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| A Kyung Hee University team of researchers poses in this handout photo. Fourth from left is Prof. Kim Bong-lee and on the right is Prof. Park Moon-nyeo. Courtesy of Kyung Hee University |
By Nam Hyun-woo
A team of researchers at Kyung Hee University's College of Korean Medicine has found herbal medicine compounds which have anti-cancer effects and reported the discovery in international journals.
A team of researchers led by Prof. Kim Bong-lee recently published an article on "Frontiers in Oncology" and reported that a compound called BK002 exhibited anti-cancer mechanisms in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), according to Kyung Hee University.
BK002 consists of Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJN) and Melandrium firmum Rohrbach (MFR), which are widely used herbal medicines in Korea. They are reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer traits, but their specific effect on CRPC has not been well reported.
"Our investigation found that BK002 showed more cellular cytotoxicity than AJN and MFR alone, suggesting that BK002 exhibited potential cytotoxic properties," the team said. The compound targeted cancer cells only when AJN and MFR are mixed in a ratio of 2:1, it added.
In separate articles published on "Frontiers in Oncology" and "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," the team also said it discovered that Daemonorops draco Blume and Leonurus japonicus Houttuyn extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects and induced apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cell lines.
The two ingredients are used to relieve pain and treat blood-related diseases in traditional Korean medicine and the team noted that the herbs showed targeted anti-cancer effects only on cancer cells, while healthy cells were not affected.
An official at Kyung Hee University said the team discovered the anti-cancer mechanism of the herbal medicines in detail, establishing grounds that traditional Korean medicine can be helpful in treating cancer patients. And the team is seeking to develop novel cancer treatments based on herbal medicines.
"We are also studying methods of combined use of BK002 and other existing cancer treatments, which can maximize the effect with less concerns over side effects," said Prof. Park Moon-nyeo, who is the lead author of the articles.
Kim, who is the corresponding author of the articles, said the team is also developing an artificial intelligence-powered database of herbal ingredients which showed anti-cancer effects.
"Also, we are seeking to develop a new substance delivery system by using a 3D printer, to allow Korean medicine doctors to have a wide range of choices when prescribing drugs."
