A Natural Anticancer Hope for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia?

In the ever-evolving field of cancer research, scientists are increasingly turning toward natural compounds for potential therapeutic breakthroughs. A recent study by researchers from a University in Baghdad shines a promising light on Eurycoma longifolia—more popularly known as Tongkat Ali—as a potential natural agent against Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

Let’s explore what this study uncovered and why it could be significant in the search for better leukemia treatments.

What Is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, also called Pasak Bumi in Indonesia or Malaysian Ginseng, is a medicinal root long used in Southeast Asia for a wide range of health benefits. Traditionally praised for its energy-boosting and aphrodisiac effects, the plant’s root extract also holds anti-cancer, anti-viral, and antioxidant properties.

Its bioactive components—especially compounds like eurycomanone and 9-methoxycanthin-6-one—have shown encouraging results in fighting off several cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, and ovarian cancers.

Study Focus: Can Tongkat Ali Help Combat CML?

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer originating in hematopoietic stem cells, marked by elevated granulocytes and often resulting in bone marrow hyperplasia and splenomegaly. CML accounts for 15–20% of all leukemias.

The study, conducted by Furqan M. Abdulelah, Mustafa R. Abdulbaqi, and Zahraa M. Jaafar, aimed to test whether Tongkat Ali root extract could kill or slow the growth of lymphocyte cells derived from a CML patient in a lab (ex vivo) setting.

Method Overview

• Root Extraction: Dried E. longifolia roots were extracted using methanol.
• Cell Samples: Blood was taken from a 40-year-old CML patient. Lymphocytes were isolated via Ficoll-Paque density gradient centrifugation.
• Cytotoxicity Testing: Cells were treated with various concentrations of the extract (2.5–40 μg/mL) and tested for viability using the MTT assay.
• Biochemical Tests: Levels of lipid peroxidation (via MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activity (via SOD) were measured.
• DNA Safety: Genotoxicity was evaluated using the Comet assay, a sensitive test to detect DNA damage.

 Key Findings

1. Strong Anti-Proliferative Effect
   At 10 μg/mL, TA extract inhibited over 54% of lymphocyte growth. The IC50 (dose required to kill half the cells) was 8.84 μg/mL—suggesting significant cytotoxic potency.

2. Reduced Oxidative Stress (MDA Assay)
   TA-treated lymphocytes showed a marked decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA)—a marker for oxidative stress—compared to untreated cells.

3. Boosted Antioxidant Defense (SOD Assay)
   TA extract significantly increased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, an important antioxidant enzyme that helps protect cells from free radicals.

4. Minimal DNA Damage (Comet Assay)
   TA treatment showed low genotoxicity—important for its safety profile—especially compared to cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, a known DNA-damaging agent.

What Makes Tongkat Ali Work?

The researchers attribute the anticancer effect primarily to eurycomanone, which appears to:

• Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death),
• Upregulate tumor suppressor proteins like p53,
• Downregulate anti-apoptotic genes like Bcl-2.

This dual action—cytotoxicity against cancer cells while maintaining genetic integrity—makes Tongkat Ali a promising candidate for future drug development.

What Does This Mean for Cancer Research?

This study offers promising early-stage proof-of-concept data that natural products like Tongkat Ali can be effective against specific types of leukemia. While these results were obtained ex vivo (outside a living organism), they lay critical groundwork for:

• Pre-clinical trials in animal models,
• Potential formulation improvements to increase oral bioavailability,
• Future inclusion in integrative or adjunct cancer therapies.

Final Thoughts

The journey from plant extract to approved medication is long and complex. However, studies like this fuel hope in the fight against cancer, especially using accessible and traditionally safe botanicals. 

For now, Tongkat Ali’s roots in traditional medicine may just be branching into the future of modern oncology.

References

Furqan M. Abdulelah, Mustafa R. Abdulbaqi, Zahraa M. Jaafar. Ex-Vivo Anticancer Evaluation of Tongkat Ali Roots Extract Against Lymphocyte Cell Line of Human CML Patient. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy, Vol 12, Issue 1, January 2021.