Cancer is a tumor that tends to grow rapidly, can metastasize and invade nearby normal tissues, and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The exact cause of cancer is unknown, but researchers believe that it happens when your body's normal cells become genetically damaged, lose their ability to repair cellular damage and accumulate harmful mutations. A wide variety of herbal medications are available for cancer patients; however, do not take any without first consulting your doctor.
Ginger
Researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center believe that ginger helps kill ovarian cells and stop their progression. It specifically targets those aggressive cancer cells that are resistant to standard drug therapy, says J. Rebecca Liu, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School. Results from these studies also reveal that garlic causes both apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Apoptosis is a cell suicide process, while autophagy causes cells to digest parts of themselves.
Ginseng
Ginseng appears to exhibit chemopreventive effects against breast and prostate cancers, based on a study by Laura Murphy, Ph.D., an associate professor of physiology at Southern Illinois University. Ginseng blocks angiogenesis, the natural body process of forming new blood vessels, which provide tumors with a direct supply of oxygen and nutrients. Inhibition of angiogenesis prevents cancer cells from growing up and forming tumors.
Aloe Vera
Mucopolysaccharides, emodin and lectins, such as found in aloe vera, are coming under scrutiny for possible cancer-fighting properties. Immune system cells called macrophages recognize and engulf aloe mucopolysaccharides, which help boost the immune system. Enhancing the function of the immune system may provide an efficient strategy to kill cancer cells. Emodin and lectins have also been reported to have antitumorigenic effects in vitro, according to Chris Haydu and colleagues at Wilkes University.
Curcumin
Curcumin has been found to promote cell cycle arrest and induce apoptosis when added to cancer cells grown in culture, based on studies conducted by researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University. These pathways provide a promising strategy to protect against cancer. Curcumin inhibits tumor initiation through various mechanisms, but the details of these pathways have not been fully explained.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Defining Cancer
- Wilkes University: Medical Attributes of Aloe Vera -- The Aloe Plant; Chris Haydu, et al.; July 1997
- University of Michigan Health System: Ginger Causes Ovarian Cancer Cells to Die, U-M Researchers Find; Nicole Fawcett; April 2006
- Southern Illinois University; Digging for Ginseng's Secrets; Marilyn Davis; 2001
- Oregon State University: Oregon State University: Curcumin; Jane Higdon; November 2005
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