In Malaysia, University of Malaya researchers found that four species of a tropical and subtropical herb called Phyllanthus, can offer hope for breast cancer patients. Researchers studied how the extracts from the flowering herb fights breast cancer by killing the cells in two ways. The extracts suppressed two proteins known for supporting the cancer cells, thus blocking the tumor cells from spreading. The extracts also caused a key compound that “turns on” tumor growth to be interrupted, thus reducing blood vessel growth to the tumors and resulting in cell death. The plants were found to have high polyphenol compounds and antioxidants, which help fight cancer as well. It might be a while before the herbs can be used for patient treatment as they still have to undergo animal testing and human clinical trials.
Latest article
Fungi flex: JadeYoga’s mushroom yoga mat combines ‘innovation and integrity’
In Pennsylvania, sustainable yoga products maker JadeYoga has introduced a new yoga mat using only natural rubber and repurposed mushroom material.
Dubbed Jade Mushroom Mat™,...
Sumang seeks functional biomaterials on volcanic island
In South Korea, green tea and agricultural cooperative Sumang has announced plans to expand its R&D efforts on functional biomaterials sourced from Jeju, a...
Tree to tech: Empa creates wooden computer mouse
In Switzerland, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has created a computer mouse that works like any other, expect it...