Medicinal plant has great potential to fight colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, may have just found an unlikely foe in a common weed.
Artemisia herba-alba, a plant also commonly known as white wormwood or herba alba, has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years. It was originally used in the Middle East and North Africa.
This aromatic herb, which has been used to treat ailments such as bronchitis and digestive issues, is now capturing the attention of scientists for an even more meaningful purpose.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Sharjah sheds light on the potential for white wormwood to fight colorectal cancer.
The battle against colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer, or CRC, is a worldwide health concern. Ranked as the third most common type of cancer globally, it is responsible for nearly 10% of all cancer cases.
Colorectal cancer mainly affects patients over the age of 50 and is the second leading cause of death from cancer. With one million mortalities and two million new cases recorded in 2020 alone, there is an urgent need for more effective CRC treatments.
Study lead author Dr. Lara Bou Malhab is a research associate at the Sharjah University Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences.
“Artemisia herba-alba could be a promising natural ingredient for new cancer treatments based on (our study’s) findings,” noted Dr. Bou Malhab. “Colorectal cancer is a common and serious illness, making it essential to find new and better treatments.”
How the plant works
Extracts isolated from Artemisia herba-alba were found to contain compounds with the ability to combat colorectal cancer. These compounds arrest the growth of the malignant cells and trigger self-destruction irrespective of the genetic makeup of these cells.
Natural substances as effective drugs
Despite the call of modern medicine, the use of natural substances in synthesizing effective drugs with fewer side effects is an area that cannot be ignored, particularly in cancer medications.
Current chemotherapy drugs are plagued by the issues of cancer cells developing resistance and collateral damage in the form of side effects. This study, therefore, could have significant implications if noted and implemented by pharmaceutical giants.
While further research is necessary to unravel the specific molecular mechanisms and the clinical efficacy of Artemisia herba-alba in cancer treatment, there’s no denying the potential that this unassuming herb carries within its leaves.
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