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FILE: §Chemoprevention - Phytotherapy §Cancer Treatment

HC 040132-241

Date: September 30, 2003

RE: Phytotherapy's Role in Cancer Prevention & Treatment

McLeod D. Cancer prevention & treatment – the role of phytotherapy. British Journal of Phytotherapy 2001;5(4):199-208.

In this article, based on a talk at a College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy Seminar in October, 2000, the author challenges the conventional wisdom that "it is absolutely imperative (to) eradicate every last [cancer] cell." Acknowledging that surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the most effective cancer treatments, he says that many individuals can live with cancer if they are otherwise healthy and advocates a regimen of complementary care to ameliorate symptoms and strengthen natural defenses. He adds that prevention is where natural therapists may do their "best work," in discouraging unhealthy lifestyles. Most of this paper discusses herbs to support the cancer patient; however, in his practice, the author also employs nutritional and dietary advice, supplements, and guidance on support groups, stress reduction, and meditation.

Beginning with diagnosis, many patients feel "diminished personal power in the outcome of the disease process." Some studies suggest that a cancer diagnosis can cause enough stress to compromise the immune system and affect a prognosis. McLeod favors telling patients that disease is an expression of physiological imbalance and that health depends on restoring balance.

Weight loss, poor appetite, and poor digestion often accompany cancer and conventional treatment. Nutritional support with digestive enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and calories is needed. The author emphasizes a diet high in fruit, vegetables, and juices, with little or no animal protein except for fish, and reduced refined carbohydrates and sugars in order to deprive anaerobic cancer cells of fuel. A patient's bowel function, pulse, and tongue provide clues to overall health, and should be closely monitored. Acute conditions, such as colds or flu, should be treatment priorities. Exercise and fresh air are vital.

Herbs used to improve resistance and vitality include Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng), eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), and withania (aka ashwaghandha; Withania somnifera). For better immune function, McLeod prescribes echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or E. purpurea), astragalus, withania, eleuthero, sheep's sorrel (Rumex acetosella, in Essiac formula), cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), pau d'arco (from the inner bark of Tabebuia impetiginosa), aloe (Aloe vera; A. barbadensis), and shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) mushrooms.

When solid tumors are present, he recommends blood and lymphatic clearing with Chinese salvia (aka dan shen; Salvia miltiorrhiza), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), poke (Phytolacca americana syn. P. decandra), and marigold (Calendula officinalis). Detoxification may be beneficial early in the illness, when the patient is still fairly vital. For this, Taraxacum officinale, yellow dock (Rumex crispus), figwort (Scrophularia nodosa), poke, blue flag (Iris versicolor), chaparral (Larrea tridentata; aka L. divaricata; L. mexicana), burdock (Arctium lappa), sweet violet (Viola odorata), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and the Essiac formula may be useful.

The association between chronic inflammation and cancer has been widely studied. McLeod discusses the work of Ray Kearney, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, who has found significant elevation of corticosteroids when food intake is limited to a 6 to 8 hour period daily in both animal and human studies. Mice whose access to food is thus limited show significant inhibition of tumorogenesis. Fasting can raise production of glucocorticoids, and McLeod recommends it in early cancer stages. With corticosteroid dependency and low adrenal function, he prescribes licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which also potentiates Asian ginseng's effects on steroid metabolism. Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) stimulates the adrenals and inhibits breakdown of cortisone products, while bupleurum (Bupleurum spp.), a leading Chinese herb for liver disharmony, increases cortisol. Asian ginseng and eleuthero both have anti-inflammatory effects. McLeod also recommends ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba).

Antioxidants may help prevent metastasis. While there is some concern that using them during radiation therapy may reduce its efficacy, McLeod believes that they do not pose a problem at levels commonly used. He recommends grape seed extract (from Vitis spp.) for the circulatory benefits of its oligomeric content. To counter concerns that circulatory stimulants may promote metastasis, he suggests adding anti-platelet herbs such as Plectranthus spp. (aka Coleus spp.), ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and garlic (Allium sativum); stimulating macrophage activity with coumarin, found in herbs such as yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis); and using angiogenesis inhibitors, which may include genistein, found in soy (Glycine max) and in various herbs. Turmeric also has anti-carcinogenic effects. Other recommended antioxidant herbs include hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna syn. C. oxyacantha), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), dan shen, schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), chaparral, ginkgo, astragalus, and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis).

In cancer patients, the liver is often challenged. After a basic discussion of liver function (see HC 061726.216 for more on this topic), he recommends schisandra, turmeric, milk thistle, rosemary, sage (Saliva officinalis), and garlic; broccoli (Brassica oleracea v. italica); citrus fruit oils (from Citrus spp.); and myristicin, an essential oil from parsley leaf (Umbelliferae spp.).

To increase resistance to stress, anxiety, and depression, which may promote cancer and are natural reactions to a cancer diagnosis, he recommends St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), withania, valerian (Valeriana officinalis; V. edulis), lavender (Lavandula spp.), and kava (Piper methysticum).

Depending on the tumor site or body systems affected, herbs may provide specific organ support. These include goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) for mucous membranes; saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) for prostate; Rehmannia for kidneys and adrenals; angelica (Angelica archangelica) for lungs; bacopa (a.k.a. brahmi, Bacopa monnieri) for the brain; ginkgo for the circulatory system; phytolacca for breasts; and gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre), as well as bitters (see HC 070514.213), for the pancreas. For symptomatic relief, McLeod recommends Corydalis spp., cramp bark (Viburnum opulus), and valerian for pain; ginger, chamomile (Matricaria recutita), and mint (Mentha spp.) for nausea; cascara sagrada (Frangula purshiana) and senna (Cassia spp.) for constipation; and elm (Ulmus spp.), agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria), cranesbill (Geranium maculatum), and oak (Quercus spp.) for diarrhea.

The article includes the case history of a patient with glioblastoma multiform, a brain tumor, who had both conventional therapy, and complementary therapy with McLeod. Specific regimens, with dosages shown, were used at various stages. One herb used in this case which is not otherwise discussed is frankincense (Boswellia spp.) for edema. Given a survival expectancy of 9 – 11 months by the primary cancer specialist, two and a half years after diagnosis the patient had clear MRI tests and "appears in excellent health."

— Mariann Garner-Wizard

Enclosure: Referenced article reprinted with permission from the British Journal of Phytotherapy.

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