Scientists have found that the avocado fruits have anti-collar properties. The plant suppresses an enzyme that promotes the growth of cancer cells during leukemia. The authors hope that this unexpected discovery will help develop a drug to combat blood cancer. The results of this study were published in the Blood magazine.
Acute myeloid leukemia is considered the most destructive form of leukemia. Most often, people over 65 people suffer from the disease. Less than ten percent of patients survives five years after diagnosis. They are rarely carried out chemotherapy, and more often they simply have palliative care. The preparations used in the treatment are toxic and can lead to patient death, so scientists are trying to find harmless substances to combat leukemia.
Scientists from the USA and Canada under the direction of Paul Sponolo from the University of Guelf to Ontario investigated natural products and nutritional supplements, potentially effective against leukemia. They were looking for a substance capable of suppress VLCAD enzyme, participating in the metabolism of leukemic cells.
“is the first time VLCAD was identified by us as a target when dealing with cancer,” Spannolo said.
According to him, the researchers managed to find that the fruit of an avocado, comprising the Avocatin B substance, can suppress the enzyme critical for the growth of cancer cells. Prior to this, the opening of avocatin in has already passed clinical trials as an additive for treating diabetes.
Previously, the culinary and writer Olga Ivenskaya called avocado cholesterol destroyer in the human body. According to the specialist, avocado is absolutely harmless, it does not cause allergies. In addition, the fruits are enriched with potassium more than bananas, and contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to the best functioning of organs, including hearts.