NIT Rourkela scientists discover long pepper compound for colon cancer treatment

In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela have identified a natural compound derived from long pepper (locally known as pippali/thippili/maghaun) that could offer a safer, low-cost treatment alternative for colon cancer. 

Laboratory studies have shown that the compound, Piperlongumine, effectively kills colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

The findings have been published in the reputed journal BioFactors and are part of a collaborative research project led by Prof. Bijesh Kumar Biswal, Associate Professor, Department of Life Science, along with research scholars Rajeev Kumar Sahoo, Stuti Biswal, Sambit Kumar Patra and Shikshya Swarupa Panda. The research team also included Dr. Surya Kant Tripathi from the University of North Carolina, USA, and experts from the Central University of South Bihar.

Colon cancer is among the most prevalent types of cancer worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 1.9 million new cases and close to 900,000 deaths were recorded globally in 2022. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy often lead to severe side effects, including hair loss, nerve damage, and weakened immunity, and cancer cells frequently develop resistance over time.

The NIT Rourkela team demonstrated through a series of assays that Piperlongumine triggers cancer cell death by inducing oxidative stress that cancer cells cannot withstand, while normal cells remain unaffected. Since long pepper is inexpensive and widely available in Indian households and traditional medicine, researchers say the discovery could benefit low- and middle-income nations struggling with high cancer treatment costs.

“This natural compound from long pepper has shown strong anticancer effects with minimal side effects, making it a promising and safer alternative therapy,” said Prof. Biswal. “Our next step is to explore the combination of piperlongumine with standard chemotherapy drugs such as oxaliplatin to help restore responsiveness in patients who have become resistant to treatment.”

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Experts believe the breakthrough could spearhead more research into natural and affordable cancer therapies sourced from everyday dietary elements and Ayurvedic practices. The study is seen as a significant step toward sustainable, accessible treatment for advanced and chemo-resistant colorectal cancer.