Catholic University of Lublin researchers study aquatic plants for cancer prevention

Scientists at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL) are researching whether aquatic plants from the Łęczyńsko–Włodawskie Lake District can assist in cancer prevention. Researchers from the Department of Molecular Biology have analyzed extracts from over 20 species of aquatic plants to identify natural compounds capable of halting carcinogenesis at its earliest stages.

Professor Maciej Masłyk, Director of the KUL Institute of Biological Sciences, stated that the research focuses on chemopreventive action, which aims to prevent the formation of cancer cells by modulating key biological processes rather than simply destroying existing tumors. Initial results indicate that most of the extracts tested show strong biological activity against cancer cells.

The study examines various factors, including cell proliferation, oxidative stress, cell cycle regulation, and signaling pathways related to tumor transformation. These findings may eventually contribute to the development of new cancer prevention strategies, such as dietary supplements or medications designed to protect the body from disease development. The project is funded by the Polish Ministry of Education and Science.