The cervix makes up a part of the female reproductive system located at the lowest part of the cervix, above the vaginal canal. Cervical cancer -- tumor growth within the cervix -- often begins as cervical dysplasia, a potentially precancerous condition characterized by growth of abnormal cells on the cervix. Though cervical dysplasia requires medical attention and supervision from a medical professional, taking herbs and supplements may help treat cervical dysplasia and reduce the risk of cancer development.
Milk Thistle
One potentially beneficial supplement for cervical dysplasia is milk thistle, a Mediterranean plant used in herbal medicine for centuries. Milk thistle supplements typically contain the seeds of the plant and contain the compound thought to be linked to the plant's health benefits, silymarin. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that silymarin belongs to a family of chemicals called flavonoids, which act as antioxidants in the body. The presence of silymarin may help slow or stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells, as well as help cut off the blood supply to an abnormal growth, essentially starving a tumor. Although the cancer-fighting effects of milk thistle have not yet been proven in a clinical setting, taking milk thistle supplements may help cervical dysplasia by preventing its development into a much more serious cervical cancer.
Vitamin B9
Another supplement that is potentially beneficial to patients with cervical dysplasia is vitamin B9, or folic acid. It belongs to the family of B-class vitamins, which help regulate proper cellular functioning and metabolism. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University indicates that deficiencies in folic acid consumption are linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer, indicating that the vitamin may prove beneficial in preventing abnormal cellular growth on the cervix. Studies investigating the specific role of folic acid in cervical cancer have been inconclusive, but preventing vitamin B9 deficiency through consuming vitamin supplements may help reduce your risk of developing cancer as a result of cervical dysplasia.
Vitamin C
Another supplement that may prove beneficial for cervical dysplasia is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it protects against cancer-causing genetic mutations that can result from the presence of harmful chemicals called free radicals. Prolonged exposure to free radicals can lead to an accumulation of genetic mutations, eventually leading to abnormal cell growth, such as cervical dysplasia. By neutralizing free radicals, the presence of vitamin C prevents this accumulation of genetic mutations, helping to reduce the risk of abnormal cell growth on your cervix. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that vitamin C deficiencies may increase your risk of cervical dysplasia, and addressing any vitamin C deficiency may help protect against the disorder.
