EVIDENCE BASED NATURAL HEALTH

Welcome,

My name is Laura Murphy, I am Biologist and a practitioner of Natural Medicine, I am a qualified Naturopath, Homeopath, Herbalist and Nutritionist.
I am passionate about natural medicine especially in regard to cancer. I spend innumerable hours researching evidence based natural therapies and cancer and instead of hoarding all this valuable information on my computer, I decided to set up this humble website. My lack of website design skills are very evident, and I apologise, but I reason; something is better than nothing. It is a slow process scouring the science journals and sites and then uploading the information, I am a one woman show. But please keep visiting as this is an ongoing process and also please do not be put off by the scientific jargon - go straight to the conclusion or discussion to read the positive effects of the food, herb, homeopathic medicine etc. on cancer in general or a specific cancer. It saddens me to report that there are over 200 different types of cancer, in the UK 1 in 4 people will die of cancer. 1 in 9 women will get breast cancer, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 males will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In the past year nearly 70,000 young adults were diagnosed with cancer. Childhood cancers are on the increase: 1 in 300 boys and 1 in 333 girls will develop cancer before the age of 20. Girls as young 9 and 11 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. Studies show a 30% increase in various cancers in children resulting from exposure to toxins in the environment. I want to help in the battle against cancer and to prove to the masses that there are other therapies be it nutrition, homeopathy, herbal medicine, guided imagery, yoga, meditation, laughter therapy, to name but a few that have been scientifically proven to help prevent and treat cancer.

If you find this site helpful and informative, please consider a small donation - it lets me know that I am doing something worthwhile :-)

Cancer Buddy

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with cancer and you wish to explore Complementary and Alternative Medicine for healing or as an adjunct to allopathic cancer treatment and you do not know where to begin or how to find the time or the emotional strength to search through the quagmire of cancer treatment options, then allow me to lesson your burden.
I offer a "Cancer Buddy" Service. I will research scientifically proven CAM options for a particular cancer, diet recommendations, mind and body therapies, books to read and CD's to watch, affirmations to say and an ear to listen to how you are truly feeling, no brave face is necessary. I will be there with you on your journey.

For more information contact me at evidencebasednaturalhealth@gmail.com or phone +34 965 75 77 45 or Skype laura.murphy606

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME TO SUPPORT THE FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT TO CHOOSE AND HAVE ACCESS TO COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) - CLICK THE PETITIONS ON THE RIGHT

Recent Activity
17/05/2012

Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma + Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva

Antitumor activity of ethanol extract of Gracilaria edulis (Gmelin) Silva on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice
"The present study scientifically proved the antitumor activity of marine algae G. edulis and the effect can be correlated with doses."

Lung cancer, Hepatoma, Leukemia + Aloe Vera

Aloe-emodin novel anticancer Herbal Drug
"Aloe-Emodin was able to inhibit cell growth in several tumor cells, including human lung carcinoma, hepatoma, and leukemia cell lines. aloe-emodin shows a high specificity for neuroectodermal tumor cells....Emodin and aloe-emodin were also able to induce cell-cycle arrest, involving an increase in p53 expression level and accompanied by upregulation of p21. This suggests that emodin could be a promising candidature for the research and development of new anti-tumor drugs."

Lung cancer + Coptis Extract + Multidrug Resistance + Combined with Chemotherapeutic Agents

Effects of Coptis extract combined with chemotherapeutic agents on ROS production, multidrug resistance, and cell growth in A549 human lung cancer cells
"As potential adjuvants to chemotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer, COP and BER increase ROS production, reduce MDR, and enhance the inhibitory effects of chemotherapeutic agents on A549 cell growth."

Head + Neck cancer + Green Tea

Chemoprevention of Head and Neck Cancer by Green Tea Extract: EGCG—The Role of EGFR Signaling and “Lipid Raft”
"Considering the tantalizingly marginal improvement in the treatment outcomes of patients with HNSCC, it is urgent and critical to develop novel strategy based on early detection and chemoprevention. Among numerous putative chemopreventive agents, EGCG appears to be one of the most promising natural compounds based on accumulated data and, in particular, two novel findings provided recently: (1) clinical efficacy and (2) unique biological effects on lipid rafts that are an important platform of numerous biophysical functions including RTKs signalings. A larger-scale clinical study of EGCG is highly recommended."

Homeopathy + cancer general + anti-metastatic

Effect of Homeopathic Medicines on Transplanted Tumors in Mice
"These findings support that homeopathic preparations of Ruta and Hydrastis have significant antitumour activity.
The mechanism of action of these medicines is not known at present."

Homeopathy + Leukemia

Tumor Therapy with Amanita phalloides (Death Cap): Stabilization of B-Cell Chronic Lymphatic LeukemiaIsolde
"The former duplication time of leukemic cells was 21 months. Within a period of 21 months, the cell count is stabilized to around 105/μL. No leukemia-associated symptoms, liver damage, or continuous erythrocyte deprivation occur....This new principle of tumor therapy shows high potential to provide a gentle medical treatment"

Homeopathy + Prostate cancer

Effects of Homeopathic Preparations on Human Prostate Cancer Growth in Cellular and Animal Models
"Our study clearly demonstrates a biologic response to homeopathic treatment as manifested by cell proliferation and tumor growth. This biologic effect was (i)significantly stronger to Sabal serrulata than to controls and (ii)specific to human prostate cancer. Sabal serrulata should thus be further investigated as a specific homeopathic remedy for prostate pathology."

Homeoopathy + Gallbladder, Periampullary and Liver cancer

A homeopathic approach to treat patients with advanced gallbladder, periampullary, and liver carcinomas: a report of 3 cases
"According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria, complete tumor response occurred in 1 case and partial tumor response occurred in the other 2 cases. All 3 patients remained alive and maintained a stable quality of life for at least 2 years. The patients reported no adverse side-effects from Psorinum-6x.
This report indicates the clinical efficacy of Psorinum therapy in treating those 3 patients. Thorough basic research and well-designed clinical trials should be conducted for further investigation"

Homeopathy + Polygala senega + Lung cancer

Anticancer Potentials of Root Extract of Polygala senega and Its PLGA Nanoparticles-Encapsulated Form
"In conclusion, it has been demonstrated that homeopathic mother tincture of P. senega has an anticancer effect against lung cancer cells in vitro, and PLGA encapsulation helps it to enhance its cellular uptake and anticancer potentials, presumably by increasing drug bioavailability. This should stimulate further research on nano-encapsulation of homeopathic mother tinctures, as also medicinal herbal extracts, particularly with suspected anticancer potentials, to examine whether this would prove to be a novel approach for accelerating anticancer potentials for other cases as well"

Dietary Antioxidants + cancer prevention

Significance of Dietary Antioxidants in Averting Cancer
"By this we can conclude that dietary antioxidants can provide a wide sort of health benefits, caused by the in the presence of free radicals on key biomolecules like lipids or nucleic acids. We can also prevent the various diseases which are occurring in the presence of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) like cancer and oxidative stress related diseases."

Luteolin + cancer prevention

Luteolin, a flavonoid with potentials for cancer prevention and therapy
"These observations suggest that luteolin could be an anticancer agent for various cancers. Furthermore, recent epidemiological studies have attributed a cancer prevention property to luteolin. In this review, we summarize the progress of recent research on luteolin, with a particular focus on its anticancer role and molecular mechanisms underlying this property of luteolin."
Luteolin rich foods Parsley, thyme, celery, hot peppers, chamomile tea,

Luteolin + cancer general

Luteolin sensitizes Fas/FasL–induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells through inhibiting Akt Activation and promoting XIAP Degradation
"....Evidences demonstrated that anti-Fas antibodies, rFasL reduce the growth of transplanted solid tumors in vivo experiments in mice and also cause severe damage to the mouse liver at the same time [30]. Therefore, liver injury induced by this agent determined the limitation of their application. In this study, we found that luteolin enhance FasLinduced apoptosis in HepG2 cells, while the L02 cells can be exemped from the cytoxic effects at a sufficient dose level. It may therefore be possible that luteolin could widen the therapeutic window, allowing cancer cells killing while protecting liver cells."
Luteolin rich foods Parsley, thyme, celery, hot peppers, chamomile tea,

Oral cancer + Quercetin

Quercetin Induces Necrosis and Apoptosis in SCC-9 Oral Cancer Cells
Quercetin is a member of the class of flavonoids called flavonols. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom in rinds and barks The.main dietary sources of quercetin are onions, tea, apples, berries and red wine.
"In conclusion, our data support a view that quercetin initially induces a stress response, resulting in
necrosis of these oral epithelial cells. Prolonged exposure of the surviving cells to quercetin causes apoptosis, presumably mediated by inhibition of TS protein."

