Anticarcinogenic substances in the body increases the vegetable are called polyphenols and has been shown that can destroy or prevent the growth of cancer cells and suggest that could be used to develop new treatments, less toxic, the disease, including cancers resistant to other treatments.

Previous investigations have focused on rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) of Oriental medicine since it is used in China since 4500 years ago, as a laxative, stimulating the functions of stomach and liver.

The goal, from now on is to discover the best combination of polyphenols and chemotherapeutic agents kill cancer-causing cells, including those who have resisted previous treatments.

"Our study has shown that British rhubarb is a potential source of pharmacological agents that can be used to develop new cancer drugs," said Nikki Jordan-Mahy, Biochemical Research Center Hallam University.

According to Dr. Nikki Jordan-Mahy, Center for Biomedical Research at Sheffield Hallam University, it is important to investigate new cancer drugs that are less toxic and can overcome the resistance that some cancer cells are compared to current drugs.