Nagaland University-led study decodes cancer-fighting potential of traditional Konyak herbal medicine

Researchers from Nagaland University, Berhampur University, and Saveetha Medical College have, in a preliminary investigation, identified traditional herbal formulation used by the Konyak tribe of Nagaland for its anti-cancer potential, providing valuable scientific insight into indigenous medicinal practices.

While traditional medicinal systems are widely practiced across indigenous communities, the researchers found that there has been limited scientific effort to understand the mechanisms through which such remedies exert their therapeutic effects.

The multi-institute research team investigated a five-plant polyherbal formulation and found that its bioactive compounds can effectively target VEGFR2, a key protein responsible for tumour blood vessel growth.

The study further revealed that these compounds demonstrated stable interactions and favourable safety profiles, indicating their potential as natural anti-angiogenic agents that could inhibit tumour growth. Importantly, the research also showed that these natural compounds selectively target VEGFR2 over similar proteins, which could help reduce side effects in future therapeutic applications.

The study also highlighted that most identified compounds showed low toxicity and acceptable pharmacokinetic properties, making them promising candidates for further drug development.

According to the researchers, the findings not only validate indigenous knowledge systems but also open up new pathways for cost-effective and nature-based drug discovery.