Cancer, the second leading cause of death globally, remains a significant challenge for societies, healthcare systems, and affected individuals worldwide. Adding to this challenge are complex disparities in access to and use of cancer care, basic and clinical research, and clinical trials, as well as disparities in cultural beliefs and genetics. Cancer research ranges from epidemiology, molecular bioscience to the performance of clinical trials to evaluate and compare applications of the various cancer treatments. Doctors and scientists conduct research studies to find better ways to prevent and treat cancer.
A researcher at Saint Louis University, Dr. Ratna Ray, has recently completed work on the effects of a popular Indian fruit called bitter melon on cancer cells. Ray’s work suggests that the bitter melon has the potential to delay the growth of cancer cells and tumours. The bitter fruit is an example of natural treatment, and Ray hopes that paired with other conventional cancer treatments, it will help slow the progression of the disease and may even prevent its recurrence.
The bitter melon fruit works to fight cancer with properties that inhibit the growth and reproduction of cancer cells and promote cell apoptosis, also known as cancer cell death. Though these effects have been shown in the animal models, it’s not sure how true these hold in humans. The research is shown to be successful in reducing the replication of head, neck, prostate, and breast cancer cells when used along with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy.
Nature is filled with many medicinal plants, like the bitter melon, that are capable of treating a wide range of diseases. Bitter melon can be found in most Asian markets and can be consumed in different forms, including in a smoothie or even fried. It is important that these studies are carried out on a regular basis to fight chronic and deadly diseases.
Radhika Boruah