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Tobacco can help treat cancer
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Substances contained in tobacco will help destroy cancer cells from the inside, scientists from Australia have come to this conclusion. As it turned out during a new research project, tobacco not only provokes the growth of cancerous tumors in the human body, but also effectively helps in the fight against such pathological cells.
Experts have found out that the plant contains a molecule called NaD1, which is capable of penetrating cancer cells already present in the human body and destroying them from the inside. Scientists have noted that the molecules have an unusual targeted effect and almost instantly recognize pathological cells and begin to move towards their membrane.
Another of the many unusual abilities of the NaD1 molecule is that when cancer cells are destroyed, adjacent healthy cells remain undamaged. According to the researchers, such selectivity is explained by the fact that the plant has the ability to self-defense against many negative factors and pathogens.
Australian experts noted that this discovery still requires additional research. The research group itself hopes to invent a drug to combat cancer, which will include the NaD1 molecule.
In March, American scientists published the results of their research project, in which they managed to make a health sensor out of E. coli. After numerous genetic modifications, specialists were able to introduce indicators that react to certain biological drugs onto the stick. After extracting such a "spy" from the body, scientists were able to obtain information about the state of the intestinal microflora. Thanks to the data obtained, it is possible to assess the general health of a person, as well as identify a predisposition to certain diseases.
In earlier studies, scientists managed to identify a molecule that blocks the principle of saving pathological cells from death. Experts know that oxygen is harmful to cancer cells. The scientists' discovery will allow more effective treatment of non-small cell cancer, the most common form of cancer.
Cancer cells are capable of producing oxides that have a destructive effect on cancer tumors, but these same cancer cells contain proteins that activate a self-defense mechanism against the harmful effects of oxygen.
According to scientists, the discovered principle of saving cancer cells from destruction will help to create special blocking drugs that activate the self-destruction of the tumor due to the body's own forces. During their research project, specialists were able to identify the ATN-224 molecule, which suppresses the action of the tumor's protective protein, which leads to the death of pathological cells from the substances they themselves produce. According to scientists, such a discovery will help to develop an effective drug to combat cancer, which will take its rightful place along with traditional methods of treatment.