New BH1 compound offers preventive benefits for colorectal cancer

The compound can serve as a health supplement and food additive.

HONG Kong Baptist University’s Golden Meditech Centre for NeuroRegeneration Sciences (GMCNS) unit is advancing colorectal cancer research with the discovery of the BH1 compound geared towards preventive care.

During the Asia Summit on Global Health, GMCNS Associate Director and Assistant Professor Stephen Sze discussed a model highlighting the progression of polyps to colorectal cancer.

According to Sze, the model suggests a possible 16-year timeline for polyps to transform into cancer, offering a window for prevention and intervention.

Meanwhile, he said that the BH1 compound can prevent the formation of polyps, thereby reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

“Our research project is supported by the Hong Kong government and is supported by the Health and Medical Research to effectively eliminate polyps to prevent cancer,” Sze said.

For further utilisation, Sze shared that they provide the compound as a health supplement and food additive, particularly for people who engage in high-fat diets.

Herb-based supplement

The use of herbal medicine as both food and a preventive measure reflects a merging of traditional Chinese medical practices with modern dietary strategies.

In the case of GMCNS, the BH1 compound is designed as a water-soluble herbal supplement that can be utilised in a three-month period by people at high risk of colorectal cancer or those with high body mass index (BMI).

Also, the research team has included innovative microcapsule formulations after acknowledging the compound’s herbal component may potentially give off a strong taste, said Sze. “Through this method, the additive when used will not alter the food’s original taste,” he said.

Sze further noted that whilst clinical trials are not yet underway, the product leverages traditional beliefs in the health benefits of herbal medicine, which could speed its introduction to the public.