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Scientists around the world are constantly searching for ways to effectively fight cancer and move closer to its definitive cure. One of the promising compounds is artemisinin, a natural compound derived from the plant annual wormwood (Artemisia annua). According to research published in the journal Life Science, artemisinin can destroy up to 98% of cancer cells in just 16 hours.
How does artemisinin fight cancer?
The study focused on phenolic constituents found in medicinal plants, which include:
- phenolic acids,
- flavonoids,
- tannins,
- coumarins,
- lignans,
- quinones,
- stilbenes,
- curcuminoids.
These bioactive compounds have strong antioxidant effects and may help in both the prevention and treatment of cancer.
In laboratory experiments, scientists found that artemisinin alone can reduce the number of cancer cells by 28%. However, when combined with iron, its effectiveness increases dramatically – resulting in an almost complete destruction of cancer cells.
Artemisinin effectiveness confirmed by research
The scientific team that investigated the effects of artemisinin on lung tissue arrived at a surprising finding. Artemisinin selectively attacks cancer cells, while healthy cells remain unharmed. This is a huge step forward in the search for effective and safe anti-cancer therapies.
„Our results show that artemisinin successfully halts the transcription factor E2F1, which is key to the growth and division of cancer cells. This means that artemisinin may play a crucial role in regulating processes that affect the proliferation of tumor cells,“ state the scientists from the Cancer Research Laboratory at the University of California.
Annual wormwood – a medicinal herb with enormous potential
Artemisinin is not new to the world of medicine. In the past it was used as an effective drug against malaria, but it is now showing promise as a significant helper in the fight against cancer.
Annual wormwood (Artemisia annua) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Thanks to its high content of natural antioxidants and other medicinal compounds, this herb is highly valued. If its active components are combined with modern science, it could become a revolutionary means in the treatment of oncological diseases.
The future of research and use of artemisinin
Although laboratory study results are promising, further research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of artemisinin in human patients through clinical trials.
One thing is certain – natural substances like artemisinin can play a key role in future cancer treatment. Experts hope that this compound will become a routine part of anti-cancer therapies in the future, and that it will do so with minimal side effects.
