Increase Funding for Proven Plant-Based Cancer Medicine

By Marissa Garcia on August 22, 2012

Target: The National Cancer Institute

Goal:?Increase funding for research on the graviola tree and its medicinal benefits

Every year, nearly 8 million people die from cancer. Currently, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the main treatment methods depending on the type and stage of cancer. The adverse side effects linked to these risky treatments are unfavorable. However, based on limited research, there may be an alternate method for cancer treatment. Various studies conducted by a small number of universities and institutes found compelling evidence that the stem and leaves of the graviola tree are extremely effective at killing cancer cells.

The graviola tree, also known as guanabana or soursop, is a large-leafed evergreen that produces a heart-shaped fruit and reaches its full height at 15-30 ft. This tree is indigenous to South America and flourishes in other warm, tropical places such as Florida and Mexico. The first study done on the graviola tree was part of a plant screening program organized in 1976 by the National Cancer Institute. Since then, several pharmaceutical companies and universities have been researching, testing, and working to chemically re-create the plant?s main anti-tumorous chemical, called annonacin. Once they have done this step in the process, annonacin can be patented and introduced as a new cancer drug in clinical trials.

In a 1997 publication, Purdue University reported that the graviola tree?s annonacin chemicals, ?not only are effective in killing tumors that have proven resistant to anti-cancer agents, but also seem to have a special affinity for such resistant cells.? Findings such as this point to the fact that this chemical and its respective plant are a very promising source for a new and improved cancer medication. Annonacin has been proven to be toxic in ovarian, breast, cervical, skin and bladder cancers.

While these medical advances have been made, it is necessary that more research funding be put forth and used to learn more about the graviola tree, its medicinal properties and how it can be correctly chemically altered to become widely used across the world. Support and research from government agencies like the National Cancer Institute is what will gain the attention of the FDA and will hopefully, one day soon, approve the use of annonacin in clinical trials. ?Please sign this petition and urge the National Cancer Institute to provide more funding for this alternative treatment and possible cure. Your signature will increase the chances of survival for the millions of people struggling with cancer each day.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear National Cancer Institute,

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, killing anywhere between 7.2 and 7.6 million people each year. People who are burdened with this disease have to undergo physically exhausting treatments with severe side effects. In 1976, the National Cancer Institute conducted a plant screening which lead to the discovery of the active cancer-killing agents in the graviola tree, more specifically its leaves and stem.

Since then, various studies have been done on the medicinal benefits of the graviola tree, specifically the main graviola acetogenin, annonacin. From this research, scientists have come to the conclusion that there are, in fact, positive effects and the graviola tree has the potential to become a cancer treatment drug. However, universities and this institute specifically need more funding to work at getting the correct chemical balance to be able to patent the drug. Once this is done, clinical trials could start being organized, getting one step closer to use in cancer patients.

Research has already proven that there are far less side effects compared to chemotherapy and the chemical annonacin is toxic to ovarian, bladder, breast, cervical, and skin cancers. We now have the means and opportunity to be able to make a difference in the lives of millions of those suffering from cancer. I urge you to increase research funding on the graviola tree including its leaves, stem, and acetogenins.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Tatters:) via Flickr

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ForceChange/~3/7un24kC1lgc/

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