Italian scientists at Bologna University have recently discovered in a study that the woad "war plant" is overloaded with glucobrassicin compound, known for its beneficial effects against malignant tumors, successfully used especially against breast cancer. Woad comes from the same plant family as cauliflower and broccoli. If until now broccoli was considered to be the most effective plant in the family against cancer, woad was found to contain 20 times more glucobrassicin than its green fellow.

Dr. Stefania Galletti, who led the study, wrote in the report published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture: "The availability of glucobrassicin in good amounts and at low cost could finally permit studies to be performed in order to clarify the anti-cancer role of glucobrassicin-rich vegetables, like broccoli, in the human diet."

The glucobrassicin compound plays a defensive role in the woad plant, being released by the plant when its leaves are damaged. The anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties of the war paint plant are particularly efficient against the estrogen hormone and the chemical derivatives linked to it. Therefore, the plant can especially be used as a natural medicine against breast cancer, as women who suffer from such tumors usually present higher levels of estrogen and related chemical derivatives. A recent study has also proved that glucobrassicin compound intake reduces the symptoms of cancer-related lung cancer.

Acknowledging the benefits woad could bring to the whole humankind by actively fighting against cancer, Dr. Kat Arney of Cancer Research UK stated: "The natural world is a rich source of molecules that can benefit human health. This new way of growing woad, a plant from the same family as broccoli and cauliflower, could allow researchers to get hold of larger quantities of potential anti-cancer agents. These can then be tested further in the lab and in patients. Chemicals like these could one day prove to have an important part to play in the prevention and treatment of cancer."