Blindweed Extract Shown to Halt Tumor Growth, Scientists Say

Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis), a plant commonly dismissed as a mere garden nuisance, is emerging from the shadows of the morning glory family to reveal its potential in the realm of medical research. While traditionally viewed as an invasive species, bindweed’s extracts have demonstrated significant promise in research, particularly in the fight against cancer.

Anti-Cancer Properties While Stimulating the Immune System

With over 1600 species, the Convolvulaceae family is a trove of biological diversity, and recent studies have begun to uncover the surprising benefits bindweed may offer.

The water-based part of the bindweed plant is believed to be packed with compounds called proteoglycans. In animal tests, it has been shown to stop tumor growth, help break down waste, and boost the immune system.

Here is what one study abstract says:

“…several members such as Convolvulus arvensis possess cytotoxic activity on some tumor cell lines. Pharmacologically water extract (aerial parts) of Convolvulus arvensis is rich in high molecular weight proteoglycan mixture (PGM) and has potent anti-angiogenesis and stimulating effects (immune system). Phytochemical studies on this plant showed the presence of Saponins, steroids, flavonoids and alkaloids, proteins and lipids.”

Not only did Convolvulus arvensis exhibit anti-cancer properties, but it also seemed to stimulate the immune system.

These immune system-boosting capabilities were noticed in other research when researchers gave rabbits a water-based extract of bindweed via injection. They noticed that the number of white blood cells (which help fight off infections) increased, as did the activity of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and lysosomes (which help break down waste materials in cells).

The extract also made the rabbits’ white blood cells more efficient at destroying harmful bacteria and other foreign substances, even more so than when they were given a common medication that usually lowers the immune response. However, when they used an alcohol-based extract of bindweed, it didn’t have the same effect.

Further research is needed to understand the implications for human health.

Convolvulus Arvensis Could be a Food Preservative, Too

While not cancer-related, this study looked at how effective Convolvulus arvensis is at acting as an antioxidant in food.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the study’s findings:

• CA extract is a potent antioxidant that could be used to keep food fresh for longer.
• It can be added directly to food or used in packaging materials to help preserve the food.
• This could be a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives, which some people try to avoid.
• The use of CA extract could be beneficial for the food industry, offering a cost-effective way to improve the shelf life and quality of food products.

Related Read: Could Eliminating Sugar “Starve Cancer?

Some Considerations and Potential Negative Effects

Always do thorough research before taking any new compound. While doctors don’t need to tell you about all the side effects of medications before giving them to you, the rest of the world providing information is expected to. Either way, you should always further research before ingesting any substance.

Here is a brief overview of some potential downsides of Convolvulus arvensis.

Toxic Compounds Could be a Problem

Convolvulus arvensis contains toxic compounds known as tropane alkaloids (TAs) – including tropine, pseudotropine, and tropinone—and pyrrolidine alkaloids such as cuscohygrine and hygrine. In the lab, mice displayed toxicity-related symptoms after consuming it.

In a more interesting scenario, some noticed that horses were experiencing unexplained weight loss and colic symptoms. The common factor among these horses was their grazing ground, which was heavily infested with field bindweed.

A 2016 study by the European Food Safety Authority found that calystegines, a category of TAs, naturally occur in several foods, including potatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Bell peppers were found to contain TAs typical of the Convolvulaceae plant family.

Turns out that many foods, even processed foods, were being contaminated with TAs from weeds like Convolvulus arvensis.

Blindweed extracts may also:

• Interfere with wound healing.
• Prevent blood vessel growth, which is needed for fetal and child development.
• Interfere with drugs that inhibit blood vessel growth, such as bevacizumab.

Research on animals also indicates that TAs can slow down the movement of the gut. This could lead to a greater uptake of harmful substances into the body, potentially causing damage and inflammation to the intestines, stomach, or liver.

Takeaway

Overall, the findings suggest a dual nature to the plant—on one hand, a problematic weed, and on the other, a possible ally in oncological therapies.

As research delves deeper into the plant’s bioactive compounds, such as proteoglycans and lipophilic glycosides, the scientific community stands on the cusp of potentially groundbreaking therapeutic applications, provided the risks associated with its toxic alkaloids can be effectively managed.