The research has been conducted by UT Southwestern Medical Center scientists. By studying the chemical structure of the long pepper plant (Piper longum) the research has identified a chemical called Piperlongumine. This chemical has properties that some previous research has shown to be active against several cancers (such as prostate, breast, lung, colon, cancers).
The molecule has been studied using the technique X-ray crystallography. This method has allowed the scientists to determine how the molecular structures of the chemical transform after it is ingested. Here the crystal structures showed how Piperlongumine transforms into a variant, coded hPL. This is an active drug that can block a gene called GSTP1. The GSTP1 gene produces a detoxification enzyme that is found in many tumors. The inference is by blocking the gene tumor growth might be repressed.
In a research note, Dr. Kenneth Westover who led the study outlines why the discovery of the molecular structure is significant: “We are hopeful that our structure will enable additional drug development efforts to improve the potency of PL for use in a wide range of cancer therapies.”
The long pepper plant, which is found in India and southeast Asia, has been used in traditional medicine,as well as a spice, for thousands of years. The examination is just one of several underway to evaluate whether traditional medicines (particularly those associated with eastern medicine) have any application for modern medical science. While this appears to be the case with the chemical found in the long-pepper plant, it is important to note that the research explains the molecular basis of the chemical, it does not, in itself demonstrate that the chemical has anti-cancer properties.
Moreover, research into anti-cancer properties relate to the chemical in its purified form. One study in a xenograft mouse model of cancer showed that piperlongumine inhibits the growth of malignant breast tumors and their associated metastases. However, such studies do not demonstrate that eating a quantity of peppers has any health promoting effects.
The findings have been published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, in a paper titled “Structural and Biochemical Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Glutathione S-Transferase Pi 1 Inhibition by the Anti-cancer Compound Piperlongumine.”
