Clapper, Patti, Schweizer and Mason

The natural world has given us some of the most unexpected and unlikely cures for diseases and ailments – such as eating a specific tree’s bark for pain (aspirin) – but now new research suggests that a common plant compound can actually kill malignant mesothelioma cells.  Previous research has revealed that organic compounds commonly found in pond scum, red wine, and aspirin can indeed benefit mesothelioma patients.  This new compound, however, is common in a wide variety of easily accessible sources. 

Quercetin (Qu) is the subject of intense study by cancer researchers in Korea.  The compound is found in red onions, certain types of tea, and the skins of red apples among other fruits and vegetables.  Experimentation has revealed that quercetin can indeed induce apoptosis – programmed cell death – malignant pleural mesothelioma cancer cells.

Building on this discovery, Korean researchers tested the effectiveness of Qu in a laboratory setting.  They injected the substance into live mesothelioma cells in vitro.  The results were quite shocking.  Qu dramatically decreased “mesothelioma cell viability” and increased the “apoptotic cell death.”  This type of research into alternative mesothelioma treatments isn’t novel in Asian countries.  In fact, novel approaches to treating a variety of diseases with natural agents is commonplace in some Asian societies.  Perhaps this stems from their long-held beliefs in natural and holistic medicine or from their enthusiasm for non-drug oriented treatments.

Whatever the reason behind the experimentation, this apoptosis effect hinges on the relationship of Qu with SP1, a protein that is essential for tumor growth.  High levels of Qu inhibited expression of SP1 and therefore limited the cell’s ability to replicate.

While researchers aren’t promoting eating onions as an effective cure for mesothelioma, they did recommend that “… Sp1 be considered as a novel molecular target of Qu in human malignant pleural mesothelioma.”  Further research would be needed to determine the levels at which treatment with Qu was deemed effective and if those levels were even feasible in an actual human test subject.

For now, this new breakthrough remains just another novel approach for attacking an asbestos disease that strikes nearly 3,000 people in the United States every year.  Until further experimentation is conducted, traditional methods of treating mesothelioma still remain the most widely accepted and effective. 

Still, with research taking evermore expanding route toward finding treatments for this asbestos disease, it may well be that one of these highly experimental treatments someday becomes mainstream.  However, most of the research in Western Medicine revolves around various drugs or genetic therapies rather than examining the effects of natural substances. 

http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/news/view.asp?ID=001351