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Convolvulus arvensis, a flowering plant that belongs to the bindweed family Convolvulaceae, is also known as bindweed or morning glory. About 250 species of flowering plants belong to the bindweed family, but one in particular, C. arvensis, has been the subject of at least one scientific study to evaluate its use in fighting cancer.
Researchers extracted components from convolvulus arvensis, which are composed primarily of proteins and polysaccharides, in boiling water . The extract was used to determine its effect on fibrosarcoma growth in mice and angiogenesis (capillary growth that nourishes tumors) in chick embryos, as well as its impact on lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection) ex vivo and tumor cell growth in vitro.
The researchers found that bindweed extract inhibited tumor growth in the mice by about 70 percent. Bindweed extract also interfered with angiogenesis in chick embryos and improved survival of lymphocytes, but the extract did not kill tumor cells in culture. (Meng 2002)
To our knowledge, no other scientific studies have been published regarding the impact of bindweed on cancer. Consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements that contain convolvulus arvensis.
Reference
Meng XL et al. Effects of a high molecular mass Convolvulus arvensis extract on tumor growth and angiogenesis. PR Health Sci J 2002 Dec; 21(4): 323-28
