Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
In a significant breakthrough for patients suffering from severe diseases like lung and breast cancer, Shama Parveen, a researcher at Motherhood University in Dehradun, has developed a plant-based cancer medicine. The formulation, created using leaves from plants native to Uttarakhand, was granted a patent under the UK design type on September 24. This discovery has been guided by scientists from five renowned universities, including GB Pant Agricultural and Technology University in Pantnagar of district Udham Singh Nagar.
Professor MGH Zaidi, the head of the chemistry department at GB Pant University, explained that the rapid increase in cancer cases, particularly breast cancer among women, is primarily linked to modern food habits and changing climatic conditions. “Cancer is an advanced form of tumor, often caused by microbial infections,” said Professor Zaidi.
The research involved synthesizing gold nanoparticles using an eco-friendly method and plant leaves found in the state. This formulation was then tested on lung and breast cancer cell lines in diseased animals. In these tests, when a concentration of 33.3 micrograms per milliliter was used, the cancer cells were found to be 100% eradicated.
“The formulation is not only anti-cancer but also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, which minimizes the risk of secondary infections in the body,” Parveen said. Since the internal structure of animals and humans is similar, it is expected that the treatment will be equally effective in humans.
Vice-Chancellor of Pantnagar Motherhood University Narendra Sharma praised the discovery, emphasizing the collaboration between multiple experts. “The success of this research is the result of collective efforts under the guidance of various scientists,” he said. The key contributors include researchers and professors such as Rekha Rikhari, Shivali Bisht, MGH Zaidi, and Samina Mahtab from Pantnagar University; Madhusudan from Rohilkhand University, Bareilly; Sharad Agarwal from LIMT, Greater Noida; Anuj Kandwal from Harsh PG College, Haridwar; and Sudeepa from Kanpur University.
The research team is now focusing on developing a device to detect cancer using this technology. “We are analyzing the anti-tumor effect of gold nanoparticles and working on a device that can instantly identify cancer in animals and humans,” said Professor Zaidi, adding, “The formulation, made by extracting medicinal components from Uttarakhand-based plants, synthesizes gold nanoparticles, which have shown remarkable toxicity to cancer cells. The research is a major step forward in finding eco-friendly, plant-based solutions to cancer treatment”.
