Artichoke extract possible new weapon against mesothelioma

Italy and Canada leading the first clinical trial in the world. The Institute Regina Elena, who, along with McMaster University, will analyze the properties of the plant for a year on people with strong risk factors

Artichoke

The artichoke could be the new weapon against mesothelioma, a serious form of cancer caused by asbestos, which affects about 2,000 people each year. Headlining the first clinical trial based on the extract of this own common vegetable is the Istituto Regina Elena, along with the Canadian McMaster University, will analyze the properties of the plant for a year on people with strong risk factors, such as plaques from lung asbestos. The project was presented at the International Workshop on metabolism, diet and chronic diseases, it is all "made in Italy", because the compound used for the testing was developed by a company of our country.

In Italy the incidence of this type of cancer linked to exposure to asbestos, material banned for twenty years but still widespread, "continues to grow" and "is expected to peak by 2020," said John Blandino, responsible Laboratory of Translational oncogenomic Regina Elena.

"In our study - adds Sabrina Strano, a researcher of the Area of ​​Molecular Medicine - experience, first in the world, chemoprevention with a natural substance and cost. If our intuitions are confirmed, would open the way for a revolution." The results of the experiment should be ready in 12 months.