A Compound Found In Onions Can Help Fight Ovarian Cancer

A new study claims that the natural compounds which are isolated from onions can help to treat the most common type of ovarian cancer.

Onions are considered to be low in calories and high in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants. It serves several health benefits such as lowers the risk of certain cancer and helps to deal with depression. According to the Economic Times, a few researchers from the Kumamoto University in Japan has revealed that the natural compounds present in onion can have an effect on a preclinical model of epithelial ovarian cancer, both in vivo and in-vitro.

There were a few related studies carried out earlier by researchers which claimed that the preclinical model of epithelial ovarian cancer (ONA) can suppress the pro-tumor activation of the host myeloid cells. As per a report published by NDTV, a review of cancer medicines was conducted by the World Health Organization in 2014 which stated that EOC is the most common type of ovarian cancer and it has a five-year survival rate of about 40 percent. EOC can cause a low lifetime risk, especially in cases where there exists a family history of this disease.

Nearly 80 percent of the patients experience a relapse after their initial treatment with chemotherapy. Thus, it is noted that a more efficient and useful treatment method should be adopted. The researchers conducted an in vitro experiment in a group which showed that EOC's generally expands in the presence of pro-tumor M2 macrophages, an increase in growth after the introduction of ONA. The reason for the expansion was considered to be due to ONA influence on STAT3 - a recorded factor which is known to be present in M2 polarization and cancer cell expansion.

The researchers also found out that ONA constrained the pro-tumor functions of MDSC , Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells. These cells are associated with the suppression of the anti-tumor immune response of the host lymphocytes. ONA can increase the effect of anti-drugs by strengthening their anti-proliferation capabilities. Experiments were conducted on an ovarian cancer model which investigated the effects of the orally directed ONA.

The study reveals that ONA reduces the increase of deadly ovarian cancer tumors by interfering with the pro-tumor functions of the myeloid cells. Researchers believe that with a bit more of efficient testing, an oral ONA supplement can benefit millions of ovarian cancer patients.