Carolyn Muruthi, Medical Biochemistry Lecturer and Researcher at Aga Khan University shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Can traditional medicine hold the key to modern oncology?
In my recent research-featured in my upcoming talk at the WHS Nairobi 2026, we investigated the scientific potential of Carissa edulis and Pappea capensis. These plants have long been used by African communities to manage various ailments, but our study provides critical scientific validation for their use in cancer management.
Key findings from the study include:
- Selective Potency: Ethylacetate extracts showed high activity against human breast (HCC 1395) and prostate (DU145) cancer cell lines.
- Genetic Modulation: The extracts successfully upregulated pro-apoptotic genes, including a 7-fold increase in p53 expression.
- Safety Profile: Importantly, the extracts demonstrated minimal toxicity toward normal cell lines, offering a more selective profile than some traditional chemotherapeutics.
As we reimagine Africa’s health systems, we must embrace methodological pluralism-combining biomedical rigor with ethnographic wisdom.
Join the conversation at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, April 27-29.”
Title: In Vitro Antiproliferative Effects and Phytochemical Characterization of Carissa edulis (Forssk) Vahl) and Pappea capensis (Eckyl and Zeyh) Extracts
Authors: Carolyn Wanjira Muruthi, Mathew Piero Ngugi, Steven Maina Runo, Peter Githaiga Mwitari
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