London: Scientists in the UK have discovered a ‘Cinderella’ plant, which they claim can combat breast cancer.
According to a report in www.healthshots.com, the plant was so long considered to be of no use medically. But recent research has shown that it not only stops growth of breast cancer cells, but does not affect normal cells either.
It promises to be a path-breaking discovery for cancer chemotherapy treatment. Once it’s officially adapted, it should lead to quicker recovery time and less secondary effects for breast cancer patients.
Arabidopsis thaliana, or thale cress, is a small, weedy plant that grows in rocky, rough and sandy terrains.
“The plant is very much like the ‘Cinderella’ of the medicinal plant world – no one thought it was so special, but it has shown its true colours via our research. The discovery has important implications in developing treatments for cancer as well as other diseases,” said University of London’s Professor Alessandra Devoto, from Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway.
“Along with my colleagues from Brunel and Exeter, I am truly excited to have discovered the amazing impact this unassuming plant has on breast cancer cells. It just proves that even plants with a non-medicinal pedigree can work for cancer treatment,” said the plant biologist, who has been conducting this research since 2006.
The findings of the research have been published in the peer-reviewed journal ‘New Phytologist’.
