Garlic could help to combat brain tumours, new research published in the medical journal Cancer has suggested.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston found that three types of garlic-derived organo-sulphur compounds are effective in treating glioblastoma, a particularly aggressive form of brain cancer.
The garlic compounds - DAS, DADS and DATS - were shown to kill brain cancer cells by capitalising on the tumour cells' need for large amounts of energy.
Dr Swapan Ray, a professor at the university, commented: "This research highlights the great promise of plant-originated compounds as natural medicine for controlling the malignant growth of human brain tumour cells."
However, the expert noted: "More studies are needed in animal models of brain tumours before application of this therapeutic strategy to brain tumour patients."
Fellow researcher Professor Naren Banik said that the findings were of "enormous" significance.
"The benefits from this research to brain cancer patients will bring great satisfaction to researchers and clinicians who are trying to find a successful treatment for this devastating cancer," the professor commented.
The researcher also reiterated the fact that clinical applications are several years away.
Garlic could help to combat brain tumours, new research published in the medical journal Cancer has suggested.
