Biologists at the University of Sonora in Mexico have suggested using anti-inflammatory and antitumor substances derived from octopus (Octopus vulgaris) ink to treat cancer. Study published magazine Food and Chemical Toxicology.
Octopuses use ink to protect themselves from predators. In blueberries, scientists have found a new molecule abbreviated as ozopromide. The molecule has demonstrated its anti-cancer activity in experiments on tumor cell cultures of the breast, ovaries, prostate and lungs.
While ozopromide inhibited the growth and proliferation of malignant cells, causing their mass death, the molecule did not affect healthy cells. The substance showed the greatest effectiveness in the fight against lung cancer.
The authors stated that ozopromide can be synthesized artificially. According to them, the results of the study will help develop new, gentler ways to treat cancer.