Herbs That Help With Liver Cancer
Liver cancer occurs when cells in the liver mutate and begin to form tumorous growths that can lead to liver failure and even death. Many traditional cultures have used natural substances such as herbs to treat liver conditions and scientists are now studying these compounds for potential therapeutic agents that can help patients suffering from liver cancer. Bupleurum, turkey tail mushrooms, and reishi mushrooms all have been used as powerful liver medicines for ages in China, and recent studies cited here have revealed that they are indeed powerful allies in the fight against liver cancer.
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Function
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According to the Mayo Clinic, the exact causes of liver cancer are still mostly unknown. However, many common toxic substances such as alcohol and pollution are known to damage the liver and the rate of liver cancer in people with damaged livers or hepatitis is much higher than average. Most of the herbs that have been found to be active against liver cancer also exhibit liver-protecting qualities and can be used to keep you liver in optimal shape as well as help deal with a disease like liver cancer.
Turkey Tail
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The turkey tail is a common mushroom that grows throughout the northern temperate regions of the world and has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. An August 2007 study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology tested a turkey tail extract on liver cancer cells in vitro. The researchers found that the turkey tail extract was able to inhibit the proliferation of the liver cancer cells selectively and depending on the strength of the extract.
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Bupleurum
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In TCM, the herb bupleurum is one of the most commonly used herbs for a wide variety of liver complaints. In a February 2003 study conducted at the University of Hong Kong, researchers tested an extract of bupleurum on the production of cytokines, which are an important part of the immune system and suppress inflammation and tumor growth. They found that bupleurum extract significantly induced production of cytokines and suggested that it is a potential treatment for hepatitis and cancer.
Reishi
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The reishi mushroom has a reputation throughout Asia as being one of the premier immunity-boosting and life-extending herbal medicines. In an April 2003 study published in the journal Life Sciences, researchers in Taiwan tested an extract of the reishi mushroom on human liver cancer cells. They found that the reishi extract was able to suppress the growth of cancer cells in the liver by deactivating a protein that is responsible for cancerous cell growth.
Potential
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In all three of the studies cited above, herbs that were used traditionally in Chinese medicine were found to have profound effects on liver cancer and hold much potential for helping those who suffer from this disease. Since there are a great number of other herbs that have been used by various cultures around the world to treat liver conditions, the chances for more herbs that can help with liver cancer still to be discovered is strong.
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