The coast of the Baltic Sea is home for the plants, which can help us to fight cancer. These plants contain photosensitizers, special substances, which enhance the sensitivity of other substances to external stress.

      Scientists from the Baltic Federal University developed a technique for treating cancer, which is not as destructive as other methods, like surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The technique is called photodynamic therapy and is based upon the effect of excitation of molecular oxygen by visible light. Molecular oxygen is always present in cancer cells, bacteria and fungi.

      After excitation, molecular oxygen changes its state and becomes very dangerous for the host cell. This process can be catalyzed by special substances, called photosensitizers, among which colouring agents of some plants can be found. The method was tested in Brazil, where successful trials have been performed.