Cancer Breakthrough Claim as Kenyan Scientists Confirm Plant Blocks Spread of Disease
Scientists at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) have confirmed that a plant long used in traditional medicine shows promising anti-cancer properties, raising hopes it could one day contribute to new cancer treatments developed locally.
In findings published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, researchers revealed that extracts from Grewia villosa, a plant traditionally used by communities in eastern Kenya, were found to inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells while leaving healthy cells largely unharmed — a key requirement in modern drug discovery.
The plant, locally known as mubuu, is commonly used by the Mbeere community in Embu County to manage breast and prostate cancer, as well as ailments such as dysentery, cholera, wounds and sores. Scientists say the study marks a critical first step in scientifically validating indigenous knowledge that has been passed down for generations.
Dr Sospeter Njeru, the principal investigator, said the findings represent an important discovery phase, though he cautioned against premature conclusions.
“The selective activity against cervical cancer cells, combined with the lack of toxicity to normal cells, is a desirable attribute in drug discovery,” Dr Njeru said.
According to the research, the plant extract also blocked the migration of cancerous cells, suggesting it may have anti-metastatic properties, meaning it could potentially prevent cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
“It also works by blocking the migration of cancerous cells, which points to anti-metastatic properties — the potential to stop the spread of the illness,” Dr Njeru added.
From indigenous knowledge to laboratory science
The research team worked closely with members of the local community to source the plant sustainably. The root bark was carefully harvested before being taken to Kemri’s Centre for Traditional Medicine and Drug Research for laboratory analysis.
Scientists identified nine chemical compounds in the extract, six of which were partially or fully associated with anti-cancer activity. Testing was carried out using a human cervical cancer cell line known as HeLa, alongside non-cancerous cells derived from the kidney tissue of the African green monkey to assess safety.
The results showed no predicted toxicity to normal cells, with the initial validation phase taking approximately one year.
Despite the encouraging findings, Dr Njeru stressed that the research is still at an early stage.
“This is the discovery phase. It should be noted that we have not developed a product Kenyans can start using,” he cautioned.
However, he added that the study highlights the untapped potential of Kenya’s natural resources.
“The researchers have also discovered that Kenya has been sitting on a resource that can be harnessed for drug discovery.”
What happens next?
With additional funding, the team plans to isolate specific compounds that demonstrate drug-like properties and explore large-scale production through Kemri’s manufacturing unit or partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
Further functional studies, particularly in animal models, will be required before any potential treatment can advance to human clinical trials.
“After the next phase, we will be able to tell Kenyans if we have developed a local solution derived from our biodiversity,” Dr Njeru said.
Preserving traditional medicine
Dr Peris Kariuki, a research scientist at the National Museums of Kenya (NMK), said the findings underscore the importance of ethnobotany, the study of how different cultures use indigenous plants.
“Our role is to document plants that communities use as traditional medicine and preserve that knowledge as part of our cultural heritage,” she said.
Her work contributed to a National Research Fund-supported project that led to the creation of a Cancer Palliative Care Plants Display Garden in Nairobi, which now hosts more than 70 medicinal plant species.
However, Dr Kariuki warned that medicinal plants face growing threats from land-use changes, over-harvesting and illegal trade.
“There must be efforts by stakeholders to develop and preserve traditional medicine for current and future generations,” she said.
Meanwhile, herbalist Gabriel Mburia said he has long relied on Grewia villosa to manage prostate and breast cancer.
“I learnt this from my grandfather. I now have the knowledge and have received many testimonials,” he said.
On the sidelines of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale confirmed that Kenya plans to integrate traditional medicine into conventional healthcare by 2028.
Cancer Breakthrough Claim as Kenyan Scientists Confirm Plant Blocks Spread of Disease