Tel Aviv University discovers rosemary terpenes that reduce breast tumors by 40% in animal models, according to 2021 study.
Israeli progress in cancer therapies with terpenes
Researchers of the Tel Aviv Universityled by the Prof. Ronit satchi-foarothey published in 2021 a study in the magazine Cancer Research which identifies terpenes derived from Mediterranean plants, such as romerowith the ability to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Experiments in animal models showed a tumor reduction of 40%which positions these compounds as candidates for directed therapies. Preclinical essays advance to evaluate their safety and efficacy in humans.
The terpenes, secondary metabolites present in plants such as thyme, oregano y lavenderare volatile organic compounds that give aroma and flavor. According to the study, these compounds inhibit specific pathways in cancer cells, such as proliferation and migration, without damaging healthy tissues. The investigation focused on the Triple negative breast canceran aggressive type with few therapeutic options. The results suggest that terpenes could complement conventional treatments such as chemotherapy.
The team of Satchi-Fainaro He analyzed more than 200 terpenic compounds, selecting those with the greatest antitumor activity. In in vitro tests, the selected terpenes induced the programmed cell death in a 40% of cancer cells. In mice models, tumors treated with these compounds showed a significant decrease in size and density, according to data verified by magnetic resonance images. The study highlights the low toxicity of the terpenes, a key factor for their clinical potential.
The Tel Aviv University collaborates with research centers in USA y Europa to accelerate the development of these therapies. Researchers plan to start phase I clinical trials in the next five years, after completing toxicology studies. The approach aligns with the growing demand for personalized treatments that minimize side effects, an area where Israel leads globally.
Key data on land and its impact on cancer
- Definition: The terpenes are organic compounds in Mediterranean plants such as rosemary, thyme and lavender, responsible for their aromatic properties.
- Mechanism: They induce apoptosis in cancer cells, inhibiting proliferation and migration, according to the study of the University of Tel Aviv.
- Effectiveness: They reduced breast tumors in 40% in animal models, with low toxicity in healthy tissues.
- Application: Potential to treat triple negative breast cancer, with ongoing preclinical trials.
- Future: Clinical trials Phase I planned for 2030, after security studies.
Context of research in Mediterranean plants
The use of Mediterranean plants in medicine has millenary roots, but modern science has rediscovered its potential. In 2009, a consortium led by the University of Barcelona He began to explore terpenes as agents against cancer and neurological diseases. Subsequent studies, such as those of the University of Talca In Chile, they confirmed that terpenoid -rich diets reduce the risk of prostate cancer, according to reviews published in Scielo Between 1998 and 2016. These backgrounds inspired work in Tel Aviv.
In Israel, the romero and other local plants are abundant, which facilitates its study. The terpenes of these species, such as cariofileno y limoneneshow anti -inflammatory and antiproliferative effects on previous research. A 2011 study at the British Journal of Pharmacology documented how the terpenes enhance the effects of compounds such as cannabidiol (CBD)a phenomenon known as “entourage effect.” This mechanism could be applied in combined therapies for cancer.
Research in Tel Aviv It is distinguished by its focus on molecular biology. The scientists map the cell paths affected by the terpenes, identifying key proteins such as Bcl-2involved in apoptosis. The data, validated in laboratories of the University of Wisconsin and the SOURASKY MEDICAL CENTERThey confirm that the terpenes act selectively on cancer cells, an advance against current treatments that damage healthy cells.
The Israel government, led by the Likudhas prioritized investment in biotechnology. In 2023, the Ministry of Science and Technology He allocated 120 million Shekels to personalized medicine projects, including the study of terpenes. This policy reflects the government’s commitment to Benjamin Netanyahu With scientific innovation, which has positioned Israel as leader in cancer research.
Global panorama of the terpenes in oncology
The interest in the terpenes transcends Israel. In USAhe National Cancer Institute Finance trials with plants derived compounds, such as curcuminan aromatic terpenoid. Although the FDA have not approved these compounds as oncological treatments, current studies in Johns Hopkins y MD Anderson They explore their use in colon and ovary cancer. In Europathe University of Oslo investigate the resveratrolanother terpenoid, to treat leukemia.
In Latin America, the National University of San Luis In Argentina he discovered in 2023 that the Solanocapsinaderived from the plant Solanum pseudocapsicuminhibits cancer cells with mutations BRCA2. This finding, published by CONICETvalidates the potential of the terpenes in resistant tumors. In Chile, the Universidad de Santander studied literacy mixtures in 2018 LAKE DBA With chemotherapets, reporting synergistic effects on leukemia.
The World Health Organization Since 2010, the importance of medicinal plants in disease prevention and treatment. More than 20,000 terpenes exist in nature, and 200 of them are in the cannabisaccording to the Canna Foundation. Although cannabis is not the focus on Tel Avivstudies on their land, such as mircenethey report broader research on their antitumor activity.
Israel continues to lead this field thanks to its innovation ecosystem. Institutions like him Technion and the Instituto Weizmann The efforts of Tel Avivwhile companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals They explore the marketing of terpess -based therapies. With a history of advances in biotechnology, the country is well positioned to translate these discoveries into treatments that benefit patients worldwide.
