory
University found that gedunin and its derivatives looked promising in the
treatment of Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, HIV-related dementia,
multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, and Huntington's
disease.
As for Chadli, he says that this research could have
applications in drug development for hormone-dependent cancers, including
breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers.
Sources:
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-02/ghsu-ipc021413.php
http://www.scbt.com/datasheet-203967-gedunin.html
http://saypeople.com
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/039224_cancer_cells_plant_medicine_Hsp90.html#ixzz2LvxhSOPp
Radishes do not usually receive much attention unless they are added to a salad or side dish
. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are five main types of radishes, but they are all cruciferous vegetables and belong to the mustard family. When you take a look at the nutritional value of a radish, you may want to add them to your diet as more than a garnish. Their health benefits make them an excellent snack or side dish.
. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that there are five main types of radishes, but they are all cruciferous vegetables and belong to the mustard family. When you take a look at the nutritional value of a radish, you may want to add them to your VITAMIN C
The Centers for Disease Control report that 1 cup of radishes provides approximately 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. An antioxidant, vitamin C also helps with brain function, the transport of fat within the body and cholesterol metabolism , according to the Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon. Since the body cannot produce vitamin C, we must be sure to get what we need through our food intake, and radishes can help with that.
INDOLE-3-CARBINOL
Certain members of the cruciferous vegetable family, such as radishes, produce a compound called Indole-3-carbinol (I3C). A study done at the University of Texas shows that I3C protects against cancers, especially those related to hormonal activity, such as cervical and breast cancer. The study also states that I3C exhibits hepatoprotective activity, which means that it protects the liver and helps with the detoxification of the body.
SELENIUM
Selenium is an element needed for many body processes. It helps with thyroid function and hormoneregulation, contains anticancer and antioxidant properties, and can help prevent arthritis, according to several studies reported by the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Radishes are an excellent source of selenium.
. Radishes are an excellent source of selenium.ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
For the dieter, radishes contain high amounts of water and fiber and low levels of sodium and carbs. In addition, 1 cup of radishes has only 20 calories and 4 g of carbohydrates. A 1-cup serving also provides almost as much potassium (270 mg) as you would find in a banana. Riboflavin, calcium, magnesium and folate help to round out the exceptional nutrition packed into a radish. Add some to a salad or eat them as a snack, and think about the health benefits you are providing your body.
packed into a radish. Add some to a salad or eat them as a snack, and think about the health benefits you are providing your body.
