A groundbreaking study from Tennessee State University in the United States has uncovered a remarkable property of sweet potato leaves and stems, parts often disregarded or used as animal feed. Researchers have found that these components contain potent compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of breast and lung cancer cells. This discovery opens up new possibilities for natural alternatives in cancer treatment. The findings were published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.

The research delves into the underutilized potential of sweet potato plants beyond their tuberous roots. Sweet potatoes, belonging to the Convolvulaceae family, are cultivated in over 100 countries, with developing nations producing the majority of the global supply. Traditionally, the leaves and stems have been overlooked despite being rich sources of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins, which possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.

In this investigation, scientists examined methanolic extracts from two types of sweet potatoes—All-Purple and Carolina Ruby—to assess their impact on human breast (BT549) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines. The results revealed distinct effects depending on the type of cancer and the cultivar used. All-Purple sweet potato leaf extracts demonstrated a stronger effect on breast cancer cells, while Carolina Ruby leaf and stem extracts showed greater efficacy against lung cancer cells.

The study utilized a cell viability assay to measure the cytotoxic effects of the extracts at various concentrations. For instance, All-Purple leaf extracts achieved significant inhibition of breast cancer cell growth at lower concentrations compared to lung cancer cells. Conversely, Carolina Ruby leaf and stem extracts had a more pronounced effect on lung cancer cells, even surpassing the performance of tamoxifen, a common breast cancer drug, at certain concentrations.

The researchers attribute the anti-proliferative effects to the high levels of bioactive compounds present in the sweet potato leaves and stems, particularly polyphenols and anthocyanins. These compounds are known to induce cell cycle arrest and promote apoptosis in cancer cells. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of these natural products varies by cancer type, indicating a need for further research to understand the specific mechanisms involved.

This study underscores the importance of reevaluating the use of sweet potato leaves and stems in diets, not only for their nutritional value but also for their potential role in cancer prevention. Future research should focus on identifying the key bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and exploring their molecular mechanisms. The implications of this work could lead to innovative approaches in cancer therapy, emphasizing the untapped potential of natural plant-based remedies.