Author: Times News Network
Publication: The Times of India
Date: July 31, 2004
Introduction: Molecule in betel
left holds blood Cancer Drug promise
A city-based group of scientists
has staked claim to a major breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia,
or blood cancer The scientists, who are with the Indian Institute of Chemical
Biology (IICB), have identified a molecule in betel leaf (paan) which can
be effective in killing blood cancer cells.
"The use of betel leaf juice to
treat diseases is a common refrain in rural areas. We based our experiment
on this belief and started work on the immuno-protection capabilities of
the betel leaf. Our initial experiments revealed that it could be effective
against leukemia," IICB director Samir Bhattacharya said.
The molecule, identified as chlorogenic
acid, has been codenamed ICB-101. For the experiments, cancer cells were
obtained from the US and Europe. The tests revealed that while the molecule
was effective on blood cancer cells, it did not destroy non-cancerous cells.
"A major drawback with established forms of cancer therapy is that they
destroy noncancerous cells as well. In this system, we have found
that there are no effects," Bhattacharya said.
Elated by the response, the scientists
referred their work to international journal, 'Blood', which sought
several clarifications, including whether the molecule could be effective
in other forms of cancer like oral cancer. "The experiment was conducted
but proved unsuccessful. It is clear that only leukemia cells can
be targeted by the molecule," said Bhattacharya.
Animal trials have already been
conducted and the scientists are hopeful of starting the human trial soon.
"We have talked to the Indian Council for Medical Research about our discovery
Human trial of the drug is expected to start soon," Bhattacharya said.
If successful, the medicine developed
could be the first herb-based therapeutic drug for blood cancer The 12-member
team comprising IICB director and cell biologist Prof Samir Bhattacharya,
drug designer Chhabinath Mandal, medical chemist Bikas Pal and animal scientist
Aditya Konar among others has applied for US and global patents for the
molecule.
