HERBAL MEDICINE AND CANCER

A SEMINAR PRESENTED

BY

SHOLOTAN, KEHINDE
FPA/ST/13/3-0108

SUBMITTED TO

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND COMPUTER STUDIES

FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ADO-EKITI, EKITI STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD

OF HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA (HND) IN SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
(MICROBIOLOGY OPTION)

DECEMBER, 2015.
ABSTRACT

This seminar reviews herbal medicine as an alternative treatment of cancer. Herbal

medicine refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for

medicinal purposes. Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of

human history, and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. Herbal

medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as cancer, allergies, asthma, eczema,

premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine, menopausal

symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others. The basis of this

review is herbal medicine and cancer. Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal

cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Herbal

medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative therapies

(CAM) by people with cancer. The safety of herbal medicine and some herbs that can help

fight cancer; which include berberis family (Podophyllum peltanum), bloodroot

(Sanguinaria Canadensis), cat’s claw (Uncaria tormentosa), etc.

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INTRODUCTION

Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to

using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes (Steven

and Ehrlich, 2013). Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside conventional medicine. It

is becoming more main stream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with

advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in treating and preventing

diseases (Steven and Ehrlich, 2013).

Plants have been the basis for medical treatments through much of human history,

and such traditional medicine is still widely practiced today. Modern medicine recognizes

herbalism as a form of alternative medicine, as the practice of herbalism is not strictly

based on evidence gathered using the scientific method (Boivin and Schmidt, 2009).

Modern medicine, does, however, make use of many plant-derived compounds as the basis

for evidence-tested pharmaceutical drugs, and phytotherapy works to apply modern

standards of effectiveness testing to herbs and medicines that are derived from natural

sources (Goldman, 2014). The scope of herbal medicine is sometimes extended to include

fungal and bee products, as well as minerals, shells and certain animal parts (O’Connor,

2015).

HISTORY OF HERBAL MEDICINE

Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history (Steven

and Ehrlich, 2013). Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal

uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures (such as African and Native

American) used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical

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systems (such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies

were used (Zhang et al., 2007). Researchers found that people in different parts of the

world tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes history (Steven and

Ehrlich, 2013).

In the early 19th century, when chemical analysis first became available, scientists

began to extract and modify the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began

making their own version of plant compounds and, over time, the use of herbal medicines

declined in favor of drugs. Almost one fourth of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from

botanicals history (Steven and Ehrlich, 2013).

The earliest known Greek herbals were those of Theophrastus of Eresos who in the

4th c. B.C. wrote in Greek Historia Plantarum, of Diocles of Carystus who wrote during

the 3rd century B.C, and of Krateuas who wrote in the 1st century B.C. Only a few

fragments of these works have survived intact, but from what remains scholars have noted

that there is a large amount of overlap with the Egyptian herbals (Robson and Baek, 2009).

Seeds likely used for herbalism have been found in the archaeological sites of

Bronze Age China dating from the Shang Dynasty (Hong, 2004). Over a hundred of the

224 drugs mentioned in the Huangdi Neijing, an early Chinese medical text, are herbs

(Unschuld, 2003). Herbs were also common in the medicine of ancient India, where the

principal treatment for diseases was diet. De Materia Medica, originally written in Greek,

by Pedanius Dioscorides of Anazarbus, Cilicia, a Greek physician, pharmacologist and

botanist, is a particularly important example of such writings. The documentation of herbs

and their uses was a central part of both Western and Eastern medical scholarship through

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to the 1600s, and these works played an important role in the development of the science of

botany (Edgar et al., 2002).

MODERN HERBAL MEDICINE

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the population

of some Asian and African countries presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of

primary health care (Edgar et al., 2002). Pharmaceuticals are prohibitively expensive for

most of the world's population, half of whom lived on less than $2 U.S. per day in 2002. In

comparison, herbal medicines can be grown from seed or gathered from nature for little or

no cost (Edgar et al., 2002).

Many of the pharmaceuticals currently available to physicians have a long history of

use as herbal remedies, including opium, aspirin, digitalis, and quinine. According to the

World Health Organization, approximately 25% of modern drugs used in the United States

have been derived from plants (Braun and Cohen, 2007). At least 7,000 medical

compounds in the modern pharmacopoeia are derived from plants (Fabricant and

Farnsworth, 2001). Among the 120 active compounds currently isolated from the higher

plants and widely used in modern medicine today, 80% show a positive correlation

between their modern therapeutic use and the traditional use of the plants from which they

are derived (Fabricant and Farnsworth, 2001).

