Stinging nettles may treat cancer

The new approach of treating cancer was tickled by researchers at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom

As more efficient cancer therapies are always tested by scientists worldwide, researches in Warwick
have just discovered a new compound that could be useful for treating ovarian and prostate cancer.

Led by Professor Peter Sadler, the team “focused on the discovery of truly novel anti-cancer drugs which can kill cells in totally new ways. Chemo-catalysts, especially those with immunogenic properties, might provide a breakthrough.”

“This is a significant step in the fight against cancer. Manipulating and applying well-established chemistry in a biological context provides a highly selective strategy for killing cancer cells.”

JPC11 is the organic-osmium compound that was isolated in order to observe the effects on cancerous cells. Triggered by sodium formate found in nettles, JPC11 interferes with the metabolic process of tumors by converting pyruvate into a lactate that practically targets and kills cancer, while not affecting healthy tissue.

So, according to the scientists, its selective action mechanism, also known as “chirality” or molecular handedness, may prove to be a cancer treatment for the future.

Despite this durg yet experimental, Professor Sadler expressed his confidence that his team will further tickle this discovery, with the goal of succeeding in finding a cancer cure.

The results of the study have been published in the Nature Chemistry journal.