Varsities to study plant-based medicines for cance

MANIPAL: The role of indigenous plant-based medicines in the domain of oncology can be further explored to elucidate and understand new biochemical pathways to treat cancer. The results of these studies, if found useful, will increase awareness of risks/benefits associated with plant-based therapeutics. Hence, this will allow cancer patients to make informed choices about their lifestyle practices and treatment options, said Professor Vikash Sewram, director, Oncology Research Unit and leader of the team of South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) visiting Manipal University.

The SAMRC's Oncology Research Unit and Manipal Life Sciences Centre (MLSC) of Manipal University are jointly engaged in collaborative research related to cancer through an award provided by the National Research foundation of South Africa and Department of Sconce and Technology, Government of India. The will be done over a period of three years, under Indo-South African bilateral co-operation programme in Science and Technology.

Dr K Sathyamoorthy, director of MLSC, Manipal, is leading the Indian counterpart, while the South African team consists of A G Dakshinamuthry, Yen-Ju Shen and M G Matasbisa, all leading scientists of SA, who have been in Manipal for the past three days, meeting leading doctors, scientists and visiting MLSC laboratories etc, connected with oncology and cancer research.

Prof Sewram talking to `The Times of India' said since many plants used in South Africa are also used in India. This project will also validate claims on Indian and medicines used in South Africa. Both the research teams (SA and India) Sewram said, will contribute to ensuring the success of project through the development of human capacity in cancer research. Technical transfer of leading technologies will ensure that the best science is applied in this area of research.

Prof Sewram observed the Manipal Life Science Centre being a centre of excellence on Pharmacogenomics and Translational medicine, especially in treating cancer, using the state-of-the-art technology available at MLSC. "We can expound on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of chemotherapeutic drugs and their repetitive interaction with indigenous medicines," he said. Prof Sewram said the need for enhanced quality of life and improved outcomes have resulted in patients seeking complementary and alternative forms of therapy including the intake of herbal products and African traditional medicine (ATM) supplemental to conventional oncology care.

However, such interventions in South Africa lack evidence of efficacy, hence, the benefits of such therapies remain largely anecdotal. This raises concern about the safety of patients receiving both conventional and traditional modes of therapy, as it is unclear whether such complementary forms of therapy may enhance or negate the effects of conventional cancer medicine. Hence, this research project therefore aims to provide an evidence based for the use of indigenous plant based medicines and commercially available herbal and dietary supplements in the domain of oncology.