Bindweed Targets Tumour Angiogenesis in Cancer Control

Native to Eurasia, the field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis is another traditional medicine with multifaceted purposes in alleviating gastrointestinal, skin, respiratory and joint problems. More recently, research has uncovered potent anticancer properties in this plant extract, largely attributed to its high content of a proteoglycan mixture (PGM).

The PGM from C. arvensis has been found to strongly inhibit angiogenesis, which refers to the formation of new blood vessels. Angiogenesis is a common strategy that tumours exploit to secure a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients, allowing them to grow beyond a limited size and invade other distant organs. In a landmark 2001 study involving mice with bone cancer, treatment with C. arvensis extract diminished tumour size by at least 70% by suppressing angiogenesis, effectively cutting their nutrient and blood supply. These effects were achieved whether the extract was administered by injection or orally, highlighting its high bioavailability even when taken orally. Importantly, no toxicity or adverse effects were noted, even at high doses.

Further studies have discovered that the anticancer spectrum of C. arvensis PGM extends to gastric, cervical, kidney, prostate and breast cancer through one mechanism of action: anti-angiogenesis inhibition. This is not surprising given that most, if not all, types of cancers or tumours rely on angiogenesis for their survival, growth and spread in the body. Therefore, by targeting a universal mechanism of cancer progression, C. arvensis emerges as a valuable addition to complementary and integrative cancer care.

For readers interested in the broader health effects of this plant, we explore them in more detail here.

Cover image attribution: “Field Bindweed – Convolvulus arvensis” by Hornbeam Arts is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0