UJ researchers unlock cancer-fighting potential in common weed
The Witness reports that the plant, often dismissed as an invasive weed, through the doctors' findings published in Nature Scientific Reports, revealed that extracts from the plant's ripe fruit exhibit potent activity against both aggressive brain cancer cells and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Led by Dr Abraham Goodness Ogofure, alongside Dr Tendani Sebola and Professor Ezekiel Green (leader) of the Molecular Pathogenic and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, the study found that the ripe fruit contains 15 distinct bioactive compounds, three times more than the unripe fruit.
Among these, alkaloids and terpenoids account for over 50%, both known for their therapeutic potential.
'Through advanced LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, we detected — but have not yet isolated — these compounds,' said Ogofure.
'While our findings show strong anticancer activity in the extracts against glioblastoma cells, we do not yet know which specific compounds are responsible for this effect. Encouragingly, the extracts had minimal impact on healthy lung cells, suggesting potential selectivity.'
The antibacterial results were equally significant, with the plant extract demonstrating activity against 11 harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and E.Coli.
'These findings come at a crucial time, as antibiotic resistance is estimated to contribute to five million deaths globally each year,' said Ogofure.
Sebola highlighted the broader implications.
'It's fascinating that a plant often removed as a nuisance may offer tools to tackle two of the most pressing global health threats: cancer and antimicrobial resistance,' Sebola said.
Looking ahead, the research team plans to isolate individual compounds from the extract, evaluate them against glioblastoma and other pathogens, and explore the effects of using consortia of these compounds in combination.
'This is just the beginning,' said Green.
'This work is about more than just a plant — it's about rethinking how we perceive biodiversity. Sometimes, what we consider weeds may hold the key to transformative medical breakthroughs.'
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