Certain herbs are used in Chinese medicine to support liver health. Scientific studies have found that some of the herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine have been able to help prevent the spread of liver cancer. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure liver cancer with herbs.
Astragalus
Astragalus is an herb native to China. It has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine for uses such as improving the immune system and strengthening the liver. Scientific evidence shows that it may help improve liver cancer-related outcomes. A study published in August 2009 in "Chongqing Medicine" found that astragalus reduced tumor size when injected into livers of people with liver cancer who were also under chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, the researchers state that astragalus enhanced the effects chemotherapy drugs used to treat liver cancer.
Fructus Schizandrae
Fructus schizandrae, commonly known as schisandra is the berry of a shrub used frequently in traditional Chinese medicine. It is used to treat conditions such as infections, insomnia and coughs. Researchers in a study published in 2008 in "Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology" touted schisandra as protecting against the spread of liver cancer in mice. It caused the death of cancerous cells in the liver and stopped tumor progression.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, the main ingredient in curry. Curry is a spice commonly incorporated in cooking in places such as India and Pakistan. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. Curcumin may have the potential to help you in the fight against liver cancer, according to preliminary scientific evidence. A study published in 2010 in the "Shandong Medical Journal" found that curcumin killed liver cancer cells in vitro and stopped the spread of new cancer cells.
Safety
In general, Chinese herbs are a safe, low-cost option for treating disease, according to an article published in 2010 in "Planta Med." Some herbs can cause toxicity of the liver, although mostly when taken in excess. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbs for medicinal purposes. Also, do not take more than the dosage stated on the label, unless your doctor gives you the OK.
References
- "Chongqing Medicine"; Clinical Efficacy of Injection Astragalus Polysaccharide on Treatment Primary Live Cancer Patients; Xiao-song Fang & Pin Zhou; August 2008
- "Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology"; Reversal of P-Glycoprotein-Mediated Multidrug Resistance of Cancer Cells by Five Schizandrins Isolated from the Chinese Herb Fructus Schizandrae; Min Huang et al.; 2008
- "Shandong Medical Journal"; Effect of Curcumin on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep1 Cells; Qil Ni et al.; July 2010
- "Planta Med"; The Role of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines in Cancer Therapy - from TCM Theory to Mechanistic Insights; W. L. Wendy Hsiao & Liang Liu; 2010
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