Woad may have anti-cancer properties

A plant once used as a source for blue dye could one day help fight cancer.

Woad, once commonly cultivated in Europe, has been found to be an abundant source for the anti-cancer compound glucobrassicon (GBS). Researchers at the University of Bologna, Italy, have been studying woad in order to assess whether the plant could be useful as a large, cheap source of the cancer-fighting biochemical. Previous study has linked GBS to anti-tumor activity in breast cancer. But the lack of a sufficient source of GBS has so far hindered additional research.

The Italian investigators were able to stimulate the GBS in woad by damaging the leaves of young plants. Leaf injury can cause the plant to produce even more GBS, enabling investigators to purify the compound and further research into this promising weapon against cancer.

What is...woad?

A member of the same plant family as broccoli and cauliflower, woad was used as a source of blue dye in ancient times. Neolithic warriors used the dye to paint their faces, making them look terrifying in battle. The flowering plant is a rich source of glucobrassicon, possessing more than 20 times the amount contained in broccoli. Damaging young leaves of the plant can produce up to 65 times as much glucobrassicon.

Source: "Ancient dye source studied for anti-cancer compounds," Nutraingredients.com:europe, August 14, 2006

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