
A chemical in an essential oil extracted from tree bark might actually reduce cancer growth. Researchers are finding that hinokitiol, a compound found in some cypress trees, not only has anti-infective and anti-oxidative properties, but it might also impact the epigenetic tags on top of DNA and reactivate genes that fight against tumor growth.
The epigenetic mechanism known as DNA methylation has been crucial to our understanding of cancer. Irregular methylation suppresses genes that work to reduce tumor growth, which is why pharmaceutical companies have developed epigenetic anti-cancer drugs, such as DNMT inhibitors, that reverse detrimental methylation status. However, these drugs often come with unwanted side effects like DNA mutagenesis and cytotoxicity.

“Hinokitiol has potential as a novel DNMT inhibitor and could be associated with DNA methylation and thus provide hinokitiol as new therapeutic candidate of colon cancer,” reported a team of researchers from Korea University College of Medicine.
This natural compound which possesses several health benefits was first discovered in Taiwanese hinoki trees in 1936 and is a naturally derived extract from cypress trees. An increasing amount of natural substances that are believed to have health-boosting qualities are being investigated by epigenetics researchers. For instance, a Chinese herb mixture called Wutou decoction was recently shown to alleviate arthritis by triggering epigenetic mechanisms.
In their study published in BMC Cell Biology, the group treated colon cancer cells with different doses of hinokitiol. It was found to inhibit colon cancer cell viability without harming normal colon cells. After extracting nuclear proteins using EpiGentek’s EpiQuik Nuclear Extraction Kit and performing a series of tests, they uncovered a decrease in the protein expression of DNMT1 as well as UHRF1, which plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis via silencing genes.

TET enzymes work to initiate DNA demethylation by converting methylated cytosine, or 5-methylcytosine (5-mc) into hydroxymethylated cytosine, or 5-hydroxymethylated cytosine (5-hmC). TET1 activity was increased as a result of hinokitiol, which suggests a connection of hinokitiol with DNA demethylation.
In order to measure 5-mC and 5-hmC levels, the team used the MethylFlash Methylated DNA Quantification Kit and MethylFlash Hydroxymethylated DNA Quantification Kit in the fluorometric version from EpiGentek. The team discovered that 5-hmC levels were significantly enhanced, although 5-mC was not affected.

“These results indicate that hinokitiol may cause DNA demethylation through the downregulation of DNMT1 as well as the upregulation of TET1 without reducing the level of 5-mC in colon cancer cells,” concluded the researchers.
Perhaps now more than ever we are starting to delve into the potential epigenetic and molecular underpinnings of alternative medicine, such as herbs or essential oils. Although many more controlled studies must be conducted in order to determine if these substances can benefit humans in a meaningful way, they still offer an intriguing look into the possible medicinal and epigenetic power of certain holistic approaches.
Bailey Kirkpatrick
Source: Seo, J.E. et al. (2017). Hinokitiol induces DNA demethylation via DNMT1 and UHRF1 inhibition in colon cancer cells. BMC Cell Biology, 18:14.
Related Posts
Like this:
Like Loading...
Related
Published by dreddymd
Dr Eddy Bettermann MD focus on Biological Medicine (Biologische Medizin), Darkfield Microscopy (Dunkelfeld Mikroskopie), Orthomolecular Medicine (Orthomolekulare Medizin), Ayurvedic Medicine (Ayurveda), Psychosomatic Medicine (Psychosomatische Medizin), raw food (Rohkost), fasting (Fasten):
Our primary integrative medicine goal is the maintenance of your health and wellness, and we are committed to safe and effective healthcare.
Our specialties include online integrative medicine education by alternative doctor: food and allergy management through the use of Integrative medical therapy, Environmental Medicine, General Family Medicine, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, Chronic Fatigue, ADHD, autism, Fibromyalgia, Yeast/Fungus related diseases – Candidacies, mercury dental replacement and detoxification, Natural Thyroid Replacement, Weight loss, Lyme Disease, Irritable Bowel Disease, Attention Deficit Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Addiction related programs, Intestinal Dysbiosis, as well as trigger point therapy using Neural Therapy.
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD, physician from Germany, consultant and teacher in biological medicine, especially dark field microscopy known as Live Blood Analysis in Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. But he lecture also in the USA, Canada and the U.A.E. He speaks english and german.
https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/the-interactive-live-blood-cd-and-the-certified-training-live-blood-analysis-online-course/
https://dreddymd.com/courses/
https://dreddymd.com/2017/01/17/live-blood-microscopy-analysis-darkfield-course/
“Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food.” — Hippocrates
Physician Member of the Medical Board at AOX Singapore,
Medical Doctor at Nurse Mobile Clinic and
Physician at DrEddy Clinic
Our Mission:
The mission of the Integrative Medicine is to search for the most effective treatments for patients by combining both conventional and alternative approaches that address all aspects of health and wellness – biological, psychological, social and spiritual. Biological Medicine is a big part of my work and so is Dark field Microscopy, what I use in my daily practice and what I teach more then 15 years in Asia and around the world: Live Blood Analysis in dark field based on Haematology.
We utilize Live blood analysis since 2004, conventional as well as specialty laboratories for a thorough diagnostic work up of the disease in question. Our integrative medicine treatment regimens are especially unique and are tailored specifically to the individual needs of each patient.
Our Mission: don’t harm, prevent, use food as medicine
We are a reliable partner for integrative medicine in Medical Spa & Clinic Development and integrative medicine Education Training for alternative doctors – we bring different holistic approaches, like Integrative Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda Medicine together. On your request we offer our service in your place as well.
Heavy metal poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning is much more common than most people realize, and if you’re thinking that it doesn’t apply to you because you haven’t been exposed to any, think again. If you’ve eaten fish regularly, had amalgam fillings, received vaccinations, drank contaminated water, or done industrial or agricultural work or pharmaceutical manufacturing, there’s a good chance that you have a fair amount of toxic metals in your system..
We are here to help and to educate!
Wishing your health and happiness
Dr Eddy Bettermann MD
Multimedia library https://bit.ly/2Wgqsd3
Protect you and your family from harmful radiation https://bit.ly/synergyscience-dreddymd
More information about 5G and EMF: https://dreddymd.com/?s=5G+and+EMF
Protocol https://amzn.to/2Nxsfql
DrEddyClinic is affiliate of Amazon and get comission for the products, which we recommend https://www.amazon.com/shop/dreddyclinic , same as GlobalHealing https://dreddymd.com/shop/supplements/
View all posts by dreddymd