The Biology, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Institute of the Colombo University claims that for the fist time in the world, they have found that a chemical compounds extracted from the Margosa (Azadirachta indica) plant are capable of destroying cancer stem cells.
The experts of the BMBBI say they were able to prove the capabilities of the substance extracted from the Margosa tree, which is regarded as a treasure of medicine through an internationally accepted advanced scientific research methodology.
Dr. Sameera R. Samarakone and Senior Prof. Kamani Thennakone led the research team comprising Dr. Meran Ediriweera, Dr. Punya Piyathilaka, Dr. Asitha Siriwardena, Kathika Mayan, Daniel, Rana Mohan, Laxmiga Tharmaraja, Uma Rajagopalan, Kaniska Senathila and Prof. Ira Thabrew.
Prof. Nedra Karunarathna and Dr. Nuwanthi Katuwawela assisted the research work by deploying Nano Technology techniques. The first stage of the research fund was received from the Biochemical Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Institute and the National Science Foundation is providing the financial contribution from the beginning of 2017.
“The chemical compounds presently being used to treat cancer is hardly effective in destroying the cancer stem cells. Therefore, in our research we were able to find new chemical compounds capable of destroying the specific protein that directly attributable to the growth of cancer. With such compounds, the cancer could be definitely eliminated”, an expert in the research team said.