Two Common Herbs Found To Have Anti-Cancer Properties: How Can We Use Them?

 Could plants hold the secrets to fight cancer? Turns out, yes! Plant scientists have found an anti-cancer compound in thyme and oregano.

The anti-cancer compound found in these herbs can help suppress tumor development. Even then, don't start adding thyme and oregano to your diet in abundance just yet.

How will anti-cancer properties be used?

The anti-cancer properties of these herbs may be unlocked by amplifying the amount of compound material in the herbs or by synthesising the compound to aid drug development.

Conducted by researchers at Purdue University, the development could mainstream the use of herbal compounds in the pharmaceutical industry. With focus on mapping its biosynthetic pathway, the researchers could create a "molecular recipe of the ingredients and steps needed," Phys.org reported.

According to Natalia Dudareva from Purdue's College of Architecture, the plans contain important compounds in extremely low quantities and simple extraction isn't enough. By using these anti-cancer properties of these herbs, scientists could engineer plants to have a higher concentration of these compounds, which would make its medical use possible.

What creates anti-cancer properties?

Thymol, carvacrol, and thymohydroquinone are flavour compounds found in herbs like thyme and oregano. All of these plants belong Lamiaceae family and possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to humans.

Findings from the study were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Using these findings, scientists could develop "cultivars" that produce the beneficial compounds from these herbs, or simple incorporate those into microorganisms like yeast for production.

What do you think about using beneficial properties of the plants to fight diseases? Let us know in the comments below.  For more in the world of tech and science, keep

courtesy-Indiatimes.com