City scientists decode how to use Neem to cure cancer

HYDERABAD: In a significant development, city scientists have decoded how Nimbolide, a phytochemical obtained from the leaves and flowers of the Neem tree could prove to be an effective weapon in the fight against cancer.



Though Nimbolide has been found to be effective against various cancers, a commercial drug based on the chemical has eluded researchers for years now. But local scientists have discovered that Nimbolide is not absorbed well by the body if taken orally, thus reducing its efficacy — something that has been a major hurdle in the manufacture of medicines based on Nimbolide.

Researchers from the citybased National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) have decoded the enigma behind the low bioavailability (absorption by the body) of Nimbolide, thus enabling its use in cancer treatment effectively. The team from NIPER tested the compound intravenously (IV) with a high success rate. This suggests that Nimbolide must be used intravenously instead of orally.

The Neem tree, which finds several uses in Indian systems of medicine, is known for its multiple pharmacological effects including fighting cancerous cells and their spread (metastasis) to neighbouring healthy cells. Nimbolide has been tested in lab (in vitro or test tube) and in animal (in vivo) models for cancers of pancreas, throat and prostate.

Incidentally, another team of researchers from Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) earlier discovered anti-cancer properties in Nimbolide.

In the first-ever pharmacokinetic profile detailing how Nimbolide acts inside the body, the NIPER-IICT team comprising SM Baira, A Khurana, J Somagoni, R Srinivas, C Godugu, and MVNK Talluri said the chemical shows poor oral absorption at different doses (10, 30 and 50 mg/kg) in rats.

“As expected, higher plasma levels were observed upon intravenous (10mg/kg) administration. This method can be extended for evaluation of drug interaction and drug metabolism, in rats as well as in humans,” they said. The result of the study was published in the latest issue of the Journal of Chromatography B.

The researchers said their rapid and sensitive method may help in fast-tracking the development of preclinical formulations and optimization for future drug development of this potent anti-cancer agent.

Nimbolide induces cell death) in cancerous cells. According to researchers, Nimbolide holds the much-needed promise to the treatment of difficult cancers in the future.