Newly synthesized plant component kills colon cancer cells

PLOS ONE (May 29th, 2015).?Newly synthesized plant component kills colon cancer cells

 

A team of scientists in China, led by Jie Sun and Fanni Li, ?have developed a synthetic flavonoid that is effective against colon cancer cells. ?Flavonoids are a?by-product of processes that occur within a plant and many have been shown to provide anti-oxidant properties as well as?manipulate?cell communication?and?growth.

Blueberries Image
Image Courtesy, BlueBerry Council, May, 2015.

The scientists reference the known research?that shows the anti-cancer properties of natural and synthetic flavonoids; and armed with this knowledge, they set-out to create a more water-soluble form that is more effective and?has enhanced druggability.

At the conclusion of the study, the research team discovered that their synthesized flavonoid killed up to 48% percent of the colon cancer cells. Not only that, the chemical also halted the growth of new cancer cells and reduced inflammation. When injected directly into the cancer mass, up to 60% of the tumors were destroyed.

The results of this study may pave the way for?even more promising drugs in combating a number of colon cancer cell types.

Reggie holds a B.S. in Human Development and a M.Ed. in Science Communication. He is wrapping up an M.S. in Biology from Clemson University, and is also a Doctoral student in Educational Psychology with California Coast University. He has been an informal science and critical thinking educator since 1998 spearheading one of the largest podcasting sites dedicated to free inquiry and science. He retired from podcasting and currently works as a biology educator in Orlando, FL. He is a vegan (most of the time) and his hobbies are: genealogy, singing, anime, watching science-oriented documentaries, and science fact-checking. Feel free to add Reggie on LinkedIn where he periodically writes articles on critical thinking, evolution, and other sciences: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldfinley