Hyderabad-based scientists solve method to cure cancer through Neem

Scientists from Hyderabad have decoded how to use Neem as an effective weapon in the fight against cancer.

The city scientists have decoded a phytochemical obtained from the leaves and flowers of the Neem tree, Nimbolide to help cure cancer.

Nimbolide has been found to be effective against various cancers so far but a commercial drug based on the chemical has evaded the researchers for years. In a recent discovery, the local scientists found that Nimbolide is not absorbed well by the body if taken orally, hence becoming a major hurdle in the manufacture of medicines based on Nimbolide.

Researchers from the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in the city decoded the quandary behind the low bioavailability (absorption by the body) of Nimbolide which has paved its way for the use in cancer treatment effectively.

The team tested the compound for cancers of the pancreas, throat and prostate intravenously (IV) witnessing a high success rate indicating that Nimbolide must be used intravenously.