Micah Jemimah Calahat

Many search for the unknown. Some conclude there is no such thing as an answer, while others hope for a miracle. 

Yet, the cure for an illness as grave as breast cancer may have long been lingering in plain sight, just right in your common Filipino backyards—in the very root of the often-overlooked cassava leaves. 

Photo Courtesy of Quezon City Science High School.

A group of student researchers from Quezon City Science High School examined promising chemical compounds in cassava leaves that may hold life-saving potential in the treatment of breast cancer.

An extract of the backyard plant was found to possess compounds, namely Ephedradine A and (25R)-Spirostan-3 12-dione, which were reported to selectively target cancer cells alone while sparing healthy ones. 

Both compounds have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and possibility to produce reactive oxygen species, which help grow and signal for healing and immune defense, suggesting therapeutic applications.

“The trials showed the extract can only eliminate healthy cells after approximately 4.6 exposure cycles, indicating that the methanolic crude solution can differentiate between healthy and cancerous cells,” said Emmanuelle Reign Tica, one of the researchers.

From backyard to breakthrough
Cassava (Manihot esculenta), locally known as kamoteng kahoy, is commonly regarded as a staple carbohydrate-rich food in the Philippines; however, its possibility of curing cancer remains unrecognized.

The application of plants in medicinal treatments have long been considered for centuries, due to their chemoprotective and anticarcinogenic properties.

In the study, the researchers considered the plant’s use to push for a cheaper, safer, and more accessible alternative to conventional treatments, which are often costly and invasive.

The students used leaves harvested from a local farm, then dried, pulverized, and subjected the samples to solvent-based maceration.

Roots of  recovery
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Filipino women, making it a top public health concern. 

“We also have some family friends and members who struggled with breast cancer as well. Through this study, we wanted to see how we can further help them,” Tica stated.

The study found that the average absorbance of the leaves is not significantly far from those of established treatments, notably chemotherapeutic medicines Vinblastine and 5-Fluorouracil.

Furthermore, through in-silico test, or virtual lab testing, the discovered chemicals were discovered to have good binding characteristics with cancer cells and block the location, preventing the cancer from spreading.

The study began in Grade 9, and the researchers have now been acknowledged and invited by the American Association for Cancer Research to discuss their findings at a meeting in Chicago, Illinois, in April. 

While many search for cancer treatments far and wide, science reminds us that sometimes, hope grows in our backyards. 

With continued support in research, such a feat in cassava leaves can one day go beyond the gardens—and into the future of cancer care.