Hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver cancer, is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Certain herbs may help improve the prognosis for this type of cancer, as has been observed primarily in animal studies. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure hepatocellular carcinoma with herbs.
Baikal Skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, commonly known as baikal skullcap, is one of the fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Baikal skullcap may help people suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the findings with animal studies. A study published in July 2008 in "Liver International" found that treatment with baikal skullcap led to apoptosis, or the death of cancer cells in hamsters with clinically induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Talk to your doctor before using herbal remedies to treat any medical condition.
Bupleurum Scorzonerifolfium Wild
Bupleurum scorzonerifolfium Wild is a medicinal root herb that is native to East Asia. Bupleurum may help improve hepatocellular carcinoma. The July 2008 study in "Liver International" found that bupleurum reduced hepatocellular carcinoma in hamsters by preventing DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress refers to the damage caused by free radicals, which can attach to and destroy healthy cells. Consult your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with herbs.
Fructus Schizandrae
Fructus Schizandrae, commonly known as schizandra, is a berry commonly used in Chinese medicine for liver conditions. Scientific studies show that schizandra berries have a positive impact on liver health. A study published in 2010 in "Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine" found that schizandra berries enhanced immune system function, which in turn led to a reduction of tumors in mice with hepatocellular carcinoma. Discuss using schizandra first with your physician to see if this treatment would be beneficial for your condition.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle, a flowering plant of the daisy family, is used in alternative medicine as a therapy for liver conditions. Scientific studies support this use. For example, a study published in May 2010 in "Cancer Letters" found that silibinin, a chemical compound found in milk thistle, inhibits the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro. Talk to your doctor before taking milk thistle to ensure your safety.
References
- "Liver International"; Chemopreventive Effect of Selenium and Chinese Medicinal Herbs on N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Syrian Hamsters; Chang-Yin Lee, et al.; July 2008
- "Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine"; The Inhibit Effect of Fructus Schizandrae Polysaccharide on the Growth of Tumor in Mice with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Primarily Exploring on Immunological Mechanism; He Yu, et al.; 2010
- "Cancer Letters"; Silibinin Inhibits Ethanol Metabolism and Ethanol-Dependent Cell Proliferation in an In Vitro Model of Hepatocellular Carcinoma; Elizabeth Brandon-Warnerab, et al.; May 2010
