A study of traditional Sudanese medicinal plants by Nottingham pharmaceutical scientists has shown one can inhibit breast cancer cells. The research findings are to be released at the inaugural Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences Conference - UK PharmSci 2010 - The Science of Medicine, September 1-3. 

Chief researcher Ashraf Abdalla, from the University of Nottingham Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, is originally from Sudan and knew of the local traditional medicines.  

The study looked at five herbal plants which were collected and used according to the way they are traditionally used to treat breast cancer in Sudan. His research is the first of its kind on one of the plants. 

"It is very exciting to have completed research that proves some of these medicines have anti-cancer qualities," Mr Abdalla said.

"It's the first time that one of these plants has been studied for biological activity, and our research showed that it does inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells, "Mr Abdalla said.