A seaweed that can inhibit cervical cancer! Yes, a seaweed extract called carrageenan, prevents a virus – papillomavirus — from entering human cells in the lab, according to a new study. Already being used as a thickening agent in formulas of infant feeding and in sexual lubricants, this amazing compound is derived from red algae.
According to John Schiller at the National Cancer Institute in Maryland, US, developing an inexpensive gel or microbicide might help stop the spread of cervical cancer by blocking HPV.
The carrageenan strongly inhibits different HPV strains’ ability in attaching and therefore enter human cells, the research revealed. The researchers are optimistic that their findings could one day help prevent the spread of the virus.
Via: New Scientist
