Founded in North Africa and the Middle East, the white grass sagebrush contains compounds capable of treating this malignant tumor of the mucosa of the colon or rectum.
- The white grass, or Artemisia Herba-Alba, is a plant rich in phytochemical constituents, which is used to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension and diabetes in North Africa and the Middle East.
- Its extract contains many active compounds, whose properties are capable of stopping the growth of cancer cells and killing them.
- This plant could pave the way for innovative treatments against colorectal cancer.
“Absinthe common”, “white absinthe” or “white grass”, these are the various names given to the white grass, scientifically known under the name of Artemisia Herba-Alba. This plant, rich in phytochemical constituents, grows in North Africa and the Middle East. In these regions, the inhabitants use it to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension and diabetes. In a new study, researchers from the University of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) have revealed that it would be promising for the treatment of colorectal cancer, for which it is necessary to find new therapeutic strategies, because traditional care does not work Not always and cause many side effects.
Thanks to its active compounds, the white grassy sagebrush prevents the growth of cancer cells
To achieve this conclusion, the latter collected Air Parts of Artemisia Herba-Alba in southern Jordan in May 2021. They were dried in the open air at room temperature and protected from direct sunlight for Avoid deterioration of sensitive components. Once dried, the vegetable material has been crushed mechanically into a thin powder with particles not exceeding 0.5 millimeters. “This preliminary step was carried out to improve the effectiveness of the following extraction process, guaranteeing the greatest possible amount of extracted phytochemical compounds”said scientists who then examined the impact of the extract “On cellular viability, apoptosis, the progression of the cell cycle and the effects on the Pi3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway”.
The results of the study, published in the journal Food Science & Nutritionhave shown that the extract of the white grass sagebrush contained bioactive compounds, in particular ephedrine, hydroxyflavone, quinolinic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, borneol, β-eudesmol and camphor, known for their cytotoxic properties. Their properties are able to combat colorectal cancer with different degrees of efficiency. According to the team, the extract has stopped the growth of cancer cells and killed them, regardless of their specific genetic characteristics.
A “natural source to develop innovative therapies against colorectal cancer”
Another observation: the latter disturbed the cell cycle and reduces protein activity such as Cycline B1 and CDK1, which are crucial for the division of cancer cells. In addition, he blocked the Pi3K/AKT/MTOR path, which plays a major role in the development of the tumor. “Our work highlights the immense potential of Artemisia Herba-Alba as a natural source to develop innovative therapies against colorectal cancer, meeting the urgent need for treatments with fewer side effects and greater efficiency”, concluded the authors.
