Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases which are characterized by the out-of-control growth of the cells. Cancer harms the body when the cells uncontrollably divide to form lumps or masses of tissues called tumors. Unlike the normal cells, the cancer cells do not die and continues to grow and divide. There are many different types of cancer affecting the internal and external parts of the body. One of the most common types of cancer which accounts for maximum deaths due to cancer is the lung cancer.
Scientists are constantly trying to find a cure for this deadly disease and the researchers of the University of California have identified a special herb which is able to kill 98% of the cancer cells within just 16 hours. According the research reports published in “Life Science”, a derivative of the “Sweet wormwood” or “Artemisia Annua” plant called artemisinin is able to kill 98% of the lung cancer cells in less than 16 hours. This plant derivative is used in various Chinese medicines.
When used alone, this plant derivative reduces the cancer cells in the lungs by about 28%, but when the same herbal extract is used in combination with iron has found to completely cure lung cancer. What makes this herb a truly safe option for treating lung cancer is that, this herb does not have any impact on the healthy cells in the lung. Cancer treatments such as radiation therapy can damage the healthy cells in the vicinity of the cancer cells.
Artemisinin was earlier used in treating malaria, but now the studies have proven the effectiveness of this component in fighting the cancer cells of the body. The scientists have found that when a combination of Artemisinin and iron was used in treating lung cancer, the iron gets attached to the lung tissue which is particularly affected by cancer. This helps Artemisinin to selectively attack and kill only the cancer cells and leave the healthy cells.
Artemisinin works by controlling the reproductive growth of cancer cells by intervening in the transcription of the cell genetic material. Cancer cells have more special receptors for iron than the normal cells. Hence, artemisinin can target the cancer cells when the combination of artemisinin and iron is used for treating lung cancer.
The antimalarial property of artemisinin was identified by the bio-engineers from the University of Washington earlier and was extensively used in treating malaria as the malaria parasite was unable to survive in the body of humans in the presence of artemisinin.
Latest research has found that cancer cells undergo apoptosis or cell death when artemisinin is used. This helps to control the growth and division of the cells in the tumors. More and more people have started showing interest in this herb as they find it effective and without any side effects. Though the extraction process of the artemisinin is expensive, it is expected that the greater demand will lead to availability of the herbal extract at affordable prices. It is expected that by achieving 50 to 60 tons of aretemisinin extraction every year it will be possible to cater to the needs of the world market.
Latest research has found that cancer cells undergo apoptosis or cell death when artemisinin is used. This helps to control the growth and division of the cells in the tumors. More and more people have started showing interest in this herb as they find it effective and without any side effects. Though the extraction process of the artemisinin is expensive, it is expected that the greater demand will lead to availability of the herbal extract at affordable prices. It is expected that by achieving 50 to 60 tons of aretemisinin extraction every year it will be possible to cater to the needs of the world market.
No comments:
Post a Comment