Scientists discovered that two natural plant compounds called reticuline and coclaurine may help fight colorectal cancer by working through a special protein called the vitamin D receptor. In laboratory tests using cancer cells, these compounds slowed cancer growth, stopped cancer cells from spreading, and triggered cancer cells to self-destruct. The compounds worked by activating the vitamin D receptor, which appears to be important for fighting cancer. However, these are very early findings from lab experiments, and much more research is needed before these compounds could potentially be used as cancer treatments in people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two natural plant compounds (reticuline and coclaurine) could slow down or kill colorectal cancer cells, and how they work inside cancer cells
  • Who participated: This was a laboratory study using colorectal cancer cells grown in dishes. No human patients were involved. Scientists compared normal cancer cells to cancer cells that had the vitamin D receptor gene removed
  • Key finding: Both plant compounds successfully slowed cancer cell growth and triggered cancer cells to die in a process called apoptosis (programmed cell death). These effects only worked when the vitamin D receptor was present in the cells
  • What it means for you: This research suggests these plant compounds might one day help treat colorectal cancer, but this is very early-stage laboratory work. Many more studies in animals and eventually humans would be needed before any potential treatment could be available. Do not consider this a current treatment option

The Research Details

Scientists conducted laboratory experiments using colorectal cancer cells. They tested two plant compounds called reticuline and coclaurine on cancer cells to see if they could stop cancer growth. To understand how these compounds work, they used a special genetic technique called CRISPR to create two types of cancer cells: some with a normal vitamin D receptor and some without it. This allowed them to determine whether the vitamin D receptor was necessary for the compounds to work. They used various laboratory tests including microscopy, cell viability tests, and genetic analysis to measure the effects.

The researchers used different doses of the compounds to see if higher amounts had stronger effects. They also studied what happened inside the cells at the genetic level to understand the exact mechanisms of action. Computer modeling was used to visualize how the plant compounds fit into and interact with the vitamin D receptor protein.

This research approach is important because it helps identify which natural compounds might have anti-cancer potential and explains exactly how they work. By comparing cells with and without the vitamin D receptor, scientists could prove that this specific protein is essential for the compounds’ cancer-fighting effects. This type of detailed mechanism study is necessary before any compound can be considered for further development as a potential drug

This is laboratory research using cultured cancer cells, which is the earliest stage of drug discovery. The findings are preliminary and cannot yet be applied to human patients. The study was well-designed with appropriate controls, but results from cell cultures often don’t translate to living organisms. The researchers were transparent about limitations and acknowledged that animal and human studies are needed next. Published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work before publication

What the Results Show

Both reticuline and coclaurine successfully reduced the growth of colorectal cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, meaning higher amounts had stronger effects. The compounds increased the presence of the vitamin D receptor in the cell nucleus (the control center of the cell) and activated genes controlled by this receptor. The cancer cells showed signs of apoptosis, which is a natural process where cells self-destruct. This was confirmed by measuring specific proteins that indicate cell death, including increased PARP and caspase-3 cleavage.

The compounds also stopped cancer cells from spreading in wound-healing tests, where scientists create a small gap in a layer of cells and measure how quickly cancer cells move to fill it. Both alkaloids caused cancer cells to stop dividing at a specific point in the cell cycle called S-phase, which is when cells copy their DNA before dividing. This cell cycle arrest was associated with increased levels of a protein called cyclin A1.

At the genetic level, the compounds activated genes that fight cancer (like TP53 and Bax) while reducing genes that promote cancer growth (like SNAIL1 and SNAIL2). They also decreased BCL-2, a protein that normally protects cancer cells from dying.

Computer modeling studies showed that both plant compounds fit perfectly into the active site of the vitamin D receptor, suggesting this is how they activate the protein. The most important secondary finding was that both compounds completely lost their cancer-fighting abilities in cancer cells that had the vitamin D receptor gene removed. This proves that the vitamin D receptor is absolutely essential for these compounds to work—they cannot fight cancer without it

This research builds on previous knowledge that the vitamin D receptor plays a protective role against colorectal cancer. The study adds to growing evidence that natural plant alkaloids may have anti-cancer properties. However, most previous research on these specific compounds (reticuline and coclaurine) has been limited, making this one of the first detailed studies of their effects on colorectal cancer cells specifically. The findings align with the general principle that activating the vitamin D receptor can trigger cancer cell death

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory dishes using cancer cells, not in living animals or humans. Cancer cells in a dish behave differently than cancer in a living body. The study did not test whether these compounds would be safe or effective in animals or people. The researchers did not measure how much of these compounds would need to be given to a person or how the body would process them. There is no information about potential side effects. The study focused only on one type of colorectal cancer cell line (HCT116), so results might differ with other cancer types or subtypes. The researchers themselves noted that in vivo studies (studies in living organisms) are needed to validate these findings

The Bottom Line

Based on this laboratory research alone, there are no clinical recommendations for patients. These compounds should not be used as cancer treatments outside of controlled research settings. The findings suggest these compounds warrant further investigation in animal models and eventually clinical trials, but that process typically takes many years. People with colorectal cancer should continue following their doctor’s recommended treatment plans. If interested in natural compounds for cancer prevention or treatment, discuss options with an oncologist

Colorectal cancer researchers and pharmaceutical companies should care about these findings as they represent potential new drug leads. People with colorectal cancer or family history of colorectal cancer may find this interesting as it represents hope for future treatments, but should not change current medical care. The general public interested in natural medicine and cancer prevention may find this relevant. People should NOT attempt to use reticuline or coclaurine as cancer treatments based on this research

This is extremely early-stage research. If these compounds continue to show promise, the typical timeline would be: 2-5 years for animal studies, 1-3 years for initial human safety trials, and 2-7 years for larger effectiveness trials. A realistic estimate for potential availability as a treatment would be 10-15+ years from now, if development continues successfully. Many promising laboratory compounds never make it to human use

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users interested in colorectal cancer prevention could track lifestyle factors associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk: weekly servings of vegetables and fruits, weekly exercise minutes, and screening appointment dates. This research doesn’t yet suggest tracking these specific compounds
  • While these compounds aren’t available as treatments yet, users could use the app to increase behaviors that support colorectal cancer prevention: eating more plant-based foods rich in natural compounds, maintaining regular physical activity, staying hydrated, and keeping track of cancer screening appointments (colonoscopy). Set reminders for age-appropriate cancer screenings
  • Create a long-term tracking system for colorectal cancer prevention habits. Monitor weekly vegetable/fruit intake, exercise frequency, and screening status. Set annual reminders for appropriate cancer screenings based on age and risk factors. Users could also track any new research updates on these compounds by setting a reminder to check for clinical trial information annually

This research describes laboratory findings in cancer cells and does not represent approved treatments for colorectal cancer. These compounds have not been tested in humans and should not be used as cancer treatments outside of clinical research settings. Anyone with colorectal cancer or concerns about cancer risk should consult with their oncologist or healthcare provider about evidence-based treatment and prevention options. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not delay or replace conventional cancer treatment with unproven natural compounds based on this research.