Mexican researchers from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon have discovered that a compound found in the fruit of the yellow oleander has remarkable anti cancer properties. The yellow oleander is poisonous if eaten, but has long been used in Mexican folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including tumors. The researchers found that yellow oleander extract has cytotoxic effects on a variety of cancer cells, and reduces their size, viability and ability to metastasize to other organs. These promising results suggest that more research into the yellow oleander is warranted.
Key Takeaways:
- A staple of folk pharmacopoeia in Mexico for centuries, yellow oleander came to the attention of researchers when it was realized natives used the bloom to shrink tumors.
- Hemorrhoids, scabies and ulcers are all traditional uses for the purported healing powers of yellow oleander.
- Scientists have now ascertained that the bloom’s fruit does have bioactive compounds capable of positively impacting various types of human cancers.
“Yellow oleander has been used by Mexican folk healers to treat various illnesses for many centuries.”
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