Orchid plant chemicals slowed brain tumor cells in lab tests
Original title: Coelawrenins A-K, dihydrophenanthrene and stilbene derivatives from Coelogyne lawrenceana and their anti-cancer activity against glioma cells.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was done on cells in a lab, not in people. It is a very early step.
This was only done on cells grown in a dish.
The short version
A chemical from an orchid plant killed brain tumor cells in a dish.
What was studied. Scientists took eleven new chemicals, plus seventeen known ones, out of an orchid plant. Some were tested on glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells. Those are the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4. The grade says how the tumor is expected to act. See the glossary cells grown in a dish.
What they found. Three of the chemicals slowed glioma: A tumor that starts in the glial cells. Those are the support cells of the brain and spinal cord. Gliomas are given a grade from 1 to 4. The grade says how the tumor is expected to act. See the glossary cell growth. One, called coelawrenin J, worked the best and harmed normal human cells less. It also lowered two proteins that help tumor cells stay alive.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: This gives researchers a new plant chemical to look into for brain tumors. It is not something a doctor can give you now.
What it doesn't mean: This does not mean an orchid can treat a brain tumor. The work was done on cells in a dish, not in people. No one knows yet if it is safe or helps a person. It is very far from everyday care, and it is not a cure.
Source: PubMed, October 28, 2026 · Read the original
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