What is it about?
This study investigated the biological activities (Antioxidant, cytotoxic effects against prostate cancer cells) and the composition of bioactive compounds in the ethyl acetate stem bark extract of Boascia coriacea (Pax.), to validate its healing claims. The results showed this extract is a potent antioxidant and selectively inhibits the development and progression of prostate cancer, by modulating the expression of crucial genes which regulate the cell cycle and programmed cell death. Based on the obtained results, this extract is a potential candidate for further empirical investigations aimed at developing safe and effective anticancer agents.
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Why is it important?
Prostate cancer is a significant global health crisis, claiming countless lives annually, with an even heavier toll in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya. In Kenya, it ranks as the second leading cause of disease-related deaths, driven by limited access to quality healthcare, the prohibitive costs of treatment, and ineffective healthcare systems. Furthermore, men of African descent face disproportionately higher mortality rates compared to other populations due to genetic predispositions and socioeconomic and environmental barriers. This disparity underscores the urgency of finding innovative, accessible, and effective solutions. One major driver of prostate cancer progression is oxidative stress, a harmful imbalance caused by excessive free radicals overwhelming the body’s natural defences. While synthetic antioxidants are commonly used to counter oxidative stress, their extensive use is increasingly linked to severe side effects, including carcinogenicity, toxicity, and hormonal disruptions. These risks make them unsuitable for long-term use, especially in populations already burdened by healthcare inequities. This study is important as it focuses on identifying safe, effective, and natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. By harnessing the potential of natural compounds, the research aims to address not only the safety concerns but also the affordability and accessibility challenges faced in resource-limited settings like Kenya. These solutions have the potential to reduce prostate cancer deaths and improve patient outcomes in communities where the need is most pressing. Beyond individual lives, the findings of this research could transform public health strategies for cancer prevention and management, paving the way for equitable healthcare solutions. It is a step towards closing the glaring health disparity gap, offering hope to millions of patients who currently face limited options. This work isn’t just about science—it’s about justice, equity, and creating a future where life-saving treatments are within reach for all.
Perspectives
This publication represents a pivotal step forward in the search for safer, more effective solutions to combat prostate cancer, particularly in resource-limited settings like Kenya. The results are not only promising but also inspiring, as they highlight the potential of natural plant-based products to address a critical healthcare challenge. The findings show that the studied plant extract possesses remarkable antioxidant properties, with a DPPH radical scavenging activity significantly more potent than L-ascorbic acid. This indicates its capacity to neutralise harmful oxidative stress, a major factor in the progression of prostate cancer. Furthermore, its hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and high total antioxidant capacity underscore its role as a robust defence mechanism against oxidative damage, a key driver of many devastating diseases. What excites me most is the extract’s effectiveness in targeting prostate cancer cells. The low IC50 value against DU-145 cells, coupled with a higher selectivity index compared to doxorubicin, suggests it has the potential to be both highly effective and less toxic to normal cells. This is critical because conventional therapies often come with debilitating side effects that impact the patients' quality of life. The downregulation of key cancer-related genes, such as ar and bcl-2, further reinforces the therapeutic promise of this extract. By targeting molecular pathways involved in cancer progression, it offers hope for more precise and impactful treatments. I honestly think this study is a testament to the untapped potential of natural resources in addressing pressing global health challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of prioritising research that aligns with the unique healthcare needs of underserved populations. These findings not only contribute to the scientific community but also pave the way for more equitable, affordable, and effective cancer therapies, bringing us closer to a future where life-saving treatments are accessible to all.
Dr. Gervason Moriasi
Kenyatta University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Antioxidant, anti-prostate cancer potential, and phytochemical composition of the ethyl acetate stem bark extract of Boascia coriacea (Pax.), PLoS ONE, December 2024, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309258.
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