India, Jan. 4 -- The multi-institutional research team, led by Prof. Bijesh Kumar Biswal, Associate Professor in the Department of Life Science at National Institute of Technology Rourkela (NIT Rourkela), conducted a set of laboratory experiments to demonstrate the activity of Piperlongumine, a natural compound, as an alternative to chemotherapy. The research team found that it selectively kills colon cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Prof Biswal reveals more about the research undertaken by him and his team. Edited excerpts;

Can you tell us about the timeline of the research?

Our research on Piper longum and its anticancer potential began shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic, around early 2021. The lockdown years were c...