A new study published in the journal Oncotarget examined the effectiveness of three natural substances, three investigational drugs, and one clinical drug in stopping the growth of cancer cells. This study was carried out by researchers at the University of Salford (Great Britain).
The 3 natural substances studied for their effects on cancer were caffeic acid (a derivative of bee honey), silibinin (milk thistle), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). The study aimed to disrupt the metabolism of cancer stem cells and ultimately prevent their growth.
Vitamin C 10 times more effective than an experimental treatment
The study found that vitamin C was 10 times more effective than any of the experimental treatments at preventing cancer stem cells from forming. Ascorbic acid works by inhibiting glycolysis, the process by which glucose is broken down inside the cell’s mitochondria and turned into energy to help the cell proliferate.
A promising agent for clinical trials
“This is further evidence that the vitamin, like other non-toxic and readily available compounds, may have a role to play in the fight against cancer.” says Dr Gloria Bonuccelli, lead author of the study.
“Our results indicate that vitamin C is a promising agent for clinical trials, in combination with more conventional therapies, to prevent tumor recurrence, disease progression and metastasis”, adds the doctor.
Read also :
Cancers: they will increase faster in women within 20 years
4 out of 10 cancers could be prevented
