Researchers hope to have made a cancer breakthrough with its roots in nature after discovering that a tree native to the UAE could help the body to stem the spread of the disease.
The yusor tree has been a supportive presence in the region for hundreds of years, providing traditional medicines and a fruitful supply of oil for the ancient Egyptians and Jordan’s Bedouin.
Now the tree — known scientifically as Moringa peregrina — could be a key resource in the modern age because of its potential cancer cell-killing properties.
During laboratory tests, researchers at UAE University in Al Ain found that extracts of the tree were able to prevent breast cancer cells and colon cancer cells from proliferating. The extracts also killed the cancer cells.
One extract from leaves and stems was described by the researchers in the journal Horticulturae as showing a “remarkable” ability to prevent cells proliferating and to cause apoptosis, a programmed form of cell death.
The tests were carried out on cancer cell lines, which are populations of cells, originally derived from human tumours, that proliferate when grown in the laboratory.
“From this current work, it can be concluded that Moringa peregrina possesses strong anti-cancerous activity against breast cancer cells and colon cancer cells, which might be due to the presence of promising anti-cancer compounds in the tuber, leaves and stem of the plant,” the researchers wrote.
Study shows great promise
Dr Abdul Jaleel, an associate professor at UAE University and the study’s senior author, said extensive work went into the study.
“We did the study using various parts of the plant extracted with different solvents to understand the effects of all portions of the plant, and almost all extracts showed the effectiveness, but the chloroform extracts showed tremendous activity against the growth of the cancer cells,” he said.
The scientists carried out the research, which was supported by a grant from UAEU, because a related tree, Moringa oleifera, has previously been found to have anticancer properties.
To further understand the anti-cancer properties of Moringa peregrina, the various chemicals in the extracts need to be separated and analysed.
“To identify the compounds in the crude extract or the fraction will help to identify which compound or group of compounds impacts on the death of the cancer cells. Clinical studies are also required after the isolation of the particular compound,” said Prof Ayesha Al Dhaheri, another lead author in the UAEU study.
Exciting possibilities for research
According to Prof Michael Heinrich, a University College London professor of ethnopharmacology and pharmacognosy (the study of medicinal plants), who is not connected to the new study, “many plant extracts” show an ability to combat cancer cells in the laboratory.
“What will come out of it we don’t know yet, but it’s an interesting starting point — exciting and relevant,” he said of the new research.
“It is not yet a study which can result in therapeutic uses of Moringa peregrina, but one that offers possible leads for future research.”
He said there was wide interest across the globe, including in the Middle East, in researching “bioactive” compounds found in plants.
As reported previously in The National, efforts have been made in the UAE to develop methods to propagate the yusor tree, which could help to preserve a species that has faced pressure from overgrazing and development.
Plants contain a “rich diversity” of chemical substances, said Dr Veronique Seidel, who leads the Natural Products Drug Discovery Group at the University of Strathclyde Glasgow in the UK.
Some, known as secondary metabolites because they are not directly involved in how the plant grows, develops and reproduces, may influence the growth of neighbouring plants, attract pollinators or protect against herbivores, pests and pathogens.
“These secondary metabolites have naturally evolved to interact with biological targets,” said Dr Seidel, who also was not connected to the UAE study.
“This explains why they are exploited for the discovery and development of new medicines, including anti-cancer drugs.”
She said that many plant secondary metabolites were able, simultaneously, to target different mechanisms involved in cancer formation, growth and invasion.
“They have been reported to activate normal cell defences against carcinogens, reduce the production of growth factors, induce cancer cell death, inhibit the formation of blood vessels required for cancerous tissue growth, as well as reduce cancer-associated inflammation,” Dr Seidel added.
Research reaches key stage
The researchers at UAE University are now trying to isolate and identify the substances that may have anti-cancer properties.
In doing so they are following the lead of many other researchers, because there are numerous medicines derived from plants being used to combat the disease.
A well-known example is the anti-cancer medicine Taxol, also called Paclitaxel, which was isolated from a type of yew tree more than half a century ago and approved for medical use in the early 1990s.
It is given intravenously as a chemotherapy medication against ovarian cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and pancreatic cancer, among other types of cancer.
Although first identified from a plant, Taxol is produced “biosynthetically” using cell cultures, as is often the case with medications of plant origin.
In other instances, said Prof Heinrich, actual plant extracts, rather than a single known substance purified from plants, are used to combat disease.
This may be because it is too expensive to extract the individual substance, because the substance is unstable when extracted or because the extract contains many substances that have effects.
“You have a combination of effects — different compounds [in the plant extract] target different compound in the human body,” he said.
As well as plants, many other organisms, including microbes and marine sponges, have also been sources of useful substances.
“This highlights the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations to be able to exploit it treasures,” Dr Seidel said.
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
Jawab Iteiqal
Director: Mohamed Sammy
Starring: Mohamed Ramadan, Ayad Nasaar, Mohamed Adel and Sabry Fawaz
2 stars
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Results
5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
6.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m, Winner: Mayehaab, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh85,000 (D) 1,600m, Winner: Monoski, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer
7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh102,500 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Eastern World, Royston Ffrench, Charlie Appleby
7.50pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (D) 1,200m, Winner: Madkal, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Taneen, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
Biography
Favourite drink: Must have karak chai and Chinese tea every day
Favourite non-Chinese food: Arabic sweets and Indian puri, small round bread of wheat flour
Favourite Chinese dish: Spicy boiled fish or anything cooked by her mother because of its flavour
Best vacation: Returning home to China
Music interests: Enjoys playing the zheng, a string musical instrument
Enjoys reading: Chinese novels, romantic comedies, reading up on business trends, government policy changes
Favourite book: Chairman Mao Zedong’s poems
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
LOS ANGELES GALAXY 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 5
Galaxy: Dos Santos (79', 88')
United: Rashford (2', 20'), Fellaini (26'), Mkhitaryan (67'), Martial (72')
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Fireball
Moscow claimed it hit the largest military fuel storage facility in Ukraine, triggering a huge fireball at the site.
A plume of black smoke rose from a fuel storage facility in the village of Kalynivka outside Kyiv on Friday after Russia said it had destroyed the military site with Kalibr cruise missiles.
"On the evening of March 24, Kalibr high-precision sea-based cruise missiles attacked a fuel base in the village of Kalynivka near Kyiv," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.
Ukraine confirmed the strike, saying the village some 40 kilometres south-west of Kyiv was targeted.
Last five meetings
2013: South Korea 0-2 Brazil
2002: South Korea 2-3 Brazil
1999: South Korea 1-0 Brazil
1997: South Korea 1-2 Brazil
1995: South Korea 0-1 Brazil
Note: All friendlies
