Cancer remains one of the toughest health challenges of our time. Unlike infections such as COVID-19—caused by external viruses and treated with vaccines or medication—cancer begins within the body itself. It develops when healthy cells start growing uncontrollably, forming tumours. This makes it difficult to detect early and even harder to treat effectively.
Now, scientists are turning to an ancient source of healing: the Himalayas. Researchers at Shoolini University, in collaboration with global experts, are exploring the cancer-fighting potential of Himalayan medicinal plants—many of which have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. These plants contain unique natural compounds not found in animals and may play a significant role in treating cancer.
The harsh Himalayan climate forces these plants to produce special compounds for survival. Interestingly, many of these compounds appear to have powerful effects against cancer cells. For example, Cordyceps sinensis, a rare fungus found in the high mountains, has shown remarkable results. A modified version of its compound was found to be 40 times more effective at killing cancer cells than the original, and with fewer side effects.
Some Himalayan plants are already the basis for major chemotherapy drugs. Podophyllum hexandrum, or Himalayan Mayapple, is the natural source of well-known drugs like etoposide and teniposide. The Himalayan Yew tree (Taxus wallichiana) produces paclitaxel, a key drug for treating breast, ovarian, and other cancers.
At the forefront of this research is Assistant Professor Rohit Sharma from the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology at Shoolini University. An award-winning biotechnology expert, he and his team are studying how these himalayan herbs work at the molecular level—examining their interactions with cancer cells from within.
One such herb is Arnebia euchroma (Gaozaban), which produces a pigment called shikonin. This pigment can trigger the self-destruction of cancer cells and block enzymes that support tumour growth. Another plant under study is Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn), packed with antioxidants that protect DNA from damage. Swertia chirayita helps reduce stress and inflammation—both known to increase cancer risk.
Even St John’s Wort, widely used for depression, has compounds that may prevent cancer from forming. Rheum emodi (Himalayan Rhubarb) is another plant with strong anticancer properties.
Shoolini’s research goes beyond the traditional lab setting. Using advanced computer simulations, researchers are accelerating the discovery process. In one study, Asst Prof Sharma’s team tested 20 Himalayan herbs using molecular docking—a technique that predicts how well plant compounds can block disease-causing agents.
They focused on HPV-18, a virus linked to cervical cancer, and found that several herbs—including garlic and barberry—had strong potential to stop the virus. They also learnt that Potentilla nepalensis showed antioxidant and anti-skin cancer properties, while Pinus roxburghii, a Himalayan pine tree, could enhance the immune system’s cancer-fighting response.
Professor Deepak Kumar from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences is working on the project with researchers Associate Professor Rachana Verma, Assistant Professor Radha, Assistant Professor Jyoti, and Associate Professor Lokender Kumar. He said the findings highlight the immense potential of Himalayan herbs in transforming cancer treatment.
“With their unique bioactive compounds, these plants offer promising alternatives to conventional therapies—showing good efficacy with reduced toxicity. Their ability to induce apoptosis, inhibit tumour growth, and enhance immune response could lead to safer, more targeted treatments,” he said.
Professor Deepak Kumar added that the integration of traditional knowledge with advanced tools like molecular docking and ADMET analysis, pioneered by Shoolini University, pointed to a sustainable, science-backed approach to drug discovery. These efforts could lead to affordable, plant-based cancer therapies and encourage a global shift toward nature-inspired innovations in pharmaceuticals.
Ahana Nath