WHAT HERBAL MEDICINE IS GOOD FOR

Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as cancer (Damery et al.,

(2011), allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis,

fibromyalgia, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel

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syndrome, among others (Yamada et al., 20070. It is best to take herbal supplements under

the guidance of a trained health care provider. For example, one study found that 90% of

arthritic patients use alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine (Steven and Ehrlich,

2013). Since herbal medicines can potentially interact with prescription medications, and

may worsen certain medical conditions, it is good to consult with a medical doctor or

pharmacist before taking any herbs (Steven and Ehrlich, 2013).

CANCER

Cancer, also known as a malignant tumor or malignant neoplasm, is a group of

diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other

parts of the body (WHO, 2014). There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast

cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms

vary depending on the type (Web, 2015).

Cancer can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions

of cells. Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them.

When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place (NCI,

2015).

When cancer develops, however, this orderly process breaks down. As cells become

more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die, and new

cells form when they are not needed. These extra cells can divide without stopping and

may form growths called tumors (NCI, 2015).

Many cancers form solid tumors, which are masses of tissue. Cancers of the blood,

such as leukemias, generally do not form solid tumors (NCI, 2015).

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 Cancerous tumors are malignant, which means they can spread into, or invade,

nearby tissues. In addition, as these tumors grow, some cancer cells can break off and

travel to distant places in the body through the blood or the lymph system and form new

tumors far from the original tumor (NCI, 2015).

Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors do not spread into, or invade, nearby

tissues. Benign tumors can sometimes be quite large, however. When removed, they

usually don’t grow back, whereas malignant tumors sometimes do. Unlike most benign

tumors elsewhere in the body, benign brain tumors can be life threatening (NCI, 2015).

THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINE IN CANCER TREATMENT

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat many different health

conditions (BHMA, 2015). As with most types of complementary or alternative therapy,

people may use it to help themselves feel better or feel more in control of their situation.

Herbal medicine is often promoted as a natural way to help you relax and cope with

anxiety, depression and other conditions such as hay fever, irritable bowel syndrome,

menstrual (period) problems and skin conditions such as eczema (BHMA, 2015).

Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative

therapies (CAM) by people with cancer. Some studies have shown that as many as 6 out of

every 10 people with cancer (60%) use herbal remedies alongside conventional cancer

treatments (Damery et al., 2011). There are many different types of herbal medicines and

some of them overlap with foods. Commonly used plants include echinacea, St John’s

wort, green tea and ginger (BHMA, 2015).

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 Among cancer patients, users of herbal medicines tend to be female, younger, and

have higher socioeconomic status than non-users (Harris et al, 2003). Disease-related

factors, such as the type of cancer, stage of disease, and disease duration have also been

found to be significant predictors of herbal medicine use (Miller et al, 1998), with women

with breast cancer most likely to use herbal medicines in comparison with the general

population, and compared with those with other cancer types (Morris et al, 2000).

However, studies of breast cancer patients and herbal medicine use constitute the majority

of research literature, and may not be representative of other cancer diagnostic groups

(Molassiotis et al, 2005).

Alongside increased interest in the use of herbal medicines by people with cancer,

there has been a rise in concern about the safety of these treatments (Balneaves et al,

1999). Herbal medicines are often seen as more natural, and therefore safer than

conventional treatments, and it is generally believed that they carry little potential for harm

(Corner et al, 2006; Vickers et al, 2006). However, in some cases, herbal medicines can

present significant risks (Gratus et al, 2009). They may affect adherence with prescribed

treatments, cause harmful interactions with conventional medications, reduce treatment

efficacy, or lead to adverse events (Frye et al, 2004; Catt et al, 2006; Medicines and

Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 2007). A recent systematic review of herbal

medicine use by cancer patients identified 21 case reports of toxic effects and adverse

events in users of herbal medicines (Olaku and White, 2011). As a result of the possibility

of interactions between herbal medicines and conventional treatments, people with cancer

are encouraged to advise health-care professionals if they are taking any type of

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medication, including herbal medicines and other supplements (Cancer Backup, 2010),

although studies suggest that few patients do so (Corner et al, 2006).

