Liver cancer, or hepatoma, is a malignant tumor of the liver. The cancer either begins in the liver or originates somewhere else in your body and spreads to the liver. Scientists aren't sure of the exact cause of liver cancer, but they have outlined some risk factors that may contribute to the disease, such as liver cirrhosis, hepatitis B virus and tobacco and chronic alcohol use. Some herbs have shown promise to reduce the formation of liver cancer, but you must always check with your doctor before using any herbs.
American Ginseng
American ginseng, an herb native to eastern North America, has been demonstrated to inhibit liver cancer cells in laboratory studies but hasn't yet shown effects in people, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The dried root of American ginseng contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Scientists believe the active constituent glycyrrhizin to be central to American ginseng's anti-tumor properties, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Garlic
Garlic may exert a preventive effect against liver cancer cell lines, due to the potent free radical-scavenging activities of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin and alliin, found in raw garlic, according to Rockefeller University. Scientists believe that garlic-derived organosulfur compounds can neutralize damaging free radical particles found in your body, which may contribute to the development of various human maladies, including cancer.
Cumin
Cumin, a small annual herb native to the Mediterranean region, might be effective against hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer, according to the Rockefeller University. More research is needed but tentative results show that a daily administration of cumin seeds may significantly attenuate tumor capillary growth in tumor-bearing mice.
References
- OncoLink: Liver Cancer Basics
- The Rockefeller University: Food Choices for Reducing Cancer Risk
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- "Annals of Internal Medicine": Brief Communication: American Ginseng Reduces Warfarin's Effect in Healthy Patients; A Randomized, Controlled Trial; Chun-Su Yuan, MD et al
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