Ebook on cancer

Thousand Plants against Cancer without Chemo-Therapy - By Giuseppe Nacci , M.D.
1,700 official scientific publications, 1,750 various bibliographical references

Chinese Medicine + Chinese Medicinal Herbs

Anti-cancer natural products isolated from chinese medicinal herbs
"Natural products such as GA, curcumin, β-elemene et al. derived from Chinese medicinal herbs are potential candidates for anti-cancer therapeutic drugs."

Cancer general + Hopea oderata

An evaluation of the anticancer activity in Hopea odorata extracts
"The result indicated that the butanol extract of H. Odorata had selective inhibition to both Hep G2 and Chang cells with IC50 of 20.14 and 377 μg/ml, respectively. Growth inhibition by the extract showed an increased of apoptosis at concentration of 25 μg/ml."

Breast cancer + Bitter Melon

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation by modulating cell cycle regulatory genes and promotes apoptosis.
"Together, these results show that BME modulates signal transduction pathways for inhibition of breast cancer cell growth and can be used as a dietary supplement for prevention of breast cancer."

Quality of Life + Mistletoe

Quality of Life and Related Dimensions in Cancer Patients Treated with Mistletoe Extract (Iscador): A Meta-Analysis
"The analyzed trials give some evidence that Iscador treatment might have moderate beneficial short-time effects on QoLassociated dimensions and psychosomatic self regulation."

Natural Sources + Anti-cancer agents

Natural sources as potential anti-cancer agents: A review
"In this review active principle derived from natural products are offering a great opportunity to evaluate not only totally new chemical classes of anticancer agents, but also novel lead compound and potentially relevant mechanisms of action."

Gastric cancer prognosis + Vitamin D levels

Prognostic effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in gastric cancer
The patients with high vitamin D levels group (≥50nmol/L) had a higher overall survival compared with the low vitamin D levels group (<50nmol/L)(P = 0.018). Multivariate analysis indicated that vitamin D levels were an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer (P = 0.019).
Conclusions Vitamin D deficiency may be associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer."

Leukemia + Tibetan Herbal Remedy PADMA28

Apoptosis induced by the Tibetan herbal remedy PADMA 28 in the T cell-derived lymphocytic leukaemia cell line CEM-C7H2
"Here we show that PADMA 28 added to T cell-derived lymphatic leukaemia cells in culture has a pronounced concentration- and time-dependent anti-proliferative effect. The inhibition of cell proliferation is accompanied by nuclear body formation a morphological signs of apoptosis. Furthermore hallmarks of apoptosis, such as the accumulation of cells in subG1 phase, and fragmentation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) could be detected.
A growing body of evidence demonstrates that cell survival and cell death are largely determined by the function of Bcl-2 family members. Here we show that induction of apoptosis by PADMA 28 can be effectively counteracted by overexpression of the pro-survival protein Bcl-2. Based on our data we suggest that PADMA 28 may act in a pro-apoptotic fashion by interfering with Bcl-2 signalling.".

Inflammation, Diet + Cancer

Dietary Cancer Chemopreventive Agents – Targeting Inflammation and Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
"Given that chronic inflammation has been linked with almost 20% of all human malignancies [77], Nrf2 signaling is important in the defense of acute inflammation, both inflammation and Nrf2 seem to be plausible targets for cancer chemoprevention......In addition to ongoing trials involving single phytochemicals with multiple activities, these combinational approaches certainly warrant further consideration in clinical human trials."

_Lithospermum erythrorhizon + Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Induction of apoptosis by shikonin through a ROS/JNK-mediated process in Bcr/Abl-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells
"Altogether, these findings demonstrate that shikonin-induced oxidative injury operates at a proximal point in apoptotic signaling cascades, and subsequently activates the stress-related JNK pathway, triggers mitochondrial dysfunction, cytochrome c release, and caspase activation, and leads to apoptosis. Our data also suggest that shikonin may be a promising agent for the treatment of CML, as a generator of ROS."
(Shikonin (C16H16O5) is a natural naphthoquinone derivative compound that is present in the root tissues of the traditional Chinese medical herb Lithospermum erythrorhizon.)

Olive Oil + Cancer

Olive oil intake is inversely related to cancer prevalence: a systematic review and a metaanalysis of 13800 patients and 23340 controls in 19 observational studies
"The present systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies revealed that, overall, olive oil consumption was associated with lower odds of cancer development. Most prominent results were observed for breast cancer and cancers of the digestive system, while the aforementioned relationship was similar to studies performed in Mediterranean as well as non-Mediterranean countries."

Homeopathy + quality of Life + Fatigue

Classical homeopathy in the treatment of cancer patients - a prospective observational study of two independent cohorts
"Conclusion In our prospective study, we observed an improvement of quality of life as well as a tendency of fatigue symptoms to decrease in cancer patients under complementary homeopathic treatment. It would take considerably larger samples to find matched pairs suitable for comparison in order to establish a definite causal relation between these effects and homeopathic treatment."

Breast cancer + Metastases + Blueberries

Blueberry Phytochemicals Inhibit Growth and Metastatic Potential of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells through Modulation of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Pathway
"These data illustrate the inhibitory effect of blueberry phytochemicals on the growth and metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 cells through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/NFκB pathway."

Brain Tumour + Artemisia argyi

Jaceosidin Induces Apoptosis in U87 Glioblastoma Cells through G2/M Phase Arrest
"In conclusion, our data demonstrated that jaceosidin inhibited the growth of U87 glioblastoma cells and induced apoptosis through cell cycle arrest, upregulation of p53 and Bax, lowering MTP, release of cytochrome c, and cleavage of caspase 3. Thus, jaceosidin could be developed into a novel chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agent against glioblastoma."

Prostate cancer + Pomegranate

Pomegranate extract induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells by modulation of the IGF-IGFBP axis
"In conclusion, these studies reveal novel interactions between the IGF system and pomegranate-induced apoptosis, and suggest that pomegranate products modulate the tumor production and responsiveness to IGFs and the IGFBPs. As IGFBP-3 is currently being tested in humans as a treatment for prostate cancer and pomegranate supplements are becoming popular as adjuvant nutritional treatments for this disease, we propose that these agents may emerge as useful in the management of prostate cancer."

Prostate cancer + Pomegranate

Pomegranate extract inhibits androgen-independent prostate cancer growth through a nuclear factor-κB-dependent mechanism
"Extending the duration of the androgen-dependent state could potentially prolong life expectancy of prostate cancer patients and delay or prevent the need for additional hormonal therapy or chemotherapy. In this regard, our finding that PE delayed the growth and emergence of androgen independence in our xenograft model may be particularly germane. Of importance, our group showed previously that dietary fat reduction delayed the emergence of androgen independence and prolonged survival using a similar xenograft model (36). Future research will focus on potential additive and/or synergistic effects of combining a low-fat diet with PE. Based on our results, we propose that PJ could have potential as a dietary agent to prevent the emergence of androgen independence and suggest that this may be a high priority area for future clinical investigation"

Colon cancer + Chinese Red Yeast Rice

Anti-Cancer Effects of Chinese Red Yeast Rice beyond Monacolin K alone in Colon Cancer Cells
"RYR, a traditional Chinese food herb and a modern dietary supplement, has demonstrated in vitro effects including inhibition of proliferation and stimulation of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells by mechanisms involving MK and the red yeast pigment fraction"

Ovarian, Cervical, Breast, Colon cancer + Ginger

Phytochemicals, antioxidant properties and anticancer investigations of the different parts of several gingers species (Boesenbergia rotunda, Boesenbergia pulchella var attenuata and Boesenbergia armeniaca)
"In the cytotoxicity assay, B. rotunda showed the most prominent and promising result as anticancer medicinal plant. It showed positive antiproliferative effect against five cancer cell lines: ovarian (CaOV3), breast (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), cervical (HeLa) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines with 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay conducted. In addition, the rhizome of B. pulchella var attenuata and B. armeniaca shown positive result in cytotoxicity assay tested against breast cancer (MCF-7). Thus, the Boesenbergia species investigated would be a promising anticancer remedy for breast cancer."

