The world’s first herbal drug to cure chronic myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer that attacks white blood cells, could come from the betel leaf.

A 12 member team of scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, and Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine (all in Kolkata) have discovered that a compound similar to Chlorogenic Acid (Chl) – 3-O-p-coumaryl Quinic Acid – found in paan, kills cancerous CML cells without harming normal cells. A kilogram of fresh betel leaf produces one mg of the compound.

The molecule, code named ICB 101, was found while searching for immuno-modulatory activity from medicinal plants of India.

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, which funded the research programme for anti-cancer drug, has also acquired US patent rights for the compound discovered in betel leaf. Over 19 CSIR labs participated in the tests.

Currently, there is just one drug available for treating CML – Gleevec manufactured by Novartis, CSIR DG R A Mashelkar said pre-clinical and toxicological studies will start on animals soon. Following this, a dossier will be submitted to the Drug Controller General of India, who will then allow phase I, II, III of clinical trials. CSIR is also negotiating an agreement with a leading pharmaceutical company to carry out clinical tests and make the cheapest-ever drug for CML.

Dr. Mashelkar told TOI, “Some plant-based compounds were found to be potential herbal remedies for cancer. But none of these were discovered by India researchers. That paan could be a remedy has been found for the first time. We will exploit this formula to make the world’s first herbal drug against leukemia in the next five years.”