Recent research reveals that avocado proves efficiency in combating acute leukemia as the fruit is rich in nutrients. It is by now common knowledge that avocado is highly rich in potassium, fibres and “good fats” and it is greatly appreciated due to its rich antioxidant properties.
Apart from being such a versatile and valued nourishment, now it is gaining even more interest thanks to its proven qualities in fighting one of the most severe types of cancer: blood cancer, more commonly known as leukemia.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is regarded as one of the most damaging diseases, with a high rate of fatality among its patients.
Unfortunately, there is only limited medication for this disease and even less treatments that specifically target leukemia stem cells.
The findings rendered in the oncology journal Cancer Research reveal the potential of a new drug derived from avocado and present how this could notably improve the levels of quality and expectancy of life among AML patients.
Professor Paul Spagnuolo, from the University of Waterloo, shared his discoveries on a lipid from avocado that is capable of combating acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The special characteristic of this substance is that it addresses exactly the leukemia stem cells, that are the source of the disease.
Professor Spagnuolo compares stem cells to the drivers of AML, stating that they are, in fact, mainly responsible for the evolution of the disease, as well as for the revert of leukemia in numerous cases.
The professor explains how repeated round s of tests proved how efficient the new drug is, by targeting exclusively the stem cells, while leaving no impact on the healthy cells.
In partneship with the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine (CCRM), Professor Spagnuolo initiated an application for a patent, concerning the use of the discovered compound, avocatin B, in order to treat leukimia.
Although, it will be some time before the drug will be available on the market, Professor Paul Spagnuolo is extremely optimistic about the results of his research and is already experimenting the drug for a Phase I clinical trial.
The research of Professor Paul Spagnuolo is published in “Cancer Research”, a top-ten oncology journal.
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