Himalayan Plant ‘Piruli’ Shows Promise in Treating Colon Cancer

A team of researchers has discovered that a Himalayan plant known as Piruli (scientifically called Chonemorpha verrucosa) may play a crucial role in developing new treatments for colon cancer. The study, led by Dr. Neha Sahu, Assistant Professor at Lucknow University, could open new frontiers in cancer therapy through the use of natural, plant-based compounds.

 

The research was conducted in collaboration with scientists from the Department of Botany and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lucknow University, along with experts from Hansraj College and Hospital, Chennai, and Ajeenkya DY Patil University, Gurugram. The findings have been published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of ACS Omega, a reputed international journal with an impact factor of 4.3.

 

Using advanced bioactivity-guided fractionation techniques, the research team identified specific chemical compounds within the Piruli plant that show strong anti-cancer potential, particularly against colon cancer cells. Laboratory tests revealed that these natural molecules significantly inhibited the growth and spread of cancerous cells, outperforming several synthetic drugs currently used in chemotherapy.

 

Dr. Sahu explained that this is the first study in India to scientifically validate the anti-cancer properties of the Piruli plant. The research demonstrates that the plant’s extracts exhibit cytotoxic (cell-killing) effects specifically on colon cancer cells, while being less harmful to healthy tissues.

 

According to Dr. Sahu, these results could pave the way for developing safe, affordable, and natural alternatives for cancer treatment, especially in developing countries where access to costly chemotherapy drugs remains limited. Further research and clinical trials are now being planned to explore its full therapeutic potential.