This plant destroys cancer cells

Here’s a breakdown of what we do and don’t know about Polygala tenuifolia (a traditional Chinese medicinal herb) and its potential anti-cancer properties — but with a strong caution: this is not proof that it “destroys cancer cells” in humans, and it is not a substitute for medical treatment.

✅ What the research shows

Several preclinical studies (cell culture + animal models) have found promising effects of extracts or polysaccharides from Polygala tenuifolia:

• A pectin-like polysaccharide (named RP02-1) from the roots of P. tenuifolia inhibited growth of pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, BxPC-3) in vitro and in a mouse model, via inducing apoptosis and suppressing autophagy.

• A water-soluble polysaccharide (PTP) from the roots suppressed ovarian tumour growth and angiogenesis in a mouse xenograft model, also induced apoptosis.

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