Work

Alkaloids derived from tree bark destroy cancer cells

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Tree bark acts as an important chemical defence mechanism against pests. When a plant comes under threat from bacteria or an insect, alkaloids secreted by the plant may, for example, inhibit cell division or the activity of DNA in the insect, preventing reproduction. This is the operating mechanism of paclitaxel and camptothecin, two compounds isolated from the bark of different trees and developed into effective anticancer drugs. Data analyses and databases have now become available to help identify bioactive compounds in trees and other plants.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15690396

Authors: Turunen, Ari, Nyrönen, Tommi

Institution: CSC - IT Center for Science (Finland)

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemical Studies and Bioactivities

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Academy of Finland