Scientists find a plant capable of treating different types of cancer | It is known as ‘revienta caballos’ and is popular in the Cordoba mountains

2023-06-27 04:31:12

Specialists from the Center for Research in Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology and the Multidisciplinary Institute of Plant Biology, both dependent on the National University of Córdoba and Conicet, found a plant that is capable of blocking cells that have a specific gene mutated (called BRAC2) and They are responsible for the appearance of different types of cancer associated with the colon, breast, ovaries and prostate. Thanks to this discovery, new drugs and therapies can be created to treat tumors resistant to current treatments.

The plant, known for its toxicity as ‘revienta caballos’, is present in much of the country but is popular in the Cordoba mountains, where it grows in the shade and can be seen near the cow pens.

The scientists found that it contains a substance called solanocapsin and can isolate cells with the mutated gene. Based on initial good results, they identified that it is necessary to block an enzyme called deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) to selectively kill cancer cells.

Starting with solanocapsin, the researchers developed a molecule in the laboratory that is more active, more selective, and less toxic. In this way, they propose an alternative for cancer patients who have the mutated BRAC2 gene and are not successful with currently available therapies.

Thanks to this discovery, new drugs and therapies could be developed to address tumors that appear when the BRAC2 gene mutates. Although there is already a treatment (called ‘PARP inhibitors’) to combat these mutations, cases of resistance to the compound have been reported. In addition, the alternative proposed by the Cordovan researchers has fewer side effects in people.

The tests carried out on different types of mutations were successful and everything indicates that ‘horse busting’ may become a good alternative. Although each tumor is unique, the scientists developed a mechanism to kill the mutated cells that escape the drugs that are currently used.

Solanocapsin was chosen by the researchers from more than 60 compounds that were tested for mutated cells. Another piece of good news is that, studies have revealed, it is not only useful for cancer treatment, but also works as an antibacterial and inhibits an enzyme linked to Alzheimer’s.