Discovering Plant Compounds and Cancer-Fighting Properties of Torenia Crustacea

Jenn Hoskins
31st July, 2024

Discovering Plant Compounds and Cancer-Fighting Properties of Torenia Crustacea

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study from Pratikhsha Institute focused on the medicinal plant Torenia crustacea, traditionally used in various cultures
  • Researchers identified bioactive compounds in T. crustacea, including flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinone glycosides
  • T. crustacea showed promising antioxidant activity, comparable to ascorbic acid, indicating its potential to neutralize harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • The plant extracts demonstrated significant in-vitro anticancer properties, suggesting potential for developing new anticancer therapies
Herbal medicine has long been valued for its therapeutic benefits and minimal side effects. The latest study from Pratikhsha Institute explores the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer properties of Torenia crustacea, a plant traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties[1]. This research aims to identify the bioactive compounds in T. crustacea and evaluate their potential in combating cancer. The researchers began by collecting and authenticating the plant before drying, grinding, and extracting its compounds using solvents of increasing polarity. This extraction process helps to isolate different types of phytochemicals based on their solubility. The extracts were then subjected to phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) analysis, which revealed the presence of flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds are known for their antioxidant and therapeutic properties. The study's findings are significant because oxidative stress, an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify them, plays a crucial role in cancer development[2]. The antioxidant activity of T. crustacea was evaluated by comparing it with ascorbic acid, a standard antioxidant. The results showed that T. crustacea exhibits promising antioxidant activity with a low IC50 value, indicating its efficiency in neutralizing ROS. Further, the in-vitro anticancer activity of T. crustacea was tested, yielding encouraging results. The extracts demonstrated significant anticancer properties, suggesting that the plant could be developed into a potent anticancer agent. This aligns with previous studies that have linked chronic inflammation and oxidative stress to cancer progression[3]. By reducing oxidative stress, T. crustacea could potentially inhibit the pathways that lead to tumor growth and metastasis. This study also builds on earlier research on the medicinal properties of plants. For instance, Lindernia crustacea has shown antiviral effects against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), highlighting the potential of plant-based compounds in treating viral infections and possibly cancer[4]. The current study on T. crustacea extends this understanding by focusing on its anticancer properties, thus broadening the scope of herbal medicine in modern healthcare. The research methods involved in this study were thorough and systematic. The use of solvents with increasing polarity ensured the comprehensive extraction of phytochemicals. TLC analysis provided a visual representation of the compounds present, and various identification tests confirmed their nature. These steps were crucial in establishing the antioxidant and anticancer potential of T. crustacea. In conclusion, the study by Pratikhsha Institute on T. crustacea offers promising insights into the plant's antioxidant and anticancer properties. By identifying and testing the bioactive compounds, the researchers have laid the groundwork for developing new anticancer therapies. This research not only contributes to our understanding of herbal medicine but also underscores the potential of plant-based compounds in treating modern diseases like cancer.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Exploring the phytochemicals and in-vitro anticancer activities of Torenia crustacea

Published 30th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-024-00011-4

Related Studies

2) Oxidative Stress: Harms and Benefits for Human Health.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8416763

3) Chronic Inflammation's Transformation to Cancer: A Nanotherapeutic Paradigm.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114413

4) Bioactive constituents of Lindernia crustacea and its anti-EBV effect via Rta expression inhibition in the viral lytic cycle.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112493


Related Articles

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