Natural Compound Triptolide Makes Cancer Cells More Vulnerable to Treatment
16:53 5 November, 2026Triptolide, a natural compound derived from a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, may help tumor cells overcome treatment resistance and improve the effectiveness of certain anticancer drugs. This is the conclusion reached by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. The findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.
The researchers tested the effects of triptolide on cancer cells in laboratory experiments and animal studies.
“The compound blocks the enzyme DCTPP1, which helps tumors resist certain drugs. It breaks down the active forms of these medications, preventing them from fully acting on cancer cells,” the researchers explained.
The most notable effect was observed when triptolide was combined with decitabine. This drug affects gene activity, including that of genes that suppress tumor growth. When the researchers added triptolide, decitabine became more effective and caused a greater number of cancer cells to die.
The researchers also found that increased DCTPP1 activity is associated with tumor resistance to treatment. Blocking this enzyme could therefore be one way to make cancer cells more sensitive to existing drugs.
The authors believe this approach holds promise for treating tumors that respond poorly to therapy. However, the findings have so far been obtained in laboratory and preclinical studies. The safety and effectiveness of combining triptolide with anticancer drugs in humans remain to be investigated.