Chamomile May Inhibit Breast Cancer Growth
Recent research indicates that chamomile extractcan induce the death of cancer cells by affecting their mitochondria, without harming healthy cells.
Promising Findings in Breast Cancer Research
According to a report by Fars News Agency from Kermanshah, German chamomile, a medicinal plant traditionally valued for its therapeutic properties, has recently garnered scientific attention as a potential aid in breast cancer treatment.
Dr. Zahra Rashidi, a faculty member in the Department of Anatomical Sciences at Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, shared insights from her research on the effects of chamomile on cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action
Fars News Agency:How does chamomile affect cancer cells?
Dr. Rashidi:Cancer treatment remains a significant medical challenge. One approach to combating this disease is by disrupting the metabolism of cancer cells. Our research focused on how German chamomile extract influences mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells.
Cancer cells require large amounts of energy to survive and proliferate. This energy is primarily generated by mitochondria. Our study demonstrated that German chamomile disrupts mitochondrial function, increases free radical production, and ultimately induces cell death in cancer cells.
Research Outcomes
The findings of this study are highly promising:
• Chamomile extract significantly reduces the growth of breast cancer cells.
• It elevates oxidative stress levels in cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
• Unlike cancer cells, healthy breast cells remain unaffected by chamomile extract.
Potential Role in Cancer Treatment
Fars News Agency:Can chamomile replace chemotherapy?
Dr. Rashidi:Chamomile alone cannot replace conventional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. However, it holds promise as a complementary therapy alongside standard treatments. Our goal is to enhance cancer treatment efficacy by integrating herbal medicine with modern therapeutic approaches. Currently, we are in the preclinical research phase, and further clinical studies are needed to confirm chamomile’s effectiveness in cancer therapy. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that this plant has significant potential in supporting breast cancer treatment.
Research on the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants in combating severe diseases continues, and it is hoped that in the future, German chamomile may become an integral part of breast cancer treatment.