Cancer Prevention + Nutrition

MicroRNA, Nutrition, and Cancer Prevention
"Recent evidence suggests that nutrients and other bioactive food components protect against cancer through modulation of miRNA expression. Moreover, dietary factors have been shown to modify miRNA expression and their mRNA targets in various cancer processes, including apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, differentiation, inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis as well as pathways in stress response. Herein, we provide a brief overview of dietary modulation of miRNA expression and its potential role in cancer prevention. Understanding the affect of dietary factors on miRNA expression and function may provide insight on prevention strategies to reduce the burden of cancer."

Cancer general + Vitamin C

Vitamin C: A Concentration-Function Approach Yields Pharmacology and Therapeutic Discoveries
"Pharmacologic ascorbate can elicit cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and slow the growth of tumors in experimental murine models. The effects of pharmacologic ascorbate should be further studied in diseases, such as cancer and infections, which may respond to generation of reactive oxygen species via H2O2."

Cancer general + European Mistletow

Survival of cancer patients treated with mistletoe extract (Iscador): a systematic literature review.
"Pooled analysis of clinical studies suggests that adjuvant treatment of cancer patients with the mistletoe extract Iscador is associated with a better survival. Despite obvious limitations, and strong hints for a publication bias which limits the evidence found in this meta-analysis, one can not ignore the fact that studies with positive effects of VA-E on survival of cancer patients are accumulating"

Rectum, Colon, Stomach, Breast, Lung cancer + European Mistletoe

Use of Iscador,and extract of European Mistletoe (Viscum Album), in Cancer Treatment: Prospective Nonrandomized and Randomized Matched-Pair Studies Nested Within A Cohorot Study
"Mistletoe extracts, which contain a complex of oncologically relevant active substances andexert a variety of anticancer effects, appear to prolong survival times in patients with various tumor types. In the studies described here, efficacy was observed in patients with rectum carcinoma, colon carcinoma, stomach carcinoma, breast carcinoma (with or without axillary metastases or remote metastases), and small cell and non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma. The study findings support the claim of anthroposophical medicine that mistletoe therapy is generally effective for treating cancer, irrespective of tumor type."

Anticancer Drugs + DHA + Improved Efficacy

Docosahexaenoic acid: A natural powerful adjuvant that improves efficacy for anticancer treatment with no adverse effects.
"The data suggest that DHA is a safe, natural compound that can greatly improve the anticancer properties of anticancer drugs. Use of DHA with anticancer treatments provides an avenue to therapeutic improvement that involves less risk or side effects for patients and reduced regulatory burden for implementation."

There are two major types of omega-3 fatty acids in our diets: One type is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is found in some vegetable oils, such as soybean, rapeseed (canola), and flaxseed, and in walnuts. ALA is also found in some green vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, kale, spinach, and salad greens. The other type, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in fatty fish. The body partially converts ALA to EPA and DHA.

Lung cancer + Silybum marianum / St. Mary's Thistle

Silibinin modulates TNF-α and IFN-γ mediated signaling to regulate COX2 and iNOS expression in tumorigenic mouse lung epithelial LM2 cells
"Together, we showed that STAT3 and STAT1 could be valuable chemopreventive and therapeutic targets within the lung tumor microenvironment in addition to being targets within tumor itself, and that silibinin inhibits their activation as a plausible mechanism of its efficacy against lung cancer"
NB Silibinin (INN), also known as silybin, is the major active constituent of silymarin, standardized extract of the milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum)

Melanoma + Radiotherapy + Survival + Withania somnifera / Ashwaghanda

Enhancement of the Response of B16F1 Melanoma to Fractionated Radiotherapy and Prolongation
of Survival by Withaferin A and/or Hyperthermia
" In conclusion, WA is a better radiosensitizer than HT in fractionated regimen and the response of radioresistant tumors like melanoma can be significantly enhanced by combining nontoxic doses of WA with fractionated RT, with or without HT, allowing decrease in radiation dose."

Spirituality + cancer

Positive Changes, Increased Spiritual Importance, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Cancer Survivors
"our study offers important insights into the spiritual experience following cancer among a large sample of survivors with different tumor types. Positive changes are common among survivors, even among those living with cancer...The strong relationship between CAM use and spiritual transformation also suggests that allowing individuals to participate in therapies more aligned with their spiritual orientation to health may have a positive impact for their illness trajectory."

Bojungikki-Tang + Cancer-related fatigue

Bojungikki-Tang for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
"Despite its limitations, we believe that our study reports interesting data on the potentials of Bojungikki-tang to be used for cancer-related fatigue and to improve quality of life in cancer patients"

Glioblastoma + Cannabidiols

Cannabidiol Enhances the Inhibitory Effects of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol on Human Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation and Survival
"The treatment of glioblastoma cells with both compounds led to significant modulations of the cell cycle and induction of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis as well as specific modulations of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and caspase activities. These specific changes were not observed with either compound individually, indicating that the signal transduction pathways affected by the combination treatment were unique. Our results suggest that the addition of cannabidiol to Δ9-THC may improve the overall effectiveness of Δ9-THC in the treatment of glioblastoma in cancer patients."

Cancer general + Calcitriol (active form of Vitamin D)

Calcitriol in cancer treatment: From the lab to the clinic
"1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D (calcitriol), the most active metabolite of vitamin D, has significant antineoplastic activity in preclinical models. Several mechanisms of activity have been proposed. These include inhibition of proliferation associated with cell cycle arrest and, in some models, differentiation, reduction in invasiveness and angiogenesis, and induction of apoptosis. Proposed mechanisms differ between tumor models and experimental conditions, and no unifying hypothesis about the mechanism of antineoplastic activity has emerged.....Further work is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of antineoplastic activity and optimal clinical applications of calcitriol in cancer. "
NB-Calcitriol also called 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, is the hormonally active form of vitamin D

Esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer and hepatoma and Archidendron lucidum (Benth.)

Anti-tumor effect of Archidendron lucidum (Benth.) against esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer and hepatoma
"Our results indicate that optimal dose of MEAL might possess the anti-tumor effects against esophageal, hepatocellular and colorectal cancers with a relative safety profile. Accordingly, we are purifying effective and less toxic compounds from MEAL."

Renal cancer + Guan-Jen-Huang (Aeginetia indica Linn.)

Effects of a Chinese Herbal Medicine, Guan-Jen-Huang (Aeginetia indica Linn.), on Renal Cancer Cell Growth and Metastasis
"These results suggest that GJH extract has a synergistic effect on apoptosis induced by chemotherapeutic agents and an inhibitory effect on cell adhesion, migration, and invasion, providing evidence for the use of water-based extracts of GJH as novel alternative therapeutic agents in the treatment of human renal cancer."

Leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, melanoma and skin, lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, liver, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and colorectal epithelial cancers + Curcumin

Potential applications of curcumin and its novel synthetic analogs and nanotechnology-based formulations in cancer prevention and therapy
"Curcumin has attracted great attention in the therapeutic arsenal in clinical oncology due to its chemopreventive, antitumoral, radiosensibilizing and chemosensibilizing activities against various types of aggressive and recurrent cancers. These malignancies include leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, brain cancer, melanoma and skin, lung, prostate, breast, ovarian, liver, gastrointestinal, pancreatic and colorectal epithelial cancers. Curcumin mediates its anti-proliferative, anti-invasive and apoptotic effects on cancer cells, including cancer stem/progenitor cells and their progenies, through multiple molecular mechanisms.
...Taken together, these studies carried out in the last ten years have indicated that curcumin may act on multiple oncogenic targets frequently deregulated in cancer cells, including cancer stem/progenitor cells with stem cell-like properties, during the progression of most human aggressive cancers"

Doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity + Curcuma longa

Cardioprotective effects of Curcuma longa L. extracts against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats
"Oral administration of Curcuma longa ethanolic or water extract (200 mg/kg) prior to doxorubicin produced a significant protection which was evidenced by significant reduction in mortality, CK-MB and LDH -activities. Moreover, they significantly increased GSH markedly, decreased cardiac calcium, and cardiac and serum MDA. In addition, both extracts significantly reduced serum nitric oxide, increased cardiac ascorbic acid, and ameliorated the antioxidant enzymes activities. In conclusion, Curcuma longa extracts renders resiliency against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity due to their contents of polyphenolic compounds that might serve as novel adjuvant therapy with doxorubicin."

