Numerous herbs may help treat cancer, or the symptoms associated with cancer. According to the New York Presbyterian Hospital, some cancer patients use complementary treatments, such as herbs, to help relieve symptoms or side effects associated with conventional cancer treatment. Before taking supplements to help reduce your cancer-related symptoms, meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
Coriolus Versicolor
Coriolus versicolor, also known as Trametes versicolor, may be helpful in preventing the induction of tumors by chemicals, radiation and other mutagens. According to the University of California-San Diego Medical Center, coriolus versicolor is a mushroom used in Asian cultures to treat cancer. The active ingredient, polysaccharide-K, is a protein-bound polysaccharide that can be administered as a tea or in capsules. Polysaccharide-K has shown antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor properties. Coriolus versicolor is also an immune-system-boosting agent. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center states that coriolus versicolor is a promising candidate for chemoprevention due to its numerous effects on the malignant process, limited side effects and safety of oral doses over prolonged periods. Before taking coriolus versicolor to help treat cancer, meet with your doctor to discuss possible side effects and proper dosage.
Huanglian
Huanglian, also known as Coptis chinensis or goldthread, may be beneficial for treating certain types of cancer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, or MSKCC, states that the root of the plant had been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine. The purported uses of huanglian include treatment of diarrhea, ear infections, hypertension, microbial infection and respiratory infections. According to the MSKCC, laboratory studies suggest that certain constituents of huanglian, especially berberine and berberine-like alkaloids, may induce morphological changes and DNA fragmentation in hepatoma cancer cells, or cancer cells in your liver. A 2000 study published in the journal "Molecular Pharmacology" states that huanglian inhibited tumor growth and colony formation of gastric, colon and breast cancer cell lines. Before taking huanglian as an herbal remedy, discuss possible side effects and proper dosage with your oncologist.
Artemisia Annua
Artemisia annua, also known as qing hao or sweet wormwood, may help treat certain types of cancer. According to MSKCC, Artemisia annua is an herb that has been used in Western and Chinese medicine formulas to treat various ailments, including cancer, fever, headaches, infections, inflammation and malaria. Two specific components of the herb -- artemisinin and artesunate -- may be responsible for its cancer-fighting properties. A 2004 study published in the journal "Anticancer Research" reports that artemisinin may induce rapid apoptosis in cancer cells and may be an inexpensive and effective cancer-fighting agent. Apoptosis is a process in which cells undergo an ordered sequence of events that eventually lead to their death. Discuss Artemisia annua with your doctor for possible side effects and proper dosage.
References
- New York Presbyterian Hospital: Herbal Remedies for Prostate Cancer
- University of California, San Diego: Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer Patients
- M.D. Anderson Cancer Center: Coriolus versicolor: Detailed Scientific Review
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Huanglian
- PubMed.gov: Huanglian Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Artemisia Annua
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