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Herbal remedies have been
used by people in different parts of the world to treat a variety of
conditions. When it comes to cancer, many people with a strong belief in
alternative therapy will often approach an herbal medicine practitioner to find
relief from the symptoms of the condition, alleviate the side effects of
radiation or chemotherapy or to prevent spreading of the cancer. Considering
the astounding findings being thrown up by studies on the medicinal properties
of herbs, modern-day research is beginning to focus on the usefulness of herbal
drugs in cancer.
Basics
of Cancer
Cancer basically consists
of normal cells getting transformed into abnormal ones by activation of certain
oncogenes and suppression of certain other genes that normally suppress tumour
formation. These abnormal cells then grow in an uncontrolled manner, avoiding
the process of cell death called apoptosis that normal cells undergo. New blood
vessels develop to supply nutrition to the tumour and this growth soon attacks
other tissues and spread all over the body. The presence of chronic
inflammation has been linked to cancer growth and much of the current research
on herbal drugs shows that plant ingredients that can reduce or control
inflammation are valuable against cancer.
Turmeric
People living in
countries like India, where turmeric is regularly consumed, show low rates for
some cancers and perhaps this is the reason behind it. Turmeric contains an
ingredient called curcumin and research shows that this may have a preventive
action against cancer. It has been found to show an ability to differentiate
between normal and cancerous cells and can create apoptosis selectively in the
latter; besides, it also helps the normal cells stay healthy and thrive. In
laboratory studies, turmeric shows best results against cancers of the bowel,
skin, breast and stomach. Some studies have also found that curcumin suppresses
a mechanism that is responsible for growth of tumours in cancer of the head and
neck.
Tulsi
Tulsi is well known for
its expectorant properties, making it a valuable ingredient for home remedies
for cough and cold. However, researchers are now finding that it is a rich
source of antioxidants that helps prevent the negative effects of oxidative
stress in the body. One of its components, carnosol, has shown promising
results in liver, stomach and prostate cancer as well as leukaemia; it is
believed to reduce the size of the blood vessels that supply the tumour and
this slows down its growth.
Saffron
A costly ingredient that
is generally reserved for use in sweet preparations, saffron has been found to
reduce tumour growth in animal experiments. Saffron contains a carotenoid
called crocin that reduces the rate of tumour growth probably by inhibiting the
synthesis of DNA and RNA in the cancerous cells or by exerting an antioxidant
action. In liver cancer studies, saffron was found to stimulate apoptosis and
blocking the inflammatory response.
Ginger
Ginger is most well-known
for its use as a digestive and the important role it plays in combating nausea.
Now, researchers are finding that ginger tends to cause apoptosis in breast and
ovarian cancer and leukaemia. More importantly, it has been found that
this ability to kill cells is a selective one – only the cancerous cells are
attacked, while the normal cells are left unaffected. Some research studies
also show that ginger stops the action of enzymes associated with cancer and
causes the body to synthesise a greater number of proteins with cancer-fighting
properties
Garlic
Garlic
gives a typical flavour to food and this prized quality is a result of the
sulphur-containing ingredients present in it. Since the past few years, it has
been recognised for its action as a digestive, an expectorant, and a
cholesterol-lowering agent. Now, preliminary research is showing that consuming
garlic may also prevent the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract
– the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum – the
breast and pancreas.
Aloe Vera
Traditionally recognised for its value in injuries to the
skin and as a laxative, aloe vera is now being studied for anti-cancer
properties. Researchers have found that aloe contains an ingredient called
acemannan that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory action as well as the
ability to stimulate the immune system; this, along with its lack of toxic
effect even at high doses has spurred further investigation into its use
against cancer.
Some of the most widely
used allopathic cancer drugs have been derived from nature – vincristine and
vinblastine from the Vinca or periwinkle plant and taxol from the yew plant are
examples that easily come to mind. Yet another substance called camptothecin
found in the Mappia foetida plant is widely used as an over the counter remedy
for cancer in the USA. Although Mappia foetida is not mentioned anywhere in
Ayurvedic or Siddha literature as having anticancer action, camptothecin has
been found effective against different forms of cancer.
What all this indicates
is that many herbs are a storehouse of ingredients that have been hitherto
unrecognised for their medicinal value. Including them in your diet can have a
cancer preventive action and for people diagnosed with cancer, these herbs
alone or in combination with allopathic drugs may prove useful in combating the
disease. The fact that they have shown promising results in laboratory studies
indicates that in the near future, it is quite likely that herbs will occupy a
greater place in the fight against cancer.