Thoracic radiotherapy + Flaxseed

DIETARY FLAXSEED PREVENTS RADIATION-INDUCED OXIDATIVE LUNG DAMAGE, INFLAMMATION AND FIBROSIS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF THORACIC RADIATION INJURY
"In summary, this study evaluates a non-toxic, widely available nutritional supplement that offers long term radioprotective effects in the setting of thoracic radiotherapy. Potential mechanisms of the effects of prolonged FS feeding include altering immediate XRT-induced markers of lung damage, creating a baseline radioprotective state prior to XRT, and providing high levels of circulating antioxidants from the continued metabolism is of bioactive lignans."

Cancer general + Rhaphidophora korthalsii

Immunomodulatory Effect of Rhaphidophora korthalsii on Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity
"In this study, stimulation of the immune system by R. korthalsii methanol extract had significant effects on proliferation, NK cell population, and cytokine expression in the host, which further enhanced the cytolytic activity of the immune cells. Up till now, 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI) is the only compound successfully isolated from R. korthalsii. However, role of DHI on the immunomodulatory effect of R. korthalsii methanol extract and the other potential active secondary metabolites that play an important role in this immunostimulatory effect are still unknown. Thus, future study should focus on isolation and evaluation of active metabolites from the extract that contributes to the immunomodulatory effect against the NK cell."

Prostate cancer + Lycopene

Multitargeted therapy of cancer by lycopene
"These epidemiological studies are supported by numerous in vitro assays using cell cultures that show anti-cancer activities and cancer chemoprevention activities of lycopene in many cell lines including prostate cancer cells. These activities include inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, preventing oxidative stress, and up-regulating the antioxidant response element so that cells can produce cytoprotective enzymes against prooxidants and electrophiles. In vivo animal studies and Phase I and II clinical trials have shown that lycopene supplements are non-toxic and that lycopene is orally bioavailable. Furthermore, lycopene is concentrated in prostate tissue and localized to the nucleus. In addition, some oxygenated metabolites of lycopene have been identified, and might be active as chemoprevention agents."
NB lycopene is responsible for the red pigmentation of ripe tomatoes and some other edible fruits such as watermelon and papaya.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,gastric + hepatoma + cervical cancer + Daphne Altaica

Antiproliferative activity of different extracts from Daphne altaica Pall. on selected cancer cells
"The results of this study represent the first evidence that barks of D. altaica possess effective antiproliferative activities on human cancer cells. Future phytochemical investigations on this medicinal plant should be encouraged."

Pancreatic, lung, liver, breast, ovarian cancer + more + metastasis + Pau D'Arco

Lapachol: an overview
"Lapachol is a naphthoquinone that was first isolated by E. Paterno from Tabebuia avellanedae
(Bignoniaceae) in 1882....many others confirmed the efficacy of this naphthoquinone as an antineoplastic agent. However, in 1974, the National Cancer Institute concluded that, due to the high concentrations necessary for this drug to act as an effective chemotherapeutic agent in human cancer which unfortunately also resulted in very toxic side effects, suspension of further studies on the action of lapachol as an antineoplastic agent would be terminated. However, none of these studies considered the effects of lapachol at a molecular level. This information forms the basis to develop the synthesis of new and novel lapachol analogues which can be used as the future starting point in future developments of this potentially potent biological molecule."

Leukemia + Colon cancer + Nigella sativa

Thymoquinone rich fraction from Nigella sativa and thymoquinone are cytotoxic towards colon and
leukemic carcinoma cell lines
"In conclusion, this study indicates that TQRF and TQ possess cytotoxic properties against colorectal cancer and showed more prominent cytotoxic effects on leukemic cell lines. In spite of TQ, TQRF was also has potential to be used as anti-cancer treatment. Therefore, TQRF from N. sativa does have the potential to be developed as a nutraceuticals for preventing the progression of cancer."

Breast cancer and Tamoxifen and Fish Oil

The Impact of Fish Oil on the Chemopreventive Efficacy of Tamoxifen against Development of N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea–Induced Rat Mammary Carcinogenesis
"In this study, we report for the first time that the combination of a fish oil diet rich in n-3 PUFA and tamoxifen seemed to inhibit N-methyl-N-nitrosourea–induced mammary carcinogenesis, tumor multiplicity, and volume to a greater extent than the individual interventions. The potential superiority of the combination was particularly evident at a suboptimal dose of tamoxifen, which, by itself, was unable to significantly decrease tumor development. Because activation of PPARγ is known to inhibit oxidative stress, we examined the effects of our interventions on circulating and tumor levels of glutathione, a major intracellular antioxidant. Our results indicate that reduction in the level of oxidative stress may be a potential mechanism by which the n-3 PUFA–rich diet potentiated the tumor-suppressive effect of tamoxifen. Our interventions were well tolerated without evidence of toxicity. Combined administration of tamoxifen and n-3 PUFA is a promising new approach to breast cancer prevention. Because of its safety, this combination can quickly be translated to the clinic if its superiority can be supported by future studies."

Skin cancer and Resveratrol

Synergistic Effects of Combined Phytochemicals and Skin Cancer Prevention in SENCAR Mice
" In conclusion, all combinations showed either additive or synergistic effects and their joint actions allowed for decreasing the doses of the compounds. Especially, resveratrol combinations with ellagic acid, grape seed extract, and other phytochemicals are very potent inhibitors of skin tumorgenesis, based on the suppression of epidermal hyperplasia as well as on the modulation of intermediate biomarkers of cell proliferation, cell survival, inflammation, oncogene mutation, and apoptosis."
Resveratrol is an antioxidant that is commonly found in many plants. Red wine, peanuts, grapes and blueberries are some of its rich and popular sources.

Skin cancer + foods containing alkaloids (caffeine), EGEC (green tea), flavanols (cocoa), genistein (soybean), Pycnogenol and more

Phytochemicals as Protectors Against Ultraviolet Radiation: Versatility of Effects and Mechanisms
"Various phytochemicals protect plants and animals against the damaging effects of UV radiation. They all invoke multiple protective mechanisms, in many ways representing a critical feature in the efforts to develop protective strategies against a carcinogen that exerts multiple damaging effects. The use of agents based on some of the phytochemicals that were discussed here and the identification of new and more potent analogues, in addition to common sunscreens, are areas of development that have the potential to reduce the risk of skin cancer."

Chemoprevention + foods containing curcumin (turmeric) EGCG (green tea), resveratrol (red wine), genistein (soy) and isothiocyanates(cabbage family)

Dietary Cancer Chemopreventive Agents – Targeting Inflammation and Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
"dietary vegetables and fruits have been regarded as rich sources of chemopreventive agents.
Food phytochemicals such as curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol, genistein and isothiocyanates, with strong anti-inflammatory activity, have been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis in preclinical animal models. Epidemiological studies have clearly documented that the frequent consumption of a diet high in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of many types of cancers including prostate, colon, oral cavity, stomach, lung and esophagus"

Chemoprevention + foods containing-sulforaphane (cabbage), lycopene (tomatoes), curcumin (turmeric), EBCG (green tea) Diallyl sulfide (garlic), Resveratrol (red grapes) and more

Nrf2 as a Master Redox Switch in Turning on the Cellular Signaling Involved in the Induction of Cytoprotective Genes by Some Chemopreventive Phytochemicals
"The activation of Nrf2-ARE signaling by dietary inducers will fortify cellular defense against oxidative, electrophilic and inflammatory stresses which are broadly implicated in multi-stage carcinogenesis"

Colorectal cancer + Fresh Ginseng Berry

Effects of Triterpenoid Glycosides from Fresh Ginseng Berry on SW480 Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Line
"AGBE and ginsenosides Rb3, Re, and Rg3 possessed significant antiproliferative effects and induced changes of morphological appearance on SW480 cells. The mechanisms of the antiproliferation of AGBE and tested ginsenosides involved could be cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis."

