Nettle chemical ‘could enhance performance of cancer drug’

UK scientists have discovered that a chemical naturally present in stinging nettles and ants could potentially increase the effectiveness of a drug often used to treat cancer.

This is according to researchers from the University of Warwick, who found that the efficiency of sodium formate – which is regularly used in metal-based cancer treatment – could improve when combined with the natural chemical JS07.

Lead author of the study Professor Peter Sadler explained: "By itself, JS07 is capable of shutting down cancer cells, but when used in combination with sodium formate, this ability is significantly increased."

What's more, the doctors found that JS07 can also help to reduce the side effects of the cancer treatment, as well as its toxicity levels.

Therefore, there is potential for the naturally-occurring chemical to increase cancer survival rates.

Official figures from Cancer Research UK show that one in every three people are likely to develop the disease at some point during their lifetime.