A photo from open sources
Researchers at the University of Molecular Chemistry of La Troba found that the natural protective mechanisms of tobacco plants can kill cancer cells in the human body.
The molecules contained in the flowers of the plant kill fungi and bacteria, and, as it turned out, can identify and kill crayfish.
These molecules, called NaD1, form tweezers like structures that capture lipids in the membranes of cancer cells and tear them out, which causes the cell to discard its contents and explode.
There is a certain irony in that a powerful defense mechanism against cancer was found in the flower of a plant which, in general, this cancer causes, says lead study author Dr. Mark Hewlett.
The next step is pre-clinical trials designed to determine what role NaD1 can play in the treatment of cancer. This job Hexima, the Melbourne biotechnology company, will take over. So far, the results of preliminary tests look promisingly.
“One of the biggest problems with current cancer treatments is that they don’t make out their goals, “says the doctor Hewlett. “By contrast, NaD1 can accurately detect cancerous cells and has no effect on healthy cells. ”
According to Hewlett, scientists have long been aware of molecules that form the first line of defense against microbial intrusions in all plants and animals. However to this day no one knew exactly how they do it.
“We investigated the operation of this versatile defense process, which can also potentially be used to develop other therapeutic methods, including antibiotic treatment of microbial infections, “says Hewlett.
Oncology Plants
