In cervical cancer, cancer cells are found in the cervix -- the narrow outer end of the uterus, the place where a baby grows during pregnancy. Cervical cancer remains the major female malignancy in the United States, although there has been a decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer in the last 40 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been proposed that some herbs may help cure cervical cancer; however, you must always talk with your doctor to learn if herbal remedies are applicable for your particular condition.
Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate -- the most abundant polyphenol in green tea -- modulates the cell cycling in human cervical cancer cells, thereby preventing pre-malignant progression and malignant conversion, according to a 2009 study published on the Arizona Cancer Center website. Cancers are genetically damaged cells. Cell cycle arrest allows time to repair DNA and prevents replication.
Turmeric
The therapeutic potential of turmeric in human cervical cancer treatment is due to the presence of a hydrophobic polyphenol called curcumin, according to a study published in the book "Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer," written by Donald Yance and Arlene Valentine. Curcumin appears to block the growth of cervical cancer by inducing apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and inhibit angiogenesis -- a physiological process of creating new blood vessels that allows tumors to grow by nourishing them with nutrients and oxygen.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi, an Asian edible mushroom, has been reported to keep cervical cancer cells from growing, according to a study published in the journal "Phytochemistry" in September 2010, which was conducted by C. R. Cheng and colleagues. The root of the reishi mushroom root may enhance the immune system, helping your body to fight against cancer.
References
- University of California, Los Angeles: What Is Cervical Cancer?
- The Arizona Cancer Center: Clinical Trial to Study Effects of Green Tea Extract on Cervical Cancer Prevention
- "Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer"; Donald Yance and Arlene Valentine; 1999
- "Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives"; Anne McIntyre; 2005
- "Phytochemistry"; Cytotoxic Triterpenoids From Ganoderma Lucidum; C.R. Cheng et al.; September 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Gynecologic Cancers
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