The sap of Euphorbia peplus, a common weed found across the UK, Australia, and Canada, has long been used as a home remedy to treat warts, asthma, and even skin cancer. And in a new study, Australian researchers put it to the test. The scientists had 36 patients with 48 non-melanoma skin cancer lesions—for example, basal and squamous cell carcinomas—apply the weed sap directly to their lesions once a day for three days.
After just one month, 30 of the 48 lesions appeared to be cured, suggesting that this might be viable alternative to surgery. Though there was no control group, these lesions rarely disappear on their own.
“An active ingredient from the sap has been purified and is being developed as a potential new drug. If this is approved for clinical use, it would be a great alternative option for skin cancer patients,” explains Andreas Suhrbier, Ph.D. and professor at Queensland Institute of Medical Research. “It might also be helpful for patients who are unsuitable for surgery. So far we have seen no scarring with this drug. It may also benefit those who have lesions but don’t want to go under the knife. But this would be something you’d need to discuss with your dermatologist,” says Suhrbier.
Researchers aren’t exactly sure how the sap-derived drug works but there are two theories. “The drug is applied directly to the lesion and may disrupt and rupture the cancer cell membranes,” explains Suhrbier. “The other theory is that the drug breaks down the blood vessels in the tumor, starving it of oxygen.”
The next step is to finish the clinical trials and produce a user-friendly gel, explains Suhrbier. Researchers hope this happens soon and then they’ll need to wait for FDA for approval.
“The sap shouldn’t be used at home,” advises Suhbier. “Skin cancer is serious and needs to be treated by a doctor.” Not to mention that the level of the active ingredient varies from plant to plant and high doses can be dangerous, he warns.
Even better than a possible scar-free surgery alternative? Not developing skin cancer in the first place.
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