Extracts from fynbos plant Cyclopia could help curb breast cancer

A new study has found that the fynbos plant Cyclopia could help stop the development of breast cancer.

Stellenbosch University said in a statement that researcher, Dr Koch Visser, studied the relationship between Cyclopia, which is used to make honey bush tea, and breast cancer cells, News 24 reported.

Visser found that Cyclopia extracts prevent the estrogen-induced growth of breast cancer cells by targeting and inhibiting estrogen receptor subtypes that promote the growth of these cells.

Visser said that there's a possibility that this research could offer respite to women who may be diagnosed with breast cancer in future, especially considering the global need to better understand the development and progression of this disease in order to treat it effectively.

While other breast cancer drugs appeared to increase the risk of cancer of the uterus, Visser's study suggested that Cyclopia extracts did not have this effect.