a compound extracted from red algae (Kappaphycus alvarezii), which is grown widely in coastal Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, can cure cervical cancer, claims a study by a team of German and us oncologists. Cervical cancer accounts for almost a quarter of all cancer incidents among Indian women.
Lab studies showed that carrageenan, a cheap gelling agent found in the algae, is almost a thousand times more effective than heparin, the drug considered the best option against human papillomavirus (hpv) that causes cervical cancer. Carrageenan is also used as a thickener in sex lubricants and lubricated condoms.
Scientists from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, and Forschungsschwerpunkt fr Angewandte Tumorvirologie in Heidelberg, claim that carrageenan ointments can be made available, once the safety of the compound is ascertained.The findings appeared in the July issue of PLoS Pathogens (Vol 2, No 7). Carrageenan ointments could be much cheaper than hpv vaccines that are expected to be available soon. Incidentally, the Indian Council of Medical Research last year roped in German pharmaceutical firm Merck to carry out trials of its hpv vaccine in the country.
Sexually transmitted hpv infections can lead to genital warts, cervical cancer or other anal/genital cancers. In India, more than 130,000 cervical cancer cases -- roughly one-fourth of the global total -- are reported every year. In addition, an estimated 74,000 Indian women die annually from the disease, which is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.