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HUMBLE HERB FIGHTS CANCER

A COMMON herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 700 years is
providing scientists with a new weapon in the battle against cancer, British experts said.

The Starflower commonly known as borage, contains a substance called gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which studies have shown can Kill, brain and prostate cancer cells and inhibit the spread of malignan tumours by restricting blood vessel growth.

In a recent study of women with breast cancer, scientists from Notingham in central England found that a cocktail of GIA and the anticancer drug, tamoxifen, speeded up patients' response rates. "Oil ex. traced from borage is a rich source of GLA." Dr. Alan McGown, the head of drug development at Britain's Cancer Research Campaign charity, said. The starflower has the mostpotent concentration of GU in nature. The compound is also found in evening primrose off which is used to treat premenstrual problems. - Agencies

As reported in Business Line News Service