- 02 August 2019
- 2 min read
Scientists produce cancer-fighting substance from common daisy-like flower
The compounds, which destroyed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells, show promise of being developed into drugs, said the University of Birmingham.

Cancer-fighting substances can be extracted and produced from a common daisy-like flower, scientists have shown.
Researchers demonstrated a method for removing and modifying parthenolide from feverfew plants, making compounds which killed cancer cells in laboratory tests.
Read more
• Daily pill could help men with advanced prostate cancer, study suggests
• Space technology to speed up bowel cancer diagnosis
The compounds, which destroyed chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells, show promise of being devloped into drugs, said the University of Birmingham, which carried out the research.
Like this article? Subscribe to The Nurses Weekly!
"It's a clear demonstration that parthenolide has the potential to progress from the flowerbed into the clinic" - Professor John Fossey, University of Birmingham
They appear to kill cancerous cells by increasing the levels of reactive oxygen species, an unstable molecule, to a critical point, it added.
Professor John Fossey, from the university's school of chemistry, said: "This research is important not only because we have shown a way of producing parthenolide that could make it much more accessible to researchers, but also because we've been able to improve its 'drug-like' properties to kill cancer cells.
"It's a clear demonstration that parthenolide has the potential to progress from the flowerbed into the clinic."
Feverfew, which is sold in health shops as a remedy for migraines and inflammation, is a common flowering plant from the daisy family Asteraceae.
The study is published in the journal MedChemComm.
Nurses.co.uk editorial team
About the author
Nurses.co.uk editorial team
Bringing you a daily update of nursing, NHS, health and social care news from around the UK.
Want to get involved in the discussion
Sign In JoinRead something else
5 Practical Tips For Making A Good First Impression For Black Nursing Leaders
If you’re just starting in a senior role, making a positive first impression is key. Band 8 Nurse, Maxine, offers her first impression top tips, as well as advice for dealing with ‘Imposter Syndrome’.
Top Tips For Working Over The Christmas Season
Adult Nurse, Zara, offers her advice and tips for working during the busy festive season, and explains why having a positive attitude is so important for both you and your patients.
What Is Agency Nursing & Why It Could Be Your Next Career Move
Natalie Ponting of MSI group explains the pros and cons of working as an Agency Nurse, contrasting the increased job flexibility and pay with the unpredictability and potential extra costs.
Latest Jobs
Agency RGN Night Shifts
Craigavon, Armagh, Northern Ireland
JustNurses
Ward Nurse
Woking, Surrey, England
Stroud Resourcing
Endoscopy Manager
Farnham, Surrey, England
Spire Healthcare
Registered Nurse - Care Home
Warwick, Warwickshire, England
Appoint Healthcare
Matron
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Deputy Ward Manager
Dartford, Kent, England
Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
See all of our RGN jobs
5576 jobs currently available