Lung cancer, a major cause of death from cancer, occurs when cells in the lining of the bronchial tubes -- the main airways of your lungs -- begin to grow out of control and can then attack the nearby tissue or spread throughout your body via lymphatic system or bloodstream. Cigarette smoking is considered a factor in the majority of lung cancer cases, according to MayoClinic website. However, exposure to second-hand smoke, radon and asbestos also puts non-smokers at increased risk. You can ward off your lung cancer symptoms by supporting your lungs' health with herbal supplements, but you must always check with your doctor before taking them.
Green Tea
Green tea and its polyphenolic catechins have been reported to slow the growth and development of lung cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidant EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, that is able to detoxify toxic chemicals and inhibit cancer cell activity, according to a study conducted by Fu H and colleagues at the Department of Energy, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at Washington University of Saint Louis. If you want to use green tea, consult with your physician first.
Astragalus
The root of Astragalus membranaceus, a Chinese medicinal herb, is used to protect the immune system of lung cancer patients, according to a study conducted by Karen L. Denzler and colleagues, which was published in the journal "PLoS one" in September 2010. Cancer is a disease that manages to defeat your body's immune system. So, when your immune system is strong, it may help fight against cancer. Astragalus may stimulate the immune system due to the presence of the main bioactive compound IL-2.
Rhizoma Zedoariae
The antiproliferative activity of the Chinese medicinal herb Rhizoma zedoariae on lung cancer cells is attributed to beta elemene, an active component found in the herb. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but the effect of beta-elemene in lung cancer cell death may be through the regulation of cell cycling and initiation of apoptosis -- a process for the self-destruction of cells that are genetically damaged or no longer necessary, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center website.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Lung Cancer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- DePaul University: Astragalus: An Unique Herb
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Beta-Elemene
- PubMed.gov: Elemene for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
- PubMed.gov: Lung Cancer Inhibitory Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate is Dependent on Its Presence in a Complex Mixture (Polyphenon E)
