The bone marrow is the site of red blood cell production in the body. Several disorders can strike the bone marrow, including various forms of cancer and anemia. In each of these cases, certain herbs like turmeric may provide benefits in combating the disorder and restoring health, while other herbs like St. John's wort may pose certain risks. Whenever undergoing conventional cancer therapy, always consult with your doctor before exploring any complementary or alternative therapies, including the use of herbs.
Myeloproliferative Diseases
Myeloproliferative diseases, or MPD for short, are a type of cancer that involves an abnormal mutation in a bone marrow stem cell. As a result, the balance of platelets and red and white blood cells can be disturbed in any number of ways. St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital suggests several herbs that may benefit people diagnosed with myeloproliferative diseases, though the hospital cautions that no herbs have yet been proven to benefit the diseases directly. Among St. Luke's recommendations are 250 to 500 mg once per day of decaffeinated green tea, 1,000 mg three times per day of Arabinoxylan mushroom extract, 250 to 500 mg one to three times per day of olive leaf, 300 mg three times per day of turmeric and 80 to 160 mg two to three times per day of milk thistle.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas are a type of cancer that attack the lymphatic system, of which the bone marrow is a crucial part. Researchers have found that some herbs may have negative interactions with certain cancer medications and therefore people taking conventional cancer medications should only take herbs under their doctor's supervision. Many studies have verified the anti-cancer properties of curcumin, a component of turmeric, including several concentrating on its effectiveness against lymphomas. A 2009 review of much of this evidence published in "Expert Opinions on Investigational Drugs" examined the potential for developing this substance into a viable lymphoma therapy.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that involves an overproduction and abnormal mutation of red blood cells in the bone marrow. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that Korean red ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, impeded the proliferative activity and induced destruction of human leukemia cells. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society warn that the herb St. John's wort reduces the effectiveness of certain leukemia medications.
Anemias
Anemia occurs when the supply of red blood cells is insufficient to carry needed oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. In hemolytic anemia, the red blood cells are destroyed quicker than the bone marrow is able to replace them. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, one heaping teaspoon of blue-green algae, or spirulina, per day may be used to treat some cases of anemia. UMMC also suggests that an infusion of a tablespoon of one or more of the herbs alfalfa, burdock, dandelion, burdock and yellow dock simmered in water may also help restore red blood cells levels in mild anemias. In Europe, anemia is often treated with gentian, which is said to help the digestive system absorb more iron, a necessary element for red blood cell production.
References
- St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital: Myeloproliferative Disorders
- "Expert Opinions on Investigational Drugs"; Developing Curcumin Into a Viable Therapeutic for Lymphoma; S. Uddin, et al.; January 2009
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Korean Red Ginseng Extract Induces Apoptosis and Decreases Telomerase Activity In Human Leukemia Cells; S.E. Park, et al.; January 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anemia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lymphoma
- Leukemia And Lymphoma Society: Food and Nutrition
