Herb offers new hope to leukaemia sufferers
A popular Chinese herb may provide new hope for leukaemia patients who fail to find matching bone marrow for a transplant.
Scientists at the Polytechnic University have found that Gleditsia sinensis can induce self-destruction of cancer cells.
They also say it could be an alternative to the expensive 'wonder drug' Glivec in treating blood cancer and could eventually be used on other forms of cancer.
The herb, from a small tree also known as Chinese honey locust, is commonly used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, or to relieve constipation.
Researcher Johnny Tang Cheuk-on said laboratory testing showed the herb could 'induce self-destruction of cancer cells'.
'The extract from Gleditsia sinensis is found to be able to cut the supply of nutrients to cancer cells through blood vessels,' said Dr Tang, assistant professor in the university's department of applied biology and chemical technology.
He said it was hoped that a herbal product could be clinically used on patients within three years.
His team had researched the herb since 2000 and had recently confirmed its anti-cancer function.
The team hoped the herb could prolong the life of patients who could not find matching bone marrow for a transplant.
Dr Tang said preliminary laboratory testing showed the herb might suppress the growth of other cancers such as breast, prostate and nasopharyngeal cancers.
It might also provide a cheaper alternative to Glivec, the costly 'wonder drug' for blood cancer.
Glivec has been the subject of heated debate after the Hospital Authority decided not to subsidise its use. Glivec costs $16,000 to $20,000 a month per patient.
The Polytechnic University yesterday signed an agreement with the Jackson Laboratory in the US to carry out a joint project to further research Gleditsia sinensis, such as animal testing.
