The world's lush, colourful rainforests
are renowned for their amazing biodiversity and natural beauty.
Beneath their canopy is something even
more potent: a vast array of organic substances with extraordinary health
advantages.
These include plants with potential
anti-cancer properties.
In recent decades, researchers have
focused on rainforest plants to learn more about how they might help prevent
and treat cancer.
In this article, let’s explore how
rainforest plants can help fight cancer!
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| Photo by Phill Brown on Unsplash |
Understanding Cancer and the Quest for
New Treatments
Chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery
are some examples of conventional cancer treatments that are often used against
cancer.
Although they can be effective, they
usually have negative side effects.
Thus, there is a growing interest in
identifying plant-based compounds that can target cancer cells with the least
damage to healthy cells.
Rainforest plants are rich in bioactive
compounds.
Therefore, they are emerging as
promising sources for compounds ranging from alkaloids to flavonoids.
These are unique chemical structures
that may help halt or slow the spread of cancer and improve patient outcomes.
Key Rainforest Plants
with Cancer-Fighting Properties
Let us take a closer look at a few
rainforest plants that researchers have discovered to contain anti-cancer
compounds.
1. Lapacho (Tabebuia
avellanedae)
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| Photo by Fachy Marín on Unsplash |
The lapacho tree, which is indigenous
to the Amazon rainforest, is also referred to as pau d'arco or taheebo.
Indigenous people have long used the
inner bark of this tree to treat a variety of illnesses.
Research has shown that the quinones
found in lapacho bark, including lapachol, have strong anti-cancer
properties [1].
Lapachol inhibits the growth of some
cancer cells by causing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, especially in
breast and prostate cancer cell lines, according to research [2].
2. Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
The Amazonian woody vine known as cat's
claw has been used for centuries for its immune-boosting qualities.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
properties have drawn scientific attention. They may aid in the prevention and
treatment of cancer.
According to a study that was published
in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, extract from cat's claw decreased DNA
damage in human lymphocytes. This may have a protective effect against cancer [3].
Moreover, it’s abundant in pentacyclic
oxindole alkaloids. They interfere with the growth of cancer cells and
strengthen the immune system [4].
3. Graviola (Annona
muricata)
Graviola, also called soursop, is a
small, spiky, green fruit tree that grows naturally in tropical areas, such as
the Amazon rainforest.
Acetogenins are a class of naturally
occurring substances found in graviola's fruit, seeds, and leaves. They have
been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells.
According to a study,
graviola leaf extract specifically destroyed cancer cells and preserved healthy
cells in a variety of cancer types, such as pancreatic, liver, and breast
cancers [5].
Acetogenins attack cancer cells'
mitochondria, preventing them from producing energy and ultimately causing cell
death [6].
4. Turmeric (Curcuma
longa)
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| Photo by Vasanth Kumar on Unsplash |
Turmeric is not unique to rainforests.
It grows extensively throughout
tropical regions, including the Amazon forests.
Curcumin is the primary active compound
in turmeric. It has shown significant anti-cancer properties.
Many studies have found its ability to
inhibit multiple stages of cancer cell development [7].
A study published claims that curcumin is a useful
substance for treating a variety of cancers such as lung, breast, and
colon cancer [8].
5. Periwinkle (Catharanthus
roseus)
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| Photo by Kostiantyn Vierkieiev on Unsplash |
The Madagascar periwinkle is native to Madagascar. However, it can also be found in rainforests in South America.
It is an essential source of alkaloids
such as vincristine and vinblastine, which are currently utilized in
chemotherapy treatments for cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia [9].
These substances prevent the growth and
replication of cancer cells by interfering with cell division.
According to research published in cancer research, these alkaloids are very successful in treating aggressive cancer types, especially in pediatric oncology [9].
Mechanisms Behind
Rainforest Plants’ Anti-Cancer Properties
The special bioactive compounds found
in rainforest plants give them anti-cancer properties. Let’s look at some of
the mechanisms through which these compounds can combat cancer.
1. Inducing Apoptosis
Many rainforest plant compounds trigger
apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells.
For instance, lapachol from Lapacho and acetogenins from Graviola have been shown to activate this pathway [2].
To treat cancer, it is essential to
restore apoptosis because cancer cells frequently avoid it and continue to grow
unchecked.
2. Antioxidant
Activity
Free radicals can cause oxidative
stress. This can damage cells and lead to cancer.
Many rainforest plants, including Cat’s Claw and turmeric, are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants can neutralize these free radicals and reduce the risk of cell mutations. Cell mutations can often lead to cancer [7].
Therefore, these plants may prevent
cancer initiation and progression by reducing oxidative stress.
3. Immune System
Modulation
Certain rainforest plants, like cat's claw, strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell activity [4]. White blood cells are responsible for detecting and attacking cancer cells.
Increased immunity can strengthen the
body's defences against cancer and slow its spread.
4. Inhibition of
Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the development of new
blood vessels that supply nourishment to tumours. This is essential for the
spread of cancer.
Compounds like curcumin in turmeric prevent angiogenesis [7]. It starves the cancer cells of the nutrients they need to grow and spread.
5. Interference with
Cancer Cell Signaling
Rainforest plants contain bioactive
compounds that can interfere with signalling pathways. It is the signalling
pathways that control the growth, multiplication, and survival of cancer
cells.
For instance, curcumin interrupts several pathways. This makes it a versatile anti-cancer drug [7].
There are several obstacles to overcome
before rainforest plants can be used as a standard cancer treatment, despite
their promising qualities.
For starters, it can be challenging to
grow many of these plants outside of their natural habitats, which makes
harvesting sustainable problematic.
Furthermore, since a large portion of
the current research has been restricted to cell lines and animal
studies.
Therefore, additional clinical trials
are required to confirm their safety and effectiveness in humans.
However, because of their potential to
produce a new generation of anti-cancer medications, pharmaceutical companies
and research institutions are investing in rainforest plant research.
Currently, these natural substances are
synthesized or altered to increase their efficacy and accessibility for medical
use.
Recommended Reading: Can Diet Help Prevent Cancer? A Science-Backed Guide to Anti-Cancer Food & Nutrition
Summary
- There is great potential for rainforest plants to combat cancer.
- Their bioactive substances have been carefully cultivated over millennia to fend off illnesses.
- They provide mechanisms to stop the spread of cancer and improve patient outcomes.
- These plants are great sources for developing alternative treatments that complement traditional therapies.
- As research advances, rainforest ecosystem conservation must be given top priority because it may hold the secret to not only curing cancer but also other illnesses.
- It is a lengthy journey from the rainforest to the research lab.
- However, this is one of the most promising areas of modern medicine because of the potential rewards.