Ancient drinks could treat cancer

Recent biomolecular studies combined with sophisticated scientific techniques bring to light the medical remedies were discovered, tested and sometimes forgotten over the millennia. We include here herbs, resins, and other organic materials fermentation beverages such as beer or wine. Functional those ancient medicines and if so, we can learn something from the experience of old people care?  
The answer is undoubtedly yes now, thanks to the positive results of laboratory tests of the Abramson Cancer Center for treatment, which made ​​collaborative studies Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory of the University of Pennsylvania, under the leadership of Patrick Mc Govern, arheochimie expert in the study of ancient alcohols.
In the last two years, researchers have been working on a unique project called Archaeological Oncology: in search of ancient medicines were tested compounds found in fermented beverages in ancient Egypt and China in the hope of discovering some anticancer properties. Several compounds, especially luteolin from sage and thyme ursolic acid, and other herbs found in wine jugs dated to about 3150 BC; and artemisin and its synthetic derivative, artesunate, or isoscopoleina of wormwood that it added Chinese rice wine (about 1050 AHR) proved promising in terms of effects on colon and lung cancer.
The next phase is to test these compounds in animals to see if you really have curative properties. More Reviews of this research are groundbreaking in the July 2010 International Journal of Oncology, entitled "Action anticangerigenă botanical compounds in ancient fermented beverages", by Dr. McGovern, M. Christofidou-Solomidou, W. Wang, F . Dukes, T. El-Deiry WS Davidson.
Melpo Christofidou-Solomidou, PhD, associate professor, researcher and specialist Abramson Center in lung allergies, one of the co-authors of the article on ancient remedies, notes that the results are very promising area " artesunate is an old drug has been used to treat malaria, but now it re-discover the properties to be used in the treatment of cancer. Analyzes have confirmed anticarcinogenic properties if used to fight lung cancer cells - a very encouraging sign. We are prepared to carry on the research on this compound ancient rediscovered in modern times. "
McGovern is confident that there are several medical solutions waiting to be rediscovered. Using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry or gas chromatography and mass spectrometry extraction, Biomolecular Archaeology Laboratory at Penn's Museum has been able to identify ancient botanical additives in fermented beverages as residues preserved in old vessels. "Our ancestors had a great intuition when trying to apply any possible treatment to cure mysterious diseases and extend life expectancy from 20 to 30 years," says Dr. McGovern.
Over the millennia it is likely to be found solutions, but lost the next generations especially when whole cultures collapsed. Now these remedies have chances to be reused through biomolecular archeology.
for a long time researcher at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Pennsylvania, Dr. McGovern is the author of several studies, among which "Ancient Wine: in search of the origins viticulture "or" Destupând past: research over wine, beer and other beverages ". In the last two decades has led pioneering activities in biomolecular archeology. University of Pennsylvania Museum is dedicated to the study and understanding of history and human diversity, founding more than 400 anthropological expeditions since its establishment in 1887.