This African shrub shows remarkable anticancer potential Posted: 25 Feb 2019 05:58 AM PST Cancer is a disease that strikes fear in a person’s heart, and for good reason. In 2018, the աօʀʟd ɦɛaʟtɦ օʀɢaռiʐatɨօռ attributed more than 9.6 million deaths to this disease, making it the second leading cause of mortality in the world. While conventional treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy exist, these tend to do more harm than good. Undergoing these treatments can lead to adverse side effects like bleeding, poor memory, higher risk of infections, pain, hair loss, sleep problems, and infertility — a consequence that comes from the inability of therapies used to differentiate between cancerous cells and healthy ones. This — combined with the increasing number of people with cancer — shows that there is an urgent need for alternative cancer remedies. This could come in the form of medicinal plants, which have long been used in the treatment of various diseases. A study by researchers from the University of Pretoria in South Africa showed that lavender croton (Croton gratissimus) has potential use as a natural remedy for cancer. Lavender croton belongs to the Croton genus of plants, which are found in different parts of the world. Other members of this genus include forest fever-berry (Croton sylvaticus) and small lavender croton (Croton pseudopulchellus). Different Croton species are widely used in traditional medicine as natural remedies for cancer, constipation, diabetes, digestive problems, dysentery, external wounds, parasitic infections, and diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. The power of the elements: Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors or alcohol. Learn more at the Health Ranger Storeand help support this news site. In this study, which was published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the researchers evaluated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of forest fever-berry, small lavender croton, and lavender croton. These are important properties for potential cancer treatments since oxidative stress has been associated with chronic inflammation, which in turn leads to chronic diseases like cancer. The researchers also determined if the plants exhibited selective cytotoxicity by testing them against four cancer cell lines (A549, Caco-2, HeLa, and MCF-7) and non-cancerous African green monkey kidney cells. The results of these in vitro experiments revealed that lavender croton has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, this Croton species exhibited selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells. This was unlike forest fever-berry and small lavender croton, which worked against both healthy and cancerous cells. From these results, the researchers concluded that lavender croton has potential use as a natural remedy for cancer. This is because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as its selective cytotoxicity. With further studies, it can be used as a safer alternative for conventional cancer therapies that also act against healthy cells. (Related: Chemotherapy revealed as toxic poison for every living cell in the human body: Mitochondrial dysfunction warning from researchers.) Natural remedies for cancer There are many natural cancer remedies to consider before choosing to undergo harmful conventional therapies. Some examples of these include the following:
- Astragalus — Recent studies have shown that this herb, which is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has promising results against cancer and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is believed to work by boosting the immune system and helping it identify rogue cells.
- Turmeric — Turmeric contains a compound called curcuмin that’s known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. However, studies have shown that it also has the ability to shrink tumors and prevent their growth.
- Feverfew — A study from the University of Rochester in New York revealed that feverfew has the ability to kill leukemia cells. In fact, it was shown to be more effective than the anticancer drug cytarabine.
- Cat’s claw — Taking this adaptogenic herb can help reduce tumor size, especially in people with skin cancer. To get the most out of cat’s claw, try taking it alongside astragalus and turmeric.
[size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}] If you’d like to read more news articles on natural remedies for cancer, visit Cancer.news. Sources include: Science.news BMCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com WHO.int Cancer.gov CancerActive.com Originally posted: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-02-24-this-african-shrub-shows-great-anticancer-potential.html Author: Ellaine Castillo The post This African shrub shows remarkable anticancer potential appeared first on Dr. Leonard Coldwell.com. [/font][/size] |
First ever study looks at the potential of eugenol (found in honey) for treating triple negative breast cancer Posted: 25 Feb 2019 05:53 AM PST Breast cancer is becoming more and more prevalent not just in women but also in men. This is a major health concern because of the high mortality risk associated with this disease. Although there are conventional treatments for breast cancer, these are often ineffective and are associated with adverse side effects. Because of this, scientists continue to explore natural agents that work against breast cancer without causing complications. In a study by King Saud University and Cairo University, they found that eugenol has potential use as a natural remedy against triple negative breast cancer. There are different types of breast cancer based on biological characteristics or gene expression patterns. One of these is triple negative breast cancer, which is characterized by the lack of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2). Compared to other types of breast cancer, it often results in poorer outcomes. Additionally, the absence of commonly targeted receptors in triple negative breast cancer cells makes it more difficult to treat. Most mortality cases in breast cancer patients can be attributed to the metastasis of cancerous cells. This is possible with the help of molecules like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which induce changes in the microenvironment. MMPs play different roles in different cancer stages. Many breast cancer patients have elevated levels of MMP2 and MMP9. These molecules are involved in the formation of new blood vessels in tumors. Moreover, these are associated with shorter periods of relapse-free survival. Eugenol is a phenolic compound found in honey and the essential oils of aromatic spices like cloves and cinnamon. Previous studies have shown that it has potent antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It also works against colon, liver, prostate, and breast cancer by inhibiting cell growth, triggering cell death, and preventing the formation of new blood vessels. However, there are no prior reports of eugenol’s effects on triple negative breast cancer cells. In this study, which was published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, the researchers evaluated the in vitro effects of eugenol on the growth, metastasis, and apoptosis or programmed cell death of triple-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). They also tested it against HER-2-positive breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer characterized by high levels of HER-2. To determine the effects of eugenol on metastasis, the team evaluated the expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9, as well as an MMP inhibitor. Meanwhile, the degree of apoptosis was based on the expression of caspases, which are genes involved in apoptosis. The results of the study showed that eugenol inhibited the proliferation of triple negative and HER-2-positive breast cancer cells by up to 76.4 and 68.1 percent, respectively. The eugenol-treated cells also exhibited significant reductions in MMP2 and MMP9 while their expression of pro-apoptotic genes increased. Overall, the results of this study suggest that eugenol has potential as a natural remedy for triple negative breast cancer, as well as HER-2-positive breast cancer. This is based on the potent anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties that it exhibited in vitro. Other natural remedies against triple negative breast cancer The following bioactive compounds also have beneficial effects against triple negative breast cancer:
- Vitamin D — Triple negative breast cancer is often associated with mutations in the breast cancer gene (BRCA1), which stimulates rapid tumor growth. Fortunately, the pathway involved in this action can be inhibited by vitamin D. You can get this nutrient by getting some sun exposure or increasing your intake of fatty fish, egg yolks, and mushrooms.
- Indole-3-carbinol — A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) showed that indole-3-carbinol inhibits an enzyme that’s crucial for the rapid growth of breast cancer cells. To get more of this nutrient, increase your intake of broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables.
- Curcuмin — Curcuмin, which is the active compound in turmeric, is known for its extensive effects against different cancer processes in different forms of cancers. (Related: Curcuмin targets aggressive and lethal forms of cancer while leaving noncancerous cells unharmed.)
[size={defaultattr}][font={defaultattr}] If you’d like to read more news articles on natural remedies for cancer, visit Anticancer.news. Sources include: Science.news BMCComplementAlternMed.BioMedCentral.com CancerActive.com Originally posted: https://www.naturalnews.com/2019-02-24-potential-of-eugenol-for-treating-triple-negative-breast-cancer.html Author: Ellaine Castillo The post First ever study looks at the potential of eugenol (found in honey) for treating triple negative breast cancer appeared first on Dr. Leonard Coldwell.com. [/font][/size] |