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Russian scientists find anti-cancer substances in orchid tubers

According to Lavr Kryukov, Head of the Laboratory of innovative technologies for the production of plants of the UNN Botanical Garden, the healing properties of orchid tubers have been long known. However, the plant was mostly considered as a means for the prophylaxis of gastrointestinal diseases.



"We started to study orchids a year ago, we analyzed orchid tuberous roots and identified biologically active components with anti-cancer properties", says Kryukov. "The demand for these components is very high", notes the researcher. In particular, one of the components found in orchid tubers is squalene, which is also obtained from shark liver for producing expensive drugs. Another substance found in tubers is lupeol, which is more effective in inhibiting tumors than the drugs currently used for chemotherapy.

"At this stage, we need to examine the entire set of bioactive components, to determine their percentage composition and to analyze the entire group. After that, we will begin laboratory tests on animals", continues Kryukov.

In his opinion, this potential natural cure for cancer should better be used as plant-extracted material for preventive treatment, and it will have a definite advantage over the chemical treatment, since it has no side effects. However, as botanists note, cultivation of orchids in their natural environment is very difficult. In nature, it takes from 2 to 5 years for the tubers to grow, while in laboratory conditions, in a specially designed medium, they can be grown in one year.

Alexander Shirokov, Director of the UNN Botanical Garden notes that Lobachevsky University researchers have been engaged in the study and cultivation of orchids for many years. The collection of the Botanical Garden has about 800 species of orchids, including some species that disappeared from the map of the Russian Federation more than 80 years ago.

Source: Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod
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