RESEARCH INTO HERBAL MEDICINE AND CANCER

There is currently no strong evidence from studies in people that herbal remedies

can treat, prevent or cure cancer. Some randomized clinical trials seem to show that some

Chinese herbs may help people to live longer, reduce side effects, and help to prevent

cancer coming back, especially when combined with conventional treatment (Zhang et al.,

2007).

It is difficult to know how reliable the research is and which herbs may be

helpful. But trials are looking into this. This section has information about the current

evidence for herbal medicine (BHMA, 2015).

Research into preventing cancer

There is no substantial evidence that herbal remedies can prevent cancer. But one

German study reported in 2009 that women who used phyto oestrogens and black cohosh

for menopausal symptoms had a lower risk of cancer than those who did not (Kraft, 2009). 

Research into treating cancer

Some plants or plant extracts have been found in laboratory tests to have anti cancer

effects and have been turned into cancer drugs (such as Taxol from the yew tree).  But there

is no scientific evidence from patient trials that herbal medicine can cure cancer. We need

to run large trials to find out whether some herbal products have anti-cancer properties.

Examples of herbal remedies that people have claimed can help to treat cancer are carctol

and chaparral (BHMA, 2015). 

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RESEARCH INTO HERBAL MEDICINES FOR SPECIFIC CANCERS

Herbal medicines for cancer of the food pipe

A review of trials using Chinese herbal medicines to treat cancer of the food pipe

(oesophagus) reported in 2007 (Zhang et al., 2007). It found no high quality trials and said

that there is currently no reliable evidence that Chinese herbal medicines can help to treat

cancer of the food pipe. The reviewers recommend that large, high quality trials are carried

out (BHMA, 2015). 

Herbal medicines for pancreatic cancer

Chinese herbal medicine has been used to treat pancreatic cancer, especially in

advanced cancer. A review in 2012 looked at 24 trials that used herbal medicines alongside

chemotherapy for people with advanced pancreatic cancer (Wang et al., 2012). The

reviewers found that the herbal medicines seemed to help some people to live longer,

reduce chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects, have a better quality of life, and reduce

symptoms (Wang et al., 2012). The reviewers say though that the benefit is not strong

enough to support the use of herbal medicines in the treatment of pancreatic cancer (Wang

et al., 2012).

Herbal medicines and liver cancer

In 2009 a review looked at 45 studies that used Chinese herbal medicines for a type

of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (Fung et al., 2009). It found that giving

Chinese herbal medicine seemed to slow the growth of cancer and help some people to live

longer. It also seemed to reduce abdominal pain, tiredness (fatigue) and to boost appetite.

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But the studies were poor quality and so it is not really clear how much herbal medicine

can help (BHMA, 2015).

SAFETY OF HERBAL MEDICINES

Many people assume that because a product is marketed as natural or herbal, this

means it’s safe to use. Some herbal medicines are safe but others can have serious and

dangerous side effects (BHMA, 2015).

Some herbal medicines may interact with treatments from your doctor, including

cancer drugs or radiotherapy. A review published by the American Journal of Clinical

Oncology found that some common herbal remedies, such as garlic, ginkgo, echinacea,

ginseng, kava and St John’s wort, can interact with cancer treatments (BHMA, 2015).

Some herbal treatments may affect the way drugs are broken down by your body, or

the way drugs are carried around your body. For example, information published by the US

National Cancer Institute (NCI) suggests that St John’s wort can speed up the time that

your body takes to get rid of the anti cancer treatment, imatinib (Glivec) by 44% (NCI,

2015). This could potentially mean that the treatment is less effective at fighting your

cancer. Some herbal medicines may increase the effect of cancer drugs, meaning that you

could be over treated (BHMA, 2015).

Other examples include Asian ginseng and bilberry – they can interfere with some

drugs and may increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. Some herbs can make your skin

more sensitive to light and you should not take them during a course of radiotherapy. We

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need more research into how herbal treatments interact with cancer treatments (BHMA,

2015).

The Medicines and Healthcare regulatory Agency (MHRA) states that there is a big

variation in how unlicensed traditional Chinese medicines are made. Some have been

found to contain illegal substances and toxic herbs (MHRA, 2007). These substances may

not be listed on the packaging of the product. The amount of the active ingredient can also

vary widely between products (BHMA, 2015).

