German research into a common herb shows that it may be effective in dealing with certain types of brain tumors.
According to scientists at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, an extract from milk thistle may be helpful in treating people who suffer from Cushing disease, an illness linked to a tumor (usually benign) in the pituitary gland. During Cushing disease, the tumor releases the stress hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) which stimulates the release of the hormone cortisol from the adrenals. That leads to extreme weight gain, high blood pressure and weak muscles.
The disease also frequently causes the osteoporotic weakening of bones, infections, memory problems and depression.
Although up to 85 percent of these pituitary tumors can be taken out with surgery, the operation is problematic and uncomfortable. When the tumor is inoperable, treatment with drugs can be very difficult and result in serious side effects.
“We knew that Cushing Disease is caused by the release of too much ACTH. So we asked ourselves what causes this over production and how to stop it,” says researcher Marcelo Paez-Pereda.
In their search for a treatment, the scientists realized that the condition is connected to the overproduction of a protein called HSP90. Silibinin, an extract from milk thistle, can bind with this protein, and turn off its harmful effects.
“With silibinin we might have discovered a non-invasive treatment strategy not only for the rare Cushing Disease but also for other conditions with the involvement of glucocorticoid receptors (cell areas that interact with hormones) such as lung tumors, acute lymphoblastic leukemia or multiple myeloma,” says Paez-Pereda.
