Researchers from the University of Sharjah have identified a common herb, Artemisia herba-alba, as a potential natural treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC).
Their findings, published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition, suggest that this plant could provide an effective alternative to conventional treatments, which often come with harmful side effects.
Known as common wormwood or white wormwood, Artemisia herba-alba is a fragrant plant native to North Africa and the Middle East. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension, and diabetes. Now, scientists are exploring its potential to fight one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, causing nearly two million new cases and one million deaths in 2020 alone, according to the World Health Organization. I
t primarily affects older adults, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50. Despite advancements in treatment, challenges like drug resistance and severe side effects limit the effectiveness of current therapies, highlighting the need for alternative solutions.
The study, led by Dr. Lara Bou Malhab, focused on the anticancer properties of Artemisia herba-alba. The plant material was collected from southern Jordan and carefully prepared to preserve its active components. The researchers used a methanol-based extract from the plant’s aerial parts and tested its effects on eight types of CRC cells.
Their findings were striking. The extract was able to stop the growth of cancer cells and trigger cell death, regardless of the genetic traits of the cells.
It also disrupted the cell cycle, preventing cancer cells from dividing, and reduced the activity of proteins like Cyclin B1 and CDK1, which are crucial for cell division. Additionally, the extract blocked the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, a key driver of cancer development.
The study revealed that Artemisia herba-alba selectively targeted CRC cells without harming healthy cells, demonstrating its potential as a safer alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
Using techniques like flow cytometry, the researchers confirmed the extract’s ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and necrosis (uncontrolled cell death) in cancer cells.
“This research underscores the immense potential of Artemisia herba-alba as a natural source for innovative therapies against colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Bou Malhab. “It offers a promising complementary treatment with fewer side effects and greater efficacy.”
The plant’s ability to combat CRC is linked to its phytochemicals—active compounds with various therapeutic properties. By disrupting critical processes in cancer cells, these compounds provide a multi-faceted approach to treatment, targeting the disease from several angles.
The implications of this discovery are significant. If pharmaceutical companies adopt and develop treatments based on Artemisia herba-alba, it could lead to more effective and less harmful options for CRC patients.
However, the researchers caution that further studies are needed to fully understand the molecular mechanisms behind the plant’s anticancer effects and to test its efficacy in clinical settings.
Dr. Bou Malhab emphasized the importance of continuing this research: “Colorectal cancer is a serious illness that demands new and better treatments. Our findings highlight the potential of this herb to address an urgent need in cancer care.”
In conclusion, this study marks a promising step forward in the fight against colorectal cancer. With its ability to selectively target cancer cells and its long history in traditional medicine, Artemisia herba-alba could become a valuable tool in developing safer and more effective treatments for this devastating disease.
Further research will determine its role in modern cancer therapy and its potential to transform patient outcomes.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that plant-based diets may reduce risk of colorectal cancer in men, and Low-fat diet may help stop cancer growth.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies about How to harness the power of anti-cancer foods and supplements and results showing that Empower your plate: cancer-fighting foods and recipes.
The research findings can be found in Food Science & Nutrition.
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