Imperial College London researchers have now discovered a new drug that according to them would prove to be a new and far more effective way to treat prostate cancer, according to a recent report published in the journal Molecular Endocrinology.

It has been found that the drug named Celastrol has the power to curb p23, a protein that is believed to act with another protein dubbed HSP90 so as to activate prostate tumours’ hormonal response. The drug is derived from the plant "Thunder God Vine" Tripterygium wilfordii used in Chinese medicine.

While the intoxicating anti-inflammatory agent as well as an antioxidant has proved itself dominating over the protein, the protein has also been found to be the main stimulator of prostate tumours.

It is being said that the protein only mainly helps the male hormone testosterone to fuel the tumour. The findings have raised hopes to save lives of thousands of people dying because of prostate cancer. Thus, tests in the lab are being planned as a next step in the path.

"Drugs that block p23 such as celastrol have shown early promise in treating several diseases like arthritis and asthma, meaning this research is already a step closer to the clinic”, Dr. Charlotte Bevan was quoted as affirming.