Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have identified a natural compound named sulfuretin, which shows promise in halting the progression of cancer and demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS).

This groundbreaking research, published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, reveals that sulfuretin acts as an inhibitor of a specific enzyme associated with both cancer and MS.

Graduate student Alec Peters played a crucial role in confirming that sulfuretin effectively blocks the activity of the CEMIP enzyme in cell models, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications.

In laboratory tests, sulfuretin also demonstrated the ability to inhibit hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronic acid, contributing to myelin damage and cancer cell proliferation.

Myelin damage is linked to various serious conditions, including MS, strokes, brain injuries, and certain dementias, and can even affect premature infants.

The implications of sulfuretin extend beyond MS and cancer; the study suggests it could also be beneficial for treating osteoarthritis and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

This research underscores the vital contributions of undergraduate students at the University of Portland, who, under the mentorship of retired professor Angela Hoffman, screened numerous plant compounds for their effects on hyaluronidase.

The significance of this study is further emphasized by the multiple grants it received from the National Institutes of Health and other organizations, which support its relevance in the field of medical research.