German
researchers reporting in Science Signaling have identified a
compound in the berries of the Coralberry plant that appears to be able to
destroy Uveal Melanoma, the most common and an aggressive type of eye cancer.
The Coralberry is a very common plant we use for Christmas and holiday
decorations! The leaves of the plant contain bacteria that produce a toxin that
inhibits a cancer cell molecule called Gq protein and thus is destructive to
the cancer. It also appears that the toxin may be effective against skin cancer
as well. At this time the investigation is still in the laboratory but
researchers hope to make it into a pharmaceutical in the near future.
If you notice
pigmented or non pigmented lesions or dry scaly patches on your eyelids or
around your eyes please let us know when you schedule your eye exam at Center
for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.
Center for Sight is conveniently located
at 1565
North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from
Massachusetts or Rhode Island.