Scientists from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates have found that an extract of the aromatic herb Artemisia herba-alba may be an effective tool in the fight against colorectal cancer. The study results were published on the scientific platform PubMed, Gazeta reports.
Artemisia herba-alba, which grows widely in North Africa and the Middle East, has traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat bronchitis, diarrhea, hypertension, and diabetes.
Biochemical analysis of the plant revealed that it contains active compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting their destruction. These effects were observed regardless of the genetic characteristics of the cancer cells. The most pronounced therapeutic impact was recorded in colorectal cancer models.
Researchers also noted that the wormwood extract disrupts the cell cycle by reducing the activity of key proteins such as cyclin B1 and CDK1, which play an essential role in cancer cell division. In addition, the extract contains substances that block the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, a mechanism known to be critically involved in cancer development.
According to the scientists, these findings confirm the extract’s potential selective cytotoxic effect, making Artemisia herba-alba a promising complementary option for future colorectal cancer treatment research.
