Actinic keratosis is a skin condition characterized by the presence of rough, scaly plaques. It is caused by overexposure to ultraviolet light and can develop into a form of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. You can help to prevent actinic keratosis or stop it from worsening by ensuring you apply sunblock to the affected area twice daily. Herbs including green tea and ginkgo biloba might also play a role in the prevention of actinic keratosis, although evidence to prove they are effective is lacking. Get medical advice before using herbal remedies.
Green Tea
Green tea is perhaps more commonly known as a refreshing beverage, but it might also have therapeutic effects. A rich source of antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, it is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for a variety of conditions including prostate cancer, stomach disorders, Parkinson's disease and low blood pressure. An article published in "Recent Results in Cancer Research" in 2003 notes that it might also play a role in the prevention of pre-cancerous skin conditions such as actinic keratosis. Talk to your doctor before using it.
Ginkgo Biloba
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that ginkgo biloba may have antioxidant and skin-protecting effects. One of the world's oldest living trees, ginkgo's leaves are used to make herbal remedies for a variety of ailments including stress and tinnitus. Although scientific studies evaluating its effects on actinic keratosis are lacking, an article published in the February 2006 issue of "Medical Hypotheses" notes that it might help to prevent the development of skin cancer by inducing skin cancer cell death.
Administration
Green tea is commonly taken as beverage, but green tea extract is also available in capsules or tablets. MedlinePlus notes that green tea bags are sometimes applied to affected area of skin to help alleviate sunburn and prevent skin cancer. Ginkgo biloba may also be taken a a tea but is more commonly supplied in capsules and tablets. Since green tea and ginkgo biloba are not proven remedies for actinic keratosis, guidance regarding a suitable dosage is lacking. However, your doctor might be able to recommend an appropriate dosage of these herbs.
Safety Considerations
Although green tea and ginkgo biloba are freely available from health food stores, like prescription medicines, they can cause side effects are may be unsuitable for certain people. For example, drinking more than five cups of green tea daily may cause irritability, vomiting, sleep problems and an irregular heartbeat. Its use is contraindicated in several conditions including bleeding disorders, hypertension and anemia. Ginkgo may cause side effects including flatulence, diarrhea and headache. It might also increase the risk of bleeding so don't use it alongside anticoagulants or if you have a bleeding disorder.
References
- Patient.co.uk: Actinic Keratosis; Dr Richard Draper; June 2010
- Medline Plus: Green Tea: May 2011
- "Recent Results in Cancer Research";Skin Cancer Chemoprevention: Strategies to Save Our Skin; J.G. Einspahr, et al.; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Cancer; December 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Ginkgo Biloba; June 2011
- "Medical Hypotheses"; An Adjunctive Preventive Treatment for Cancer: Ultraviolet Light and Ginkgo Biloba, Together With Other Antioxidants, Are a Safe and Powerful, But Largely Ignored, Treatment Option for the Prevention of Cancer; R. Eli and J.A. Fasciano; February 2006
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