QUALITY STANDARDS FOR HERBAL PRODUCTS

Companies making herbal products bought over the counter in health food shops and

pharmacies have to meet quality standards. They also need to provide information about

their product, including the exact content and dose of the product and how safe it is. It is

important to use only herbal products that are registered under the Traditional Herbal

Remedies (THR) scheme. Remedies that are registered under the scheme have a THR mark

and symbol on the packaging. THR products have been tested for quality and safety

(BHMA, 2015). 

It is safest to buy plant remedies from a fully qualified herbal practitioner who is

trained to work out which herbal medicines are appropriate for you. They can also trace

where their herbs and plants come from (BHMA, 2015).

HERBS THAT CAN HELP FIGHT CANCER

BERBERIS FAMILY (e.g. Podophyllum peltanum): Slow active purgative. Research has

shown these herbs to have a strong action against cancer and they have been used with

many cancers, especially Ovarian cancer. In Cancer Watch March 2015, the herb was

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shown in research to outperform brain cancer drug, Temozolomide in vitro (Aggarwal et

al., 2008).

BLOODROOT (Sanguinaria canadensis): Research shows consistent anti-neoplastic

activity (Bidinitto et al., 2006). It has been shown to be effective against cancer tumours,

and can shrink them; it is one of the herbs in an anti-cancer poultice called Black Salve;

and has proven useful with sarcomas (Bidinitto et al., 2006).

CAT´S CLAW (Uncaria tormentosa): An adaptogen and powerful immuno-stimulant, it

enhances the white cells cleanup process (phagocytosis) (Das et al, 2004). It is an excellent

companion to astragalus, curcumin and echinacea. Research indicates it can reduce tumour

size, particularly with skin cancers. It also helps reduce the side-effects of chemo and

radiotherapy (Das et al, 2004).

CURCUMIN (Turmeric): This spice (Curcuma longa or Turmeric root) has been shown

to have significant anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity (Kaefer and Milner,

2011). That alone seems enough for certain hospitals in America to consider using it in the

treatment of polyps and colon cancer. However new research shows that it can both shrink

cancer tumours and inhibit blood supply growth to tumours. It is a powerful antioxidant

with liver protective benefits, and outperformed several anti-inflammatory drugs without

side-effects in research (Kaefer and Milner, 2011).

GOLDENSEAL: One cause of stomach cancer can be the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

This burrows into the mucous lining of the stomach to hide from gastric acids, and then

causes irritation, acid reflux, ulcers and even cancer. Goldenseal is generally anti-microbial

13
and is used in the Caribbean and South East Asia against parasites. Goldenseal, helped by

the mineral Bismuth, will kill Helicobacter pylori.

RED CLOVER: Research from a number of cancer centres including the Royal Marsden

has shown its potential as a part of a treatment programme against oestrogen-driven

cancers, from breast to prostate. One active ingredient in the so-called Herb of Hippocrates

is the anti-oestrogen Genistein, which Professor Powles formerly of the Royal Marsden

dubbed ´the anti-oestrogen´ (MHRA, 2015).

WHEATGRASS: One of the top private hospitals in South East Asia extols the benefits of

freshly juiced wheatgrass. One shot gives you the chlorophyll of some 12 or more

kilograms of broccoli (MHRA, 2015). It acts as a blood purifier, and liver and kidney

cleansing agent. In research, after two weeks of daily use, blood and tissue oxygen levels

improve, as does circulation (Wang et al., 2012). 

WORMWOOD: Another Chinese Herb, this has outperformed certain anti-malaria drugs

and is now used by the aid agencies (Wang et al., 2012). It is strongly anti-microbial and

anti-yeast and can be used as an effective part of an anti-candida diet. Also certain cancer

treatments cause excesses of yeasts to form (for example, in Leukaemia treatment)

threatening the patients health further (Zhang et al., 2007). Excess yeasts are even felt by

some cancer experts to be one of the causes of cancer. However, in recent research

Wormwood has been shown to have direct anti-cancer properties (Kraft, 2009).

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Conclusion and Recommendation

It is likely that a substantial number of people with cancer are taking herbal

medicines at any one time. With such a high number of potential users and the potential for

adverse effects, including adverse drug interactions, a robust evidence base for

understanding all aspects of herbal medicine use by those with cancer is required. An

understanding of the self-medication behaviours of these individuals is essential if health-

care professionals are to support treatment adherence and avoid unwanted pharmacological

interactions and compromised treatment efficacy. Health professionals need to be aware of

which herbal medicines are being taken by their patients. The provision of relevant

educational resources for both patients and health professionals is required.

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