Lung cancer is frequently diagnosed in smokers and those exposed to other harmful substances, such as asbestos, petroleum products or radon gas, for a long period of time, according to Public Health Agency of Canada. Conventional therapy includes surgery, radiation and chemo therapy. Asparagus is a common culinary vegetable that has been researched for potential benefits for lung cancer sufferers. Although some studies yielded positive effects, more research is needed to confirm these findings. Talk to a doctor before considering asparagus as an anticancer agent.
Phenols
Asparagus was found to possess some anticancer activity during in vitro research studies. The benefits of asparagus derive from its plant compounds, called phenols, which have antioxidant qualities. Antioxidant nutrients help boost the immune system and fight against free radicals, thus preventing cellular damage.
Asparagus and Lung Cancer
According to the results of a study featured in the April 2008 issue of "Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine," an herbal combination that includes asparagus was found beneficial for patients with lung cancer. This herbal combination called yiqi yangyin jiedu decoction, or YYJD, contains about 15 g of asparagus root in addition to other herbs.
The participants of this study, all diagnosed with advanced stages of non-small cell lung cancer were divided into three groups: Group A received treatment with YYJD alone, group B received chemotherapy only, and group C was treated with both YYJD and chemotherapy.
This study found that group A treated with herbal supplements alone had an 80 percent improvement in the symptoms; the improvement, or percentage, was significantly higher than subjects from group B and C. Groups B and C participants showed a below 40 percent improvement in lung cancer symptoms. The authors indicate that this herbal combination that includes asparagus is able to improve symptoms of lung cancer and also can improve the quality of their lives.
Safety
Asparagus is safe when consumed as a vegetable in your diet. There were some concerns that asparagus may trigger gout; however, that has not been validated by current research at the time of publication, indicates Drugs.com. Like any other vegetable, asparagus may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
Some supplements based on asparagus also are available and used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.
Considerations
Consult a qualified health care provider who can fully explain to you the benefits of asparagus for your condition as well as safety issues and possible herb and drug interactions. Keep in mind that asparagus does not replace, and should not be used to replace, any conventional therapy recommended for lung cancer.
