Claims rhubarb pigment 'could help cancer crumble'

Conclusion This study found that a chemical found in rhubarb called physcion, and related chemicals, are able to reduce cancer cell growth in the lab and in mice. They do this by blocking a protein called 6PGD. While the chemical is found in rhubarb – where it produces an orange pigment – it was concentrated for use in this study and a slightly modified form was used in the mice.  As yet, these chemicals have only been tested on human cancer cells in the laboratory and injected into mice. We therefore can't conclude eating rhubarb is going to "save your life", as implied by the Daily Express' front page. Overall, these findings open another avenue for investigating potential cancer treatments. Much more research will be needed to make sure these chemicals are effective and safe enough to progress to testing in humans. We will need to wait to see the results of these studies before we know whether these chemicals could become anti-cancer drugs in the future. This early stage of research is vital for the development of new cancer drugs, but unfortunately not all of the chemicals that show promise at this stage will go on to be successful cancer treatments. Links To The Headlines Cancer-killing drug made of rhubarb will be ready 'within years'. Daily Express, October 20 2015 Could rhubarb crumble help fight cancer? Orange-coloured compound in vegetable kills tumours cells. Mail Online, October 19 2015 Links To Science Lin R, Elf S, Shan C, et al. 6-Phospho...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Source Type: news