Chinese Herbs And Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in the United States. It is found in one in eight women in this country, according to University of Rochester Medical Center. Generally, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Irregular menstrual cycles, alcohol abuse, childbirth and obesity have also been shown to cause breast cancer. Chinese herbs have been increasingly used in breast cancer treatment, according to Medline Plus. As with any therapy, you should talk to your doctor before you decide to take herbal supplements.

Artemisinin

In a paper published in "Life Sciences" journal in 2001, University of Washington research professors Henry Lai and Narendra Sing showed that artemisinin, an aromatic Chinese herb, selectively inhibits the growth of canine breast cancer cells, while leaving healthy breast tissue untouched. Cancer cells have elevated levels of hemoglobin, presumably to aid in key processes of cell growth and proliferation. Artemisinin induces the degradation of hemoglobin, resulting in the formation of cytotoxic free radicals that kill cancer cells.

Camellia Sinensis

Green tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Cell culture and animal studies conducted at University of Maryland Medical Center included green tea among a large group of antioxidants that may play a role in inhibiting breast tumor growth. In a population-based study at UMMC, 472 women with various stages of breast cancer were given green tea as a supplement to conventional drugs. The researchers found that those who drank at least five cups of green tea per day had a reduced risk of recurrence of breast cancer compared with nondrinkers.

Ginseng

Ginsenosides, a special group of phytoestrogens, have been under investigation at the Linus Pauling Institute for their potential contribution to the anticancer effects of ginseng. Abnormal stimulation of estrogen, a principle female sex hormone, may favor breast cancer cell proliferation. Ginseng exhibits antiestrogenic activity and therefore inhibits the growth hormone-induced breast cancer, David E. Williams, an institute investigator, explains.

Solanum Nigram

Solanum nigram has been used historically in Chinese traditional medicine. The anti-tumor activity of Solanum nigram against breast cancer is largely attributed to the cytotoxic property of the herb. It has also been shown to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines, according to a study at National University of Singapore. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a normal physiological process in which your body eliminates cancer cells.