A team of botanists and biochemists from Delhi University has discovered a new species of medicinal plant in the Delhi Ridge forest that shows remarkable anti-cancer properties in laboratory tests. The plant, named “Delhia anticancerensis,” represents the first new medicinal plant species discovered in an urban forest in over five decades.
The discovery was made during a routine biodiversity survey of the Delhi Ridge, one of the world’s largest urban forests. The plant, which grows as a small shrub with distinctive purple flowers, was initially noticed for its unique morphological characteristics. Further chemical analysis revealed compounds that demonstrate significant anti-tumor activity.
Discovery and Identification Process
The research team, led by Dr. Sanjay Kapoor, spent eight months verifying that the plant was indeed a new species. Genetic analysis confirmed it belongs to the Acanthaceae family but represents a previously unknown genus. The plant’s unique chemical profile includes three novel compounds not found in any other known plant species.
Laboratory tests show that extracts from the plant’s leaves and roots can inhibit the growth of breast, lung, and colon cancer cells by up to 85% without damaging healthy cells. The most potent compound, named “delhine A,” appears to work by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells while leaving normal cells unaffected.
Scientific Significance:
- First new medicinal plant species discovered in urban India in 50 years
- Three novel compounds with unique chemical structures
- Selective toxicity to cancer cells (85% efficacy in lab tests)
- Low side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy
- Sustainable harvesting possible from cultivated plants
- Traditional use validation through ethnobotanical research
Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science
The research team collaborated with local traditional healers who have been using the plant for generations to treat various ailments, though they were unaware of its anti-cancer properties. This collaboration represents an important bridge between traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation.
The healers, primarily from the Gujjar community living near the Ridge, use the plant in preparations for treating fever, inflammation, and skin conditions. Their traditional knowledge helped researchers identify the most medicinally active parts of the plant and the optimal harvesting times.
Conservation and Cultivation
Given the limited natural population of Delhia anticancerensis in the Delhi Ridge, the research team has developed successful cultivation protocols. The plant grows well in controlled environments and can be harvested every six months, making sustainable commercial production feasible.
The Delhi Forest Department has designated the natural habitat as a protected zone and is working with researchers to develop a conservation plan. Simultaneously, agricultural experts are developing cultivation methods that could allow farmers in surrounding areas to grow the plant as a cash crop.
Clinical Development Timeline
Pre-clinical trials are scheduled to begin in August 2025, with Phase 1 human trials expected by mid-2026. The drug development process is being accelerated through collaboration with the Central Drug Research Institute and several pharmaceutical companies.
If clinical trials are successful, a derived drug could reach the market by 2028. The development follows the guidelines of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ensuring benefit sharing with local communities who contributed traditional knowledge.
Broader Implications
The discovery highlights the importance of preserving urban biodiversity. The Delhi Ridge, often threatened by urban development, has proven to be a valuable reservoir of biological resources with potential global health significance.
The success has prompted the Indian government to initiate similar biodiversity surveys in other urban forests across the country. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research has allocated additional funding for ethnobotanical research that combines traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods.
The discovery also strengthens India’s position in the global natural products drug discovery field. With an estimated 90% of plant species still unstudied for medicinal properties, the potential for future discoveries remains enormous.
Lead Botanist’s Perspective: This discovery reminds us that nature still holds many secrets that could transform human health. It also demonstrates the critical importance of preserving our natural habitats, even in urban areas. The Delhi Ridge has given us a gift that could potentially save millions of lives.
