Prostate cancer is one of the more common cancers of American men, with about 1 man in 6 developing the disease during his lifetime. The American Cancer Society says the death rate from prostate cancer has been steadily declining, thanks to new treatments and early detection. In addition, several herbs from Chinese traditional medicine may help prevent or treat prostate cancer. Consult your doctor before adding any of these herbs to your regimen to determine what is appropriate for you.
Jiang Huang
Jiang huang is the Chinese name for turmeric, a spice used in Asian cooking and in herbal medicine. The active ingredient, curcumin, has many uses as a preventive and curative. Its effect on cancer cells, according to Memorial Sloan-Ketterng Cancer Center, or MSKCC, includes blocking division of malignant cells and inducing them to die. As of late 2010, several clinical trials using curcumin in cancer patients were promising . Turmeric or purified curcumin is available at health food stores as powder or in capsules. It is considered safe although it may interfere with some chemotherapy drugs. Consult your doctor before using turmeric or curcumin to determine if it is appropriate for you.
Ban Zhi Lian
Ban zhi lian is the Chinese name for the herb Scutellaria barbata. It contains compounds called flavinoids that have anticancer properties. It may stop cancer cells from expressing genes necessary for growth and it also may protect normal cells from carcinogens. In the laboratory, ban zhi lian suppresses prostate cancers in mice and also destroys cultured human prostate cancer cells. It is available at Asian specialty stores and is considered safe, although some people may develop an allergy to the herb. Discuss ban zhi lian with your doctor before adding the herb to your regimen.
Lingzhi
Lingzhi is the Chinese name for reishi mushroom, or Ganoderma lucidum. The stem and cap of the mushroom are used in dried form to support the immune system of cancer patients and to block growth of cancers. MSKCC says that lingzhi may slow expansion of tumors and stop tumor cells from invading healthy tissues. Lingzhi may also alleviate urinary tract problems that sometimes precede prostate cancer in men. It is generally considered safe, although it many cause dry throat, stomach upset or nausea and it may interact with some prescription drugs. Consult your doctor to determine if lingzhi is appropriate for you.
Green Tea
Chinese green tea or green tea extract is produced from the plant Camellia sinensis. Consumed as a beverage in China, it is also used in herbal medicine for many conditions. MSKCC says that green tea has significant anticancer properties, possibly due to compounds called polyphenols. It may inhibit growth of blood vessels in tumors and interfere with division of cancer cells. It also may block attachment of cancer cells to each other, a necessary step in development of tumors. The tea or its extract is available at most Asian specialty stores and may be used daily with no side effects. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women or anyone suffering from peptic ulcers should not use green tea because it contains caffeine. Consult your doctor to determine if green tea is the right treatment for you.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Turmeric
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Reishi Mushroom
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Scutellaria Barbata
- Chinese Medicine News: Lingzhi Can Fight Prostate Cancer
- Nutre Ingredients: Chinese Herb Attacks Prostate Tumors
Member Comments