A new drug has been tested among breast cancer patients in Brazil since late December, local press said Monday.

The active ingredient will be used among a group of 30 to 40 patients to test the efficacy of the drug. This new phase of research will last about six months.

The drug is derived from Euphorbia tirucalli, known in Brazil as avelos, a plant of African origin found in north and northeast Brazil.

The research is being conducted by the Israeli Institute of Study and Research in partnership with Pharma PHC Consulting, a consulting firm specializing in pharmaceutical industry.

One of the substances present in avelos was isolated and tested in cells and animals, said Auro Del Giglio, coordinator of oncology sector at the Israeli Hospital Albert Einstein (Sao Paulo).

He also said there is the possibility to isolate other substances of the plant that may be effective against other types of cancer.

"We are awaiting more fractioning of avelos. It has a range of substances and, through research, could open the possibility for other types (of cancer)." he said.

Despite the possible benefits of the plant, he warns people not to use avelos on their own.

"It's important that people avoid using it empirically, because we still do not know if it works," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency January 5, 2010)