Cancer general + Dysosma versipellis

Antiproliferation and cell apoptosis inducing bioactivities of constituents from Dysosma versipellis in PC3 and Bcap-37 cell lines
"This study suggests that most of the compounds from the roots of D. versipellis could inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cells. In addition, PTO and DDPT could induce apoptosis of tumor cells."

Bladder cancer + Antrodia camphorate

Antrodia camphorata extract induces replicative senescence in superficial TCC, and inhibits the absolute migration capability in invasive bladder carcinoma cells
"We conclude that ACCE can be rather effective and beneficial in suppression of both the superficial cancer cell line RT4 and the metastatic cell lines (TSGH-8301 and T24) through different mechanisms"

Colon cancer + Antrodia camphorate

Inhibition of Anchorage-Independent Proliferation and G0/G1 Cell-Cycle Regulation in Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cells by 4,7-Dimethoxy-5-Methyl-l,3-Benzodioxole Isolated from the Fruiting Body of Antrodia camphorate
"These findings demonstrate for the first time that SY-1 inhibits human colon cancer cell proliferation through inhibition of cell growth and anchorage-independent colony formation in soft agar. However, the detailed mechanisms of these processes remain unclear and will require further investigation."

Metastases + Liver cancer + Sea Cucumber

Ds-echinoside A, a new triterpene glycoside derived from sea cucumber, exhibits antimetastatic activity via the inhibition of NF-κB-dependent MMP-9 and VEGF expressions
"In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that DSEA possesses marked anti-metastatic activity. We have shown that DSEA plays a role in the inhibition of Hep G2 cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis through suppression of VEGF and MMP-9 and enhancement of TIMP-1 protein expression by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway."

Cancer Prevention + Spices

Potential of Spice-Derived Phytochemicals for Cancer Prevention
"From the description provided above it is clear that spice-derived phytochemicals have an enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer. They can induce apoptosis, suppress proliferation of tumor cells, inhibit invasion and angiogenesis, and prevent even bone loss. These phytochemicals mediate their effects through multiple targets and yet pharmacologically they are highly safe. More animal studies and clinical trials are needed to prove the usefulness of these agents. Safety, inexpensive cost, years of intake by humans and their efficacy make them ideal agents. Therefore it is not too surprising to note that Vasco de Gama tried to look for these spices almost five centuries ago."

Breast + Pancreatic cancer + Amoora rohituka and chittagonga

Cytotoxicity Effects of Amoora rohituka and chittagonga on Breast and Pancreatic Cancer Cells
" For MCF-7 cancer cells, the chittagonga (Pet-Ether and CH2Cl2) and rohituka (Pet-Ether) extracts induced cytotoxicity; the chittagonga (EtoAC) and rohituka (MeOH) extracts did not induce cytotoxicity. For HTB126, Panc-1, Mia-Paca2, and Capan-1 cancer cells, only the chittagonga CH2Cl2 extract showed a significant cytotoxic effect. The extracts were not cytotoxic to normal fibroblast Hs68 cells, which may be correlated to the specificity of Amoora extracts in targeting cancerous cells. Based on these results, further examination of the potential anticancer properties Amoora species and the identification of the active ingredients of these extracts is warranted."

Cancer-related Fatigue + Polarity Therapy

Polarity Therapy for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients With Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
"The present study supports previous experimental research showing that PT, a noninvasive and gentle energy therapy, may be effective in controlling CRF. PT is an integrative medicine energy therapy based on the Ayurvedic medical system used for thousands of years in India and evidence of its efficacy could lead to further, potentially fruitful, explorations of this ancient medical practice and/or of other energy therapies such as HT, TT, and Reiki."

Lung cancer + Essential Oils

Terpinen-4-ol Induces Apoptosis in Human Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo"
"Collectively, these data provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying terpinen-4-ol-induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells, rendering this compound a potential anticancer drug for NSCLC."

Colorectal cancer + Sulforaphane (in cruciferous vegetables)

Apoptosis Induction in Primary Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines and Retarded Tumor Growth in SCID Mice by Sulforaphane
"Our findings suggest that, in addition to the known effects on cancer prevention, sulforaphane may have antitumor activity in established colorectal cancer."

Sulforaphane (SFN), a potent cancer preventive agent, is a dietary isothiocyanate compound found as a precursor glucosinolate in cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli

Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity + L-Glutamine

Oral Glutamine Protects against Acute Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity of Tumor-Bearing Rats
"The Gln supplementation resulted in lower cardiac lipid peroxidation and peroxintrite levels and elevated cardiac catalase enzyme activity and GSH compared with the controls, without affecting those of the tumors. DOX-induced alterations of the echocardiographic parameters were significantly reduced in the Gln-supplemented rats. These data indicate that Gln is able to reduce the oxidative damage of cardiomyocytes that occurs soon after DOX administration and thus protects the heart of a tumor-bearing host from DOX-induced cardiomyopathy."

Breast cancer + Curcumin

Injectable Sustained Release Microparticles of Curcumin: A New Concept for Cancer Chemoprevention
The current study is the first to report the use of an injectable, sustained release formulation, which, after a single dose, results in near-constant systemic concentrations of curcumin for several weeks and a significant inhibition of tumor growth in an orthotopic mammary tumor model. Further, the results of the study show that sustained low levels of curcumin achieved with microparticles may elicit certain antitumor effects not observed after repeated systemic injections.

Intrathoracic cancers + Radiation + Flaxseed

Dietary flaxseed administered post thoracic radiation treatment improves survival and mitigates radiation-induced pneumonopathy in mice
Dietary FS given post-XRT mitigates radiation effects by decreasing pulmonary fibrosis, inflammation, cytokine secretion and lung damage while enhancing mouse survival. Dietary supplementation of FS may be a useful adjuvant treatment mitigating adverse effects of radiation in individuals exposed to inhaled radioisotopes or incidental radiation.

Colon cancer + Panax quinquefolius

Role of cyclin inhibitor protein p21 in the inhibition of HCT116 human colon cancer cell proliferation by American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and its constituents
"In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that American ginseng extract inhibits proliferation and cell cycle progression in HCT116 human colon cancer cells through altered expression of key regulatory proteins, and these actions appear to be dependent on the interaction of both ginsenoside and polysaccharide components of ginseng extract"

Prostate cancer + Psidium guajava

The Aqueous Soluble Polyphenolic Fraction of Psidium guajava Leaves Exhibits Potent Anti-Angiogenesis and Anti-Migration Actions on DU145 Cells
"We conclude that PE potentially possesses a strong anti-prostate cancer effect. Results suggest that PE can be used as an effective clinical adjuvant anti-prostate cancer chemopreventive"

Melanoma + Peganum harmala

Harmine activates intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma
"TUNEL assay and flow cytometric analysis also confirmed apoptosis. Furthermore, RT-PCR analysis showed that harmine induced apoptosis in B16F-10 melanoma cells by up-regulating Bax and activating Caspase-3, 9 and p53 and down-regulating Bcl-2. Harmine also up-regulated Caspase-8 and Bid, indicating that harmine affected both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways of apoptosis. This study also showed inhibitory effects of harmine on some transcription factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines that protect cell from apoptosis"

Cancer Remission + Agaricus blazei

Phase I Clinical Study of the Dietary Supplement, Agaricus blazei Murill, in Cancer Patients in Remission
"This trial supports previous evidence that the ABM product is generally safe, excluding possible allergic reaction......In Japan, researchers have demonstrated antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumor, cancer inhibitory, cancer preventive and immunoenhancing effects of Agaricus blazei Murill experimentally"

Quality of Life in cancer Patients + Viscum album

Review Article: Influence of Viscum album L (European Mistletoe) Extracts on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Controlled Clinical Studies
"Improvements were mainly in regard to coping, fatigue, sleep, exhaustion, energy, nausea, vomiting, appetite, depression, anxiety, ability to work, and emotional and functional well-being in general and, less consistently, in regard to pain, diarrhea, general performance, and side effects of conventional treatments. VAEs were well tolerated."

