Medicine Breakthrough Daffodil Extract can eliminate cancer cells

Daffodils revolutionize the treatment of cancer?

Physicians are always looking for new ways and means to effectively treat cancers. In a recent study, the researchers found that an extract of daffodils has properties that can kill cancer.

The researchers from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Belgium found in their study that a daffodil extract could eventually be used to treat cancer. The extract may seem to trigger the cell death of cancer cells. The physicians published the results of their study in the English language journal "Structure".

Anti-cancer properties of heme anthamine

In their research, the experts examined the anti-cancer properties of a natural narcotic extract called heme-amine. Hemanthamine (HAE) is a so-called natural alkaloid, a naturally occurring substance that is found in plants and has a strong physiological action in humans. The scientists explain that narcissus extract could be very helpful in the fight against cancer. HAE may have effects on cancer cells that can overcome cell resistance, study author Dr. Denis Lafontaine of the Faculty of Sciences at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

Some plants can help against cancer

The physicians tried in their study to find out how plants with so-called Amaryllidaceae alkaloids can fight cancer. Amaryllidaceae plants, because of their pharmacologically active compounds, are among the plants that have great potential in the fight against cancer.

What role do ribosomes play??

As the researchers explain in their study, cancer cells need protein synthesis to grow and evolve. So-called cell organelles, which are also known as ribosomes, are crucial for the synthesis of proteins. Ribosomes are often regarded as a type of micromachine for the production of proteins, say the medical profession. Ribosomes are effectively the Achilles heel of cancer cells. The malignant cells are particularly sensitive to therapies that prevent the proper functioning of ribosomes.

Narcissus extract blocks production of ribosomes

HAE inhibits the production of proteins, the doctors say. This is due to the effect on the ribosomes. The extract from the daffodils seems to block the production of ribosomes in the so-called nucleolus. According to the researchers, the resulting induced nuclear stress triggers a chain reaction that leads to the elimination of cancer cells. The chain reaction activates the stabilization of a protein called p53, which in turn causes cell death. According to the authors, this is the first time a study provides a molecular explanation for the anticancer properties of narcissi, which have been used as folk remedies since ancient times.

Morphine, quinine and ephedrine belong to the same family as HAE

Referring to Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, the authors of the study state that their biological activities are not limited to anticancer activity. They also appear to include various other effects, such as antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. The strong analgesic morphine and quinine (which is used for malaria) and ephedrine (for the treatment of asthma) all belong to the same family as HAE, explain the scientists.

Further research is needed

The researchers are now planning to further investigate four Amaryllidaceae alkaloids to find the most promising compound, which can then be further developed into an effective form of cancer therapy. (As)