Ginseng, a perennial herb of the Araliaceae family, is an excellent strengthening remedy for the nervous system. Ginsenosides, the main active ingredients in ginseng, are largely responsible for the herb's medicinal benefits. Ginseng increases the functioning of the central nervous system by stimulating the sympathetic division of the system. This herb can also be used for the prevention of cancer. If you want to use ginseng, be sure to consult with your doctor first.
Angiogenesis
Ginseng inhibits cell proliferation in various cancers, including lung cancer, melanoma and colon cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest, reports Laura Murphy, Ph.D., an associate professor of physiology at the Southern Illinois University. Ginsenosides, the main bioactive compounds in ginseng, act as natural angiogenesis inhibitors and prevent cancer cells from growing up and forming tumors. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels that supply the nutritional needs of tumors.
Breast Cancer
In a study by David E. Williams and colleagues, researchers at Oregon State University examined the effect of crude extracts of American ginseng on several human cancer cell lines. It was found that the anti-estrogenic effects of ginsenosides helped prevent cancer progression, tumor invasion and metastasis, reports Sharon K. Krueger, Ph.D., a researcher of this study.
Signaling Pathways
Investigators from the University of Chicago examined the role of ginseng in the prevention of cancer. These findings confirm that ginseng contains substances that inhibit several signaling pathways, which can turn a normal cell into a malignant one, reports Chun-Su Yuan, M.D., Ph.D., an professor of anesthesia and critical care at the University of Chicago.
Adaptogenic Herb
Depression is a major issue affecting almost every cancer patient. Ginseng is regarded as an adaptogen, which means it strengthens the nervous system and reduces stress. This adaptogenic herb, therefore, can be quite effective in the clearing of depression in individuals with cancer and improving their quality of life and survival. Ginseng is used along or in conjunction with other herbs.
References
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute; Ginseng and Breast Cancer; Sharon K. Krueger and David E. Williams; May 2000
- Southern Illinois University: Digging for Ginseng's Secrets; Marilyn Davis; 2001
- University of Chicago: $6 million NIH Grant Supports Research on Cancer-fighting Properties of Ginseng; October 23, 2008
- Acupuncture College and Massage School: Ginseng May Reduce Cancer Related Fatigue; Richard Browne; July 12, 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 22, 2009