Cervical cancer + Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Punarnava)

Inhibition of Human Cervical Cancer Cell Growth by Ethanolic Extract of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Punarnava) Root
"In conclusion, B. diffusa fraction 5 (BDF 5) could inhibit the proliferation of human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa"

Bladder cancer + Antrodia camphorata

Human urinary bladder cancer T24 cells are susceptible to the Antrodia camphorata extracts
"In conclusion, ACCE is a good anti-cancer agent, being effective in inducing phase G2M arrest, acting as an anti-proliferative, and an anti-metastatic agent against bladder cancer cell T24 cells"

Cancer general + Taiwanofungus camphoratus

Anticancer Effects of Taiwanofungus camphoratus Extracts, Isolated Compounds and its Combinational use
"In addition, various compounds have been further purified from these extracts, such as terpenoids, maleic and succinic acids derivatives, polysaccharides, and other compounds, and they also showed potent cytotoxicity. Besides, T. camphoratus not only has cytotoxic effect but also produces synergistic anticancer effect with trichostatin A, lovastatin, and taxol. It is concluded that T. camphoratus could be considered as a potential anticancer agent to make cancer no longer a frightening nightmare. However, clinical trials of T. camphoratus on human subjects are absent, and the involved mechanism remains unclear. Hence, further investigations would be required."

Colon cancer + Taiwanofungus camphoratus

Apoptotic Cell Death and Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Colon Cancer Cells by an Active Fraction (HS7) from Taiwanofungus camphoratus
"These results indicate that Taiwanofungus camphoratus may provide a benefit as integrative medicine for the treatment of colon cancer."

Prostate cancer + Curcumin

Curcumin sensitizes TRAIL-resistant xenografts: molecular mechanisms of apoptosis, metastasis and angiogenesis
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae)
"The ability of curcumin to inhibit tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis, and enhance the therapeutic potential of TRAIL suggests that curcumin alone or in combination with TRAIL can be used for prostate cancer prevention and/or therapy."

Ovarian cancer + Calomeria amaranthoides

Potent cytotoxic effects of Calomeria amaranthoides on ovarian cancers
Calomeria amaranthoides is a common Australian plant
"For the first time both crude plant extract from Calomeria amaranthoides and EPD have been shown to have potent anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer."

Lung cancer + Polygala senega

Anticancer potentials of root extract of Polygala senega against benzo［a］pyrene-induced lung cancer in mice
"Chemopreventive potentials of Polygala senega against chemically induced lung cancer in mice are confirmed."

Breast cancer + Homeopathy

Cytotoxic effects of ultra-diluted remedies on breast cancer cells
"Study demonstrates that the ultra-diluted natural product remedies prescribed in the ‘Banerji Protocol’ induce cell cycle delay/arrest with subsequent apoptosis in breast adenocarcinoma cells. Though the degree of the antisurvival effect appeared to correlate with the presence of the wild-type p53 gene, overall susceptibility to the inhibitory effects of the remedies appeared independent of the functional p53 and estrogen-receptor status of the breast carcinoma cells. Finally, the preferentially elevated cytotoxic effects on breast adenocarcinoma cells compared with cells derived from normal mammary epithelium raises the exciting possibility of a window of therapeutic opportunity for preferentially eliminating breast cancer cells with minimal damage to the surrounding normal mammary tissue by using the ultra-diluted remedies investigated in this report. The findings of this study should encourage further preclinical and animal investigation of these remedies as preventive and/or therapeutic treatments for breast cancer"

Adverse Effects of cancer treatments + Homeopathy

Homeopathic medicines for adverse effects of cancer treatments
"254 participants demonstrated benefits from calendula ointment in the prevention of radiotherapy-induced dermatitis, and another with 32 participants demonstrated benefits from Traumeel S (a complex homeopathic medicine) over placebo as a mouthwash for chemotherapy-induced stomatitis.
The homeopathic medicines used in all eight studies did not seem to cause any serious adverse effects or interact with conventional treatment"

Brain Tumour + Homeopathy

Ruta 6 selectively induces cell death in brain cancer cells but proliferation in normal peripheral blood lymphocytes: A novel treatment for human brain cancer
Both in vivo and in vitro results showed induction of survival-signaling pathways in normal lymphocytes and induction of death-signaling pathways in brain cancer cells. Cancer cell death was initiated by telomere erosion and completed through mitotic catastrophe events. We propose that Ruta in combination with Ca3(PO4)2 could be used for effective treatment of brain cancers, particularly glioma.

Melanoma + Homeopathy

Stimulation of lymphocyte anti-melanoma activity by co-cultured macrophages activated by complex homeopathic medication (CHM)
"Co-culture of macrophages with lymphocytes in the presence of the CHM enhanced the anti-cancer performance of lymphocytes against a very aggressive lineage of melanoma cells. These results suggest that non-toxic therapies using CHMs are a promising alternative approach to the treatment of melanomas. In addition, they are attractive combination-therapy candidates, which may enhance the efficacy of conventional medicines by improving the immune response against tumor cells

Melanoma + Homeopathy

In vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of a Calcarea carbonica derivative complex (M8) treatment in a murine melanoma model
"We found that M8 has at least two functions, acting as both an inhibitor of cancer cell adhesion and invasion and as a perlecan expression antagonist, which are strongly correlated with several metastatic, angiogenic and invasive factors in melanoma tumors....The findings suggest that this medication is a promising non-toxic therapy candidate by improving the immune response against tumor cells or even induce direct dormancy in malignancies".

Liver Cancer + Hepatitis + Coffee + Green Tea

Effect of Coffee and Green Tea Consumption on the Risk of Liver Cancer: Cohort Analysis by Hepatitis Virus Infection Status
Compared with almost never drinkers, increased coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of liver cancer in all subjects A similar risk tendency was observed in those with either or both HCV and HBV infection. In contrast, no association was observed between green tea consumption and the risk of liver cancer in all subjects. Our results suggest that coffee consumption may reduce the risk of liver cancer regardless of HCV and HBV infection status, whereas green tea may not reduce this risk

Skin Cancer + Black Tea

Tea Intake and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Skin: Influence of Type of Tea Beverages

"Adjusting for brewing time, the association between skin SCC and hot black tea consumption suggests a significantly lower risk in consumers of hot tea compared to nonconsumers.......Our results show that tea concentration (strength), brewing time, and beverage temperature have major influences on the potential protective effects of hot black tea in relation to skin SCC"

Breast cancer + Malaysian tropical ginger

1'S-1'-Acetoxyeugenol acetate: a new chemotherapeutic natural compound against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells
"It was concluded that AEA isolated from the Malaysian tropical ginger represents a potential chemotherapeutic agent against human breast cancer cells with higher cytotoxicity potency than its analogue, ACA."
Alpinia conchigera, also known locally as 'lengkuas ranting', 'lengkuas kecil', 'lengkuas padang', 'lengkuas getting' or 'chengkenam' (Janssen and Scheffer 1985) is found in eastern Bengal and southwards to Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatera (Burkill 1966). It is used as a condiment in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia and occasionally in traditional medicine in the east coast to treat fungal infections. In Thailand, the rhizomes are used in traditional Thai medicine to relieve the gastro-intestinal disorders and in the preparation of Thai food dishes (Matsuda et al. 2005).

Liver, Breast, Lung cancer + Macrothelypteris torresiana

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of Macrothelypteris torresiana and its acute/subacute oral toxicity
"Macrothelypteris torresiana (Gaud.) Ching (Thelypteridaceae) is widely distributed in the south of China and has been used as folk medicine mainly for the treatment of diseases such as hydropsy and traumatic bleeding (Institute of Botany, 1976; Ding, 1982). This recent scientific attention was because of some unusual flavonoids isolated from the species M. torresiana showing significant antitumor activities. Among of them, a unique flavonoid named protoapigenone showed significant antitumor activity against human cancer cell lines Hep G2, Hep 3B (liver), MCF-7 (breast), A549 (lung) and MDA-MB-231 with [IC.sub.50] values of 1.60, 0.23, 0.78, 3.88 and 0.27 ([mu]g/ml, respectively (Lin et al., 2005)."

