Scientists for long have been trying to designs treatment methods for cancer that have fewer side effects than chemotherapy and radiation. And, Indian scientists now have struck a pot of gold , having discovered anti-cancer molecules from turmeric. The researchers from the Bhopal-based Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) claim that their discovery will revolutionise cancer treatment. Vice Chancellor, Professor Piyush Trivedi and his doctoral student Dr. C. Karthikeyan also informed that they have applied for a US patent of the discovery of the new anti-cancer molecules code named CTR-17 and CTR-20. The research was carried out in collaboration with Canada-based Advanced Medical Research Institute s Dr. Hyoun Lee s team. Also Read - Cancer patients more likely to get severe COVID-19: Tips to prevent the viral infection

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Prof, Trivedi said that they were inspired by the healing properties of turmeric as it used as antiseptic and given to almost everyone for treating various ailments, plus, it is easily available. They have studied it for in depth for almost 10 years and have discovered the molecule based on their findings. He claims that the molecule has magical effects on treating cancer during pre-clinical trials. Here is everything you need to know about latest advances in cancer treatment. Also Read - Role of hypertension drugs in colorectal cancer treatment

The anti-cancer properties of the molecules–

He explained that the newly discovered molecules are novel in the sense that unlike other drugs that have side effects when one undergoes chemotherapy, these molecules target and destroy only cancerous cells and does not damage other vital cells of the body.

Dr. C. Karthikeyan who was also the part of the team that carried out the research explained that both the molecules elicit anti-cancer activity by preventing the division or proliferation of cancer cells. To prevent the growth of cancer cells, the molecules inhibit a protein called tubulin that is important for cellular functions like chromosome segregation during cell division, intracellular transport, development and maintenance of cell shape, cell motility and distribution of molecules in cell membranes. (Read: 10 new antibodies to battle against cancer found)

Prof. Trivedi also said that apart from these two molecules, they had discovered 22 other molecules and their preclinical trials have produced very encouraging results which might be boon for cancer patients. The pre-clinical trials were conducted in Canada and they were ready to conduct clinical trials of the discovered molecules on mice.

The results —

Lab studies have shown that both CTR-17 and CTR-20 increased the life span of the animal affected with tumours. The molecules showed tumour regression in mice models without showing any long-term adverse effects especially less toxicity. Furthermore, the molecules when used in combination with paclitaxel–an anti-0cancer drug in clinical use, they showed strong synergistic effects on multi-drug resistant cells.

Prof. Trivedi claimed that CTS molecules when tested alone or in combination with paclitaxel, possess strong anti-tumour activity without notable side effects on animals. These findings warrant clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy in humans.

He added that this discovery is path breaking especially because cancer has become world’s dreaded killer accounting for 8.2 million deaths in 2012 as per the World Cancer Report. (Read: 5 interesting facts about biological therapy for cancer)

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