Breast cancer is a type of malignancy in which a particular set of cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form tumors. Men can have the same types of breast cancer as women, although the prevalence of breast-related cancer is higher in women than men. In fact, breast cancer is the second most common malignancy affecting women in the United States, according to Mayo Clinic website. However, scientists still do not know the exact cause of breast cancer. There is evidence that the use of certain ayurvedic herbs can inhibit and prevent breast cancer, but always consult with your doctor first before using any herbal medications.
Green Tea
Green tea is a product made from the mature and dried leaves of Camellia sinesis plant. Researchers have found an association between consuming green tea and a reduced risk for breast cancer, reports University of Maryland Medical Center. Green tea contains the most abundant class of polyphenols, called catechins, which are believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to green tea, including the protective action against breast cancer.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, whose scientific name is Cimicifuga racemosa, is a perennial woodland plant of the eastern United States. The root and rhizome of black cohosh have been studied for the relief of breast cancer-related symptoms. Laboratory studies of isopropanolic extracts of black cohosh suggest that they many inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation, reports Herbal Safety. Growth inhibitory action of black cohosh on the MCF7 human breast cancer cells is attributed to bioactive compounds, especially triterpene glycosides actein, 23-epi-26-deoxyactein and cimiracemoside A, found in black cohosh.
American Ginseng
American ginseng, the only ginseng native to North America, is grown in the mountain areas of the Eastern United States. American ginseng contains ginsenosides, a class of phytoestrogens, and polysaccharide, which have been demonstrated to inhibit estrogen-dependent malignancies, such as breast cancer, according to Oregon State University. Estrogen hormone increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer by stimulating proliferation of breast cancer cells that have undergone partial malignant transformation. American ginseng acts as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer that synergistically inhibits MCF-7 breast cancer.