Colorectal cancer + Curcumin + radiation therapy

Curcumin Sensitizes Human Colorectal Cancer Xenografts in Nude Mice to γ-Radiation by Targeting Nuclear Factor-κB–Regulated Gene Products
Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae)
"Collectively, our results suggest that curcumin potentiates the antitumor effects of radiation therapy in colorectal cancer by suppressing NF-κB and NF-κB–regulated gene products, leading to inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis"

Cancer general + Russula lepida mushroom

First isolation and characterization of a novel lectin with potent antitumor activity from a Russula mushroom.
"In summary, a lectin with a distinctive N-terminal sequence, sugar specificity, hemagglutinating activity with relatively high thermostability and [Cu.sup.2+] -induced enhancement, and potent antiproliferative and antitumor activities was isolated from R. lepida fruiting bodies. The potent antitumor activity of RLL is remarkable and hopefully it can be developed into an agent for cancer therapy. This report represents an addition to the existing list of mushroom lectins".

Cervical cancer + Angelica sinensis (Oliv)

A novel polysaccharide, isolated from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels induces the apoptosis of cervical cancer HeLa cells through an intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
"Our findings provide a novel understanding of the antitumor mechanism of this polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis and might be helpful in developing a new antitumor agent"

Metastatic breast cancer + Carvacrol

Anti-proliferative effects of carvacrol on a human metastatic breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB 231
Carvacrol, (2-methyl-5-(l-methylethyl)-phenol), is a major component of the essential oils of oregano and thyme
"The data in the present study clearly demonstrated anti-tumor effects of carvacrol on human metastatic breast cancer cells, MDA-MB 231, and that the compound could have a potential therapeutic significance in treating cancer."

Taste and Smell alterations + Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol may palliate altered chemosensory perception in cancer patients: results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
Taste and smell (chemosensory) alterations are common and distressing among advanced cancer patients
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive substance found in plants of the species Cannabis sativa
"THC may be useful in the palliation of chemosensory alterations and to improve food enjoyment for cancer patients".

Lung cancer + Ocimum gratissimum

Ocimum gratissimum Aqueous Extract Induces Apoptotic Signalling in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell A549
"In conclusion, the present study provides evidences that OGE treatments significantly alter viability of lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells through a synergy of induction of apoptotic signaling and suppression of antiapoptotic signaling, as shown in Figure 7. Moreover, OGE treatment simultaneously inhibits the activation of ERK and enhances the activation of JNK and p38, which is consistent with the enhanced apoptotic signaling and reduced antiapoptotic signaling based on their well-known effects on these signal cascades (Figure 7). By manipulating both arms of apoptotic and antiapoptotic pathway, OGE represents a promisingly effective chemopreventive agent against lung adenocarcinoma."

Advanced/Recurrent Colorectal Cancer + Peripheral Neurotoxicity Side Effects of Oxaliplatin + Goshajinkigan

Efficacy of Goshajinkigan for Peripheral Neurotoxicity of Oxaliplatin in Patients with Advanced or Recurrent Colorectal Cancer
Kampō (or Kanpō, 漢方) medicine is the Japanese study and adaptation of Traditional Chinese medicine.
"Peripheral neurotoxicity is the major limiting factor for oxaliplatin therapy....
Concomitant administration of GJG reduced the neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin in patients that received chemotherapy for colorectal cancer".

Various Cancers + Ayurveda

Traditional medicinal plants as anticancer agents from Chhattishgarh, India: An overview
"Recently, a greater emphasis has been given towards the researches on complementary and alternative medicine that deals with cancer management. Plants have long history of use in the treatment of cancer [5-7].... Medicinal plants maintain the health and vitality of individuals, and also cure various diseases, including cancer without causing toxicity. Plants derived components have played an important role in the development of several clinically useful anticancer agents. In different region of Chhattisgarh many traditional healers use various medicinal plants for treating of various cancer. This review revealed that many of medicinal plants used by traditional healer are reported to have scientific evidence. There is a need to explore the plants which are not reported scientifically by in-vitro or in-vivo screening methods. These plants can provide potential bioactive compounds for the development of new ‘leads’ to combat cancer diseases"

Breast Cancer + Exercise

Effects of exercise on breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis
"Exercise is an effective intervention to improve quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical functioning and fatigue in breast cancer patients and survivors...Exercise also led to significant improvements in physical functioning and peak oxygen consumption and in reducing symptoms of fatigue... Larger trials that have a greater focus on study quality and adverse effects and that examine the long-term benefits of exercise are needed for this patient group."

Breast Cancer Recurrence + Soy Isoflavones

Effect of soy isoflavones on breast cancer recurrence and death for patients receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy
"High dietary intake of soy isoflavones was associated with lower risk of recurrence among post-menopausal patients with breast cancer positive for estrogen and progesterone receptor and those who were receiving anastrozole as endocrine therapy."

Cancer General, Metastasis, Ovarian Cancer, Melanoma + Ginseng

Chemistry and Cancer Preventing Activities of Ginseng Saponins and Some Related Triterpenoid Compounds
"Anti-tumor activities are the properties characteristic not only to Ginseng saponins but also to other pentacyclic triterpenes.It is noteworthy, however, that ginsenosides, tetracyclic dammarane-type triterpenoid saponins, could be applied safely due to their mostly non-toxic and non-hemolytic characteristics. Ginseng has been employed in Chinese medicine and folklore medicine in the Eastern Asia regions without any noticeable side effects for more than 2000 yr. Apart from triterpenoid saponins in ginseng, acetylenic alcohol obtained from Ginseng, especially panaxytriol, showed anti-cancer activity against melanoma B16 when intramuscularly administered"

Liver Cancer + Panax notoginseng

Anti-proliferative effects of raw and steamed extracts of Panax notoginseng and its ginsenoside constituents on human liver cancer cells
"Steaming increased the concentrations of ginsenoside Rh2, Rk1, Rk3 and 20S-Rg3 and enhanced growth inhibition of liver cancer cells. Conclusion Steaming changes the chemical profile as well as anti-cancer biological activities of P. notoginseng. Steamed P. notoginseng contains potential compounds for the treatment of liver cancer"

Yoga + Breast Cancer + Fatigue

Yoga for Persistent Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors: Results of a Pilot Study
There was a significant improvement in fatigue scores from pre- to post-intervention that was maintained at the 3-month post-intervention followup. Significant improvements were also observed in measures of physical function, depressed mood, and quality of life. These results support the acceptability of this intervention and suggest that it may have beneficial effects on persistent post-treatment fatigue. However, results require replication in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Homeopathy + Psorninum + Stomach, Gall Bladder, Pancreatic + Liver Cancers

Psorinum Therapy in Treating Stomach, Gall Bladder, Pancreatic, and Liver Cancers: A Prospective Clinical Study
The limitation of this study is that it did not have any placebo or treatment control arm; therefore, it cannot be concluded that Psorinum Therapy is effective in improving the survival and the quality of life of the participants due to the academic rigours of the scientific clinical trials. This study also cannot rule out the effects of the implemented allopathic and homeopathic supportive measures in the observed results. However, the results of the study showed a fair number of complete and partial tumor responses along with impressive survival outcomes in difficult to treat cancer types. Therefore, randomized double-blind clinical trial, detailed molecular, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics studies should be conducted for further scientific exploration of this alternative cancer treatment to determine if it can be integrated into the mainstream oncology.

Protein, Dairy Foods and Cancer

Video
Cornell University professor T. Colin Campbell Phd presents the overwhelming evidence showing that animal protein is one of the most potent carcinogens people are exposed to.

Breast Cancer + metastasis + Coenzyme Q10

Exogenous coenzyme Q10 modulates MMP-2 activity in MCF-7 cell ine as a breast cancer cellular model
CoQ10 is a natural lipid-soluble antioxidant.
"The present study highlights the significance of Coenzyme Q10 effect on the cell invasion/metastasis effecter molecules"

Breast + Prostate Cancer + Strobilanthes crispus

Anticancer activity of a sub-fraction of dichloromethane extract of Strobilanthes crispus on human breast and prostate cancer cells in vitro
"Leaves are used in folk medicine for their antidiabetic, diuretic, anticancer and blood pressure lowering properties. Crude extracts of this plant have been found to be cytotoxic to human cancer cell lines and protective against chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.....A dichloromethane sub-fraction of S. crispus displayed potent anticancer activities in vitro that can be further exploited for the development of a potential therapeutic anticancer agent."

