4/12/25 S 11 E 2200: DR. LARRY SHERMAN - COMPOUND IN FLOWERS TO TREAT CANCER

4/12/25 S 11 E 2200: DR. LARRY SHERMAN - COMPOUND IN FLOWERS TO TREAT CANCER

Ever wondered if flowers could hold the secret to combating serious diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis? This episode of American Medicine Today, hosted by Kimberly Bonati and Ethan Youker, dives into this fascinating possibility with guest Dr. Larry Sherman, a neuroscience professor from OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center. Dr.

Sherman introduces us to sulfuretin, a compound found in dahlia and coreopsis flowers, which shows promise in halting the progression of certain cancers and aiding in brain repair for MS patients. Dr. Sherman explains how this compound works by blocking an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which normally prevents brain cells from doing their job properly. It's not all roses though – the compound needs a bit of tweaking to make it more effective for human use, and Dr.

Sherman is on the case. His research is progressing from mice to Japanese snow monkeys, who naturally develop MS-like symptoms, in hopes of moving towards human clinical trials. The episode isn't just about scientific breakthroughs; it’s peppered with anecdotes that highlight the collaborative spirit in the scientific community. For instance, Dr. Sherman shares how a chemist nun from Portland played a pivotal role in identifying sulfuretin's potential, reminding us that sometimes the most unlikely partnerships can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

If you're curious about how nature might hold keys to future treatments or simply want to hear about the cutting-edge work being done to tackle MS and cancer, this episode is a must-listen. It’s a reminder that sometimes answers might just be blooming in our gardens.