Pharmaceutical treatment of cancer with jasmine extract

Can a substance in jasmine be the key to a new therapy to treat cancer?

Professor Eliezer Flescher of Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University agrees. He and his colleagues recently studied an anticancer drug based on a decade-long study of commercial applications of Jasmonate compounds - a synthetic compound derived from jasmine. Professor Flescher began studying the compound about a decade ago. Along with his recent research on new pharmaceuticals, he began picking the first successful fruits.

Professor Flescher expressed: 'Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is made up of a kind of plant stress hormone. I asked myself, 'Are there other types of plant stress hormones that are effective for treatment?' While many studies suggest that aspirin can prevent cancer, especially colon cancer, I realize that there may be an opportunity to find a potential plant hormone to prevent cancer. Higher results. I mean jasmonate '.

A step forward from nature into the pharmacy

Both leukemia and solid tumors react to the jasmonate compound, also known as methyl jasmonate. Professor Flescher calls it 'jasmonate scaffolding' - the basis for developing a system of chemical derivatives. In terms of biological availability as well as safety, the first study to be done on humans has been successful . Prof. Flescher hopes that the anti-cancer drug with jasmonate ingredients will be available in the United States in the next 4 years thanks to Sepal - Pharma patenting his research as well as the technology transfer process. study Tel Aviv.

Jasmine (Iasminum officinale). (Photo: iStockphoto / Tatiana Buzuleac)

Researching pharmaceuticals often takes more time. 'Jasmonate compound is widely used in agriculture and cosmetics. It has been shown to have no toxicity. It has regulating properties like salt. These characteristics, along with our ongoing study of a natural chemical, give us a good starting point for creating new pharmaceuticals. '

Optimistic response from industry researchers

Other research groups also showed great interest. Since Prof. Flescher published articles on jasmonate (the latest article published in Oncogene), six new research groups around the world have also begun to study the topic.

The opinions of colleagues on Oncogene are also very positive for Professor Flescher's promising research. A commentary wrote: 'Metyla jasmonate has been shown to have an anti-cancer effect in theoretical studies, this finding may stimulate the production of a complete set of anti-cancer compounds. all new '.

Professor Flescher's research is the foundation for a promising new biotechnology company - Sepal - Pharma, where he works on a scientific advisory board. Sepal - Pharma is studying new compounds based on Jasmonate Scaffold compounds. Sepal - Pharma is also sponsoring a study done at Professor Flescher's lab.