Chemopreventive, Cancer general + DNA damage + Moringa oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves prevent Cyclophosphamide-induced micronucleus and DNA damage in mice
"Moringa species have long been recognized by folk medicine practitioners as having value in tumor therapy"
"The results show that the extract has anti-genotoxic effects on CP-induced lesions in mice. The present results eventually lead us to conclude that ethanolic extract of M.oleifera leaves possess anti-genotoxic phytoconstituents".

**Lymphoma + Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)**

Antitumor activity against murine lymphoma L5178Y model of proteins from cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seeds in relation with in vitro antioxidant activity
"This study is the first report on the biological activity of semifermented-dry cacao protein fractions with their identification, supporting the traditional use of the plant. The albumin fraction showed antitumor and free radical scavenging capacity, however both activities were not correlated. The protein fractions could be considered as source of potential antitumor peptides".

Cervical cancer + Corydalis cava

Cytotoxic activity of proteins isolated from extracts of Corydalis cava tubers in human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells
"The Corydalis sp. tubers are a rich source of many biologically active substances, with the extensive use in European and Asian folk medicine. They have analgetic, sedating, narcotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and anti-tumour activities"
The cytotoxic effect of studied proteins toward HeLa cell line cells has been evident and dependent on increasing dose of the protein

Anticachexia (weight loss, anorexia and weakness) + Colon cancer + Coptidis rhizoma

Anticachectic effects of the natural herb Coptidis rhizoma and berberine on mice bearing colon 26/clone 20 adenocarcinoma
".In conclusion, our study showed that C. rhizoma exerts an anticachectic effect on colon 26/clone 20–transplanted mice and that the effect is associated with tumor IL-6 production. We also suggest that berberine, its major component, might play a role in the prevention of cachexia"

Non melanoma skin cancer, oesphageal + colon cancer + Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid present in roots, rhizome + stem bark of a number of important medicinal plant species

Berberine inhibits growth, induces G1 arrest and apoptosis in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells by regulating Cdki–Cdk-cyclin cascade, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cleavage of caspase 3 and PAR
"Berberine possesses a wide range of biochemical and pharmacological activities, viz. antidiarrheal, antiarrhythmic and antitumor activities. Coptidis rhizoma, containing abundant berberine, is shown to inhibit the proliferation of esophageal cancer cells Berberine inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 transcriptional activity in human colon cancer cells and preliminary studies have shown that berberine sulfate inhibits tumor promoting activity of teleocidin in two-stage chemical carcinogenesis on mouse skin"

**Breast cancer + Huanglian (Coptidis rhizoma), a widely used herb in traditional Chinese medicine,**

The extract of huanglian, a medicinal herb, induces cell growth arrest and apoptosis by upregulation of interferon-β and TNF--α in human breast cancer cells
"The data presented here demonstrate that huanglian extract is highly effective in inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 breast cancer cells."

Cancer General, Liver toxicity + Berberine (isoquinoline alkaloid present in roots, rhizome and stem bark of a number of important medicinal plants)

Hepatoprotective effects of berberine on carbob tetrachloride-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats
"Berberine is an active compound in Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) with multiple pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering and anticancer effects. The present study demonstrates that berberine possesses hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and that the effects are both preventive and curative"

Cancer general + Berries - Berries contain many known chemopreventive agents such as anthocyanins and ellagitannins that can be greatly concentrated in freeze-dried berry powders.

Foodstuffs for Preventing Cancer: The Preclinical and Clinical Development of Berries
"The objective of this approach is to selectively kill specific types of cancer cells with minimal effects on their normal counterparts. In contrast, berry powders contain a mixture of compounds that seem to affect the expression levels of a wide range of cancer-related genes (to lesser extents than therapeutic agents;), thus preventing the conversion of premalignant cells to malignancy at doses that cause minimal or no cytotoxicity. In this regard, berries seem to fulfill the requirement of an “ideal” chemopreventive agent . The same is undoubtedly true of many other foodstuffs; for example, a freeze-dried aqueous extract of broccoli sprouts was effective at dietary levels in inhibiting chemically induced bladder cancer with no observable toxicity in rats"

Chemopreventative, Cancer general + Resveratrol (a dietary polyphenol derived from grapes, berries, peanuts, and other plant sources)

Cancer Prevention and Treatment with Resveratrol: From Rodent Studies to Clinical Trials
"The anticancer property of resveratrol has been supported by its ability to inhibit proliferation of a wide variety of human tumor cells in vitro. These in vitro data have led to numerous preclinical animal studies to evaluate the potential of this drug for cancer chemoprevention and chemotherapy. This review provides concise, comprehensive data from preclinical in vivo studies in various rodent models of human cancers, highlighting the related mechanisms of action. Bioavailability, pharmacokinetic, and potential toxicity studies of resveratrol in humans and ongoing interventional clinical trials are also presented. The conclusion describes directions for future resveratrol research to establish its activity and utility as a human cancer preventive and therapeutic drug".

Head + Neck cancers + malodorous necrotic ulcers. Malodorous necrotic ulcers in cancer patients are of major concern as it leads to social isolation and poor quality of life + Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Antibacterial essential oils in malodorous cancer patients: Clinical observations in 30 patients
"All patients experienced complete resolution of the foul smell by only the third or fourth day of therapy. As a secondary effect we saw that besides smell reduction the oils had anti-inflammatory effects on neoplastic
ulcers. In some patients ulcers started to heal and achieved complete re-epithiliazation. The patients experienced great personal relief upon resolution of their malodorous conditions. Quality of life improved significantly with the resulting reintroduction of social contact with friends and relatives."

Chemoprevention + Cancer general + tea + curcumin + Resveratrol + Pomegranate, Lycopene + Luteolin + Genisten and other promising natural agents.

Perspectives for Cancer Prevention With Natural Compounds
"Various epidemiological and preclinical findings and the results of several early clinical studies convincingly argue for a definitive role of selected dietary products in the prevention and treatment of cancers. Many of these agents target multiple signal transduction pathways, which vary widely depending on cancer origin.....Since drug-associated toxicity remains a significant barrier for currently available chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive drugs, using natural compounds (which have better safety profiles) as adjuvant therapy with current chemotherapeutic agents may help to mitigate drug-associated toxicities. For example, genistein was found to sensitize prostate cancer to radiation in animal studiesand a recent clinical trial suggested that soy isoflavones could prevent radiation-induced bladder and bowel adverse effects and erectile dysfunction"

Prostate cancer + curcumin. Curcumin is the principal curcuminoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae)

Chemopreventive potential of curcumin in prostate cancer
"These results are consistent with this compound’s ability to up-induce pro-apoptotic proteins and to down-regulate the anti-apoptotic counterparts. Alone or in combination with TRAIL-mediated immunotherapy or radiotherapy, curcumin is also reported to be a good inducer of prostate cancer cell death by apoptosis. Curcumin appears thus as a non-toxic alternative for prostate cancer prevention, treatment or co-treatment."

Melanoma + capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide) is one of the major pungent ingredients found in red pepper, which is among the most commonly and frequently used spices in the world

Inhibitory effect of capsaicin on B16-F10 melanoma cell migration via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/Rac1 signal pathway
"The present study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of capsaicin. Furthermore, anti-migration of highly metastatic B16-F10 melanoma cells by capsaicin can be considered an effective approach for the suppression of cancer invasion and metastasis"

Cancer General + Moringa oleifera Lam

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves prevent Cyclophosphamide-induced micronucleus and DNA damage in mice
"Leaves of M. oleifera contain rich amount of antioxidants. It is reported that M.oleifera has 46 antioxidants and 36 anti-inflammatory compounds naturally occurring in it. A possible explanation for the protective effect recorded in the present investigation could be the involvement of its antioxidant and scavenging properties. Antioxidants provide protection by scavenging reactive oxidative species (ROS) that damage DNA and initiate diseases such as cancer. Ethanolic extract of M.olerifera leaves have been reported to contain tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and terpenoids. Antioxidant vitamins, flavonoids, glucosinolates and organo-sulfur compounds have been proven to have antimutagenic or anticarcinogenic potential."

TO SEE LOTS MORE STUDIES ON OLD HOME PAGE PLS CLICK

The Right To Choose CAM
Herbs
Vitamins + Minerals - ANH
CAMUNITED - FaceBook