Malignant tumors form when cancer cells start multiplying in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC, accounts for more than 80 percent of liver cancer in the United States. However, the incidence of HCC has been diminishing in the U.S., according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. HCC is becoming more prevalent in Asia and Africa, though, because the risk factors, including hepatitis and inflammatory liver conditions, are more common. Herbs like turmeric and American ginseng can potentially support conventional medical treatment for liver cancer. However, before taking these herbs, be sure to consult your doctor.
Liver Cancer
Your body's biggest organ is the liver. It performs essential functions like filtering blood, regulating blood sugar and metabolizing medications and food. Primary liver cancer refers to tumors that begin in the liver, as opposed to secondary or metastatic liver cancer, which occurs when cancer cells from other locations spread to the liver. Risk factors for primary liver cancer are alcoholism, hepatitis B or C, autoimmune diseases and hemochromatosis, a condition where your body accumulates too much iron, according to PubMed Health.
American Ginseng
American ginseng root, Panax quinquefolius, is a gnarled, buff-colored root that looks like its Asian counterpart. It is an endangered plant in parts of North America; wild harvesting of American ginseng is illegal in some locales, reports the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Medical researchers conducting laboratory tests on American ginseng root have discovered that it hinders the growth of tumors. It is also an adaptogen, a plant that helps the body deal with stressors. Phytochemicals called ginsenosides are the bioactive portion of both Asian and American ginger. The root is usually made into a tea, and is both an antioxidant as well as an immune system response booster, according to UMMC. Check with your doctor before taking this herb.
Turmeric
The vivid yellow pigment of the turmeric root contains the active component curcumin, which has potent medicinal qualities. Long used in folk medicine for headaches, liver illnesses and digestion ailments, it is now under study. Studies show that curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory and is a liver protectant, useful in hepatitis treatment. Curcumin contains COX-2 inhibitors, which help stop blood flow to tumors, according to "Anti-aging Prescriptions" by James A. Duke. These inhibitors also deter the proliferation of cancer cells. Concentrated curcumin extract capsules might be the easiest way to add therapeutic levels of curcumin to your diet. Talk to your physician before taking curcumin supplements.
Safety Considerations
American ginseng is generally safe, according to the UMMC, but side effects do occur. They can include sleeplessness, elevated blood pressure, headache and anxiousness. Pregnant women should not take this herb. If you have high blood pressure or are bipolar, avoid American ginseng. Turmeric is contraindicated if you take blood-thinning drugs or certain diabetes medications.
References
- "Anti-Aging Prescriptions"; James A. Duke; 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- "Virginia Cooperative Extension"; Growing American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Forestlands; Ritchie C. Vaughan, et al.; January 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Turmeric
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Adult Liver Cancer
- PubMed Health: Hepatocellular Carcinoma
