German
researchers reporting in Science Signaling have identified a
compound in the berries of the Coralberry plant that appears to be able to
destroy Uveal Melanoma, the most common and an aggressive type of eye cancer.
The Coralberry is a very common plant we use for Christmas and holiday
decorations! The leaves of the plant contain bacteria that produce a toxin that
inhibits a cancer cell molecule called Gq protein and thus is destructive to
the cancer. It also appears that the toxin may be effective against skin cancer
as well. At this time the investigation is still in the laboratory but
researchers hope to make it into a pharmaceutical in the near future.
If you notice
pigmented or non pigmented lesions or dry scaly patches on your eyelids or
around your eyes please let us know at your eye exam. Schedule routine eye
exams with us at
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center is a
leading eye care center in Birmingham located at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th
Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and staffed by UAB Medicine eye
doctors and eye specialists.
