"We were interested in finding out more about the potential of
parthenolide. With expertise from colleagues in the School of Chemistry we've been able to demonstrate that this compound shows real promise."
"It's a clear demonstration that
parthenolide has the potential to progress from the flower bed into the clinic."
Researchers said the
parthenolide compound, found in its leaves, could be key to cancer treatments after it was modified to attack tumours.
Prof John Fossey said: "This is important because we have shown a way of producing
parthenolide that could make it much more accessible and also because we've been able to improve its 'drug-like' properties to kill cancer cells.
The compound the Birmingham team were investigating is called
parthenolide and was identified by scientists as having anti-cancer properties several years ago.
Parthenolide sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells to trail by inducing the expression of death receptors through inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 activation J Cell Physiol.
Hepato-protective effect of
parthenolide in rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
This activity arises from a compound,
parthenolide, which produces a similar effect to cortisone.
(67) The prominent active constituents of feverfew are sesquiterpene lactones, namely
parthenolide, which possesses antisecretory, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic actions.