Herbal Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Herbal medicines have a vital role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. A great deal of pharmaceutical research done in technologically advanced countries like USA, Germany, France, Japan and China has considerably improved quality of the herbal medicines used in the treatment of cancer. With advanced knowledge of molecular science and refinement in isolation & structure elucidation techniques, we are in a much better position to identify various anticancer herbs and develop the remedy that might cure cancer. The therapeutic effect of anticancer herbs is executed by inhibiting cancer-activating enzymes, stimulating DNA repair mechanism, promoting production of protective enzymes, inducing antioxidant action and by enhancing activity of the immune cells. Some herbs protect the body from cancer by enhancing detoxification functions of the body. Certain biological response modifiers derived from herbs are known to inhibit growth of cancer by modulating the activity of specific hormones and enzymes. Some herbs reduce toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Scientists all over the world are concentrating on the herbal medicines to boost immune cells of the body against cancer. By understanding the complex synergistic interaction of various constituents of anticancer herbs, the herbal formulations can be designed to attack the cancerous cells without harming normal cells of the body.

Catharanthus roseus or Vinca rosea (Periwinkle) contains vinca alkaloids, which were the first phytoconstituents ever used to treat cancer. Intense work on Catharanthus roseus, a folklore hypoglycaemic drug, led to isolation of more than 70 dimeric indole alkaloids, which include vinblastine, vincristine (leurocrystine), alstonine, ajmalicine and reserpine. Vinca alkaloids execute anticancer effect by binding to the tubulin (microtubule protein) thereby breaking down the microtubules, thus inhibiting formation of mitotic spindle in the metaphase that arrests division of the cancerous cells. Although structurally closely related, vinblastine and vincristine have significant difference in their clinical utility. Vinblastine is used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and cancers of the kidney & the testis. Vincristine is usually given in combination with other anticancer agents to treat acute lymphocytic leukaemia, Wilm’s tumour, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing’s sarcoma, lymphoma and cancers of the breast, lung, bladder & the cervix.

Podophyllum peltatum (American May Apple) and Podophyllum hexandrum (Himalayan May Apple) contain podophyllin, which has similar therapeutic action on the dividing cancerous cells as that of the vinca alkaloids. Podophyllin arrests multiplication of cancerous cells by breaking down the microtubules into smaller subunits, thus inhibiting the cell division. Podophyllotoxin, an active principle of podophyllin, is used in the treatment of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia, bronchogenic carcinoma and cancers of the ovary & the testis.

Taxus brevifolia (Pacific Yew Tree), Taxus yunnanensis (Yunnan Yew Tree), Taxus baccata (European Yew Tree) and Taxus wallichiana (Himalayan Yew Tree) contain taxanes, which include paclitaxel (Taxol) and docetaxel (Taxotere). Taxanes have a different mode of action on the cancerous cells than that of the podophyllin and the vinca alkaloids. Taxanes arrest multiplication of cancerous cells by cross-linking the microtubules, whereas vinca alkaloids and podophyllin act by breaking down the cytoskeletal organelle (microtubule) into smaller subunits. Taxanes are used to treat leukaemia and cancers of the breast, ovary, colon & the lung. Taxol was first isolated from bark of Taxus baccata by Indian born scientist, Mansukh Wani, and his colleague Monroe Wall in 1992. Three mature Yew trees (60-100 years old) were consumed to extract one gram of Taxol. Later, in 1994, Taxol was synthesised successfully by two teams of American scientists, one headed by K. C. Nicalaou at the Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California and the other led by Robert Holton of Florida State University.

Allium sativum (Garlic) has been used for thousand of years to treat various diseases. The earliest use of Allium sativum as a medicine has been recorded in ancient Egypt, Greece, India, China, Rome, Russia and Europe. Hippocrates was the first to recommend its use for cancer. Allium sativum contains more than 100 biologically useful secondary metabolites, which include alliin, alliinase, allicin, S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), diallyldisulphide (DADS), diallyltrisulphide (DATS) and methylallyltrisuphide. Garlic oil contains an amino acid known as alliin, which is converted to allicin when its bulbs are crushed. Allicin is a precursor to several sulphur-containing compounds that are responsible for the flavour, odour and pharmacological properties of Allium sativum. Recent studies revealed presence of bioflavonoids quercetin and cyanidin, which are responsible for antioxidant properties of garlic. Ajoene, a sulphur-containing compound, found in garlic oil, inhibits mutagenesis. Garlic oil prevents prostaglandin-dependent cancers by inhibiting lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase enzymes. Garlic contains a rich content of selenium, which is a cellular antioxidant. Diallyltrisulphide, diallyldisulphide and S-allyl-cysteine, found in Allium sativum, have anticarcinogenic properties. Diallyltrisulphide prevents metastases in the lung cancer. Garlic has shown significant therapeutic effect in cancers of the stomach and the intestines. The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences has reported inverse relationship between garlic consumption and incidence of the stomach cancer. Allium sativum inhibits genesis as well as growth of cancer by enhancing activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) and the macrophages. Studies have revealed that Allium sativum increases count of the suppressor T cells and makes the lymphocytes more cytotoxic to cancerous cells. Allium sativum also inhibits metastases by preventing adhesion of the circulating cancerous cells to the blood vessels. A Japanese garlic expert, Wakunaga, worked with a German researcher in the Virgin Woodlands of Hokkaido, Japan and prepared a product called “Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract” in 1954 by using 20-month Cold Ageing Process. This ageing process removes toxic compounds and offensive odour of garlic as well as strengthens its therapeutic properties. The Aged Garlic Extract protects DNA from the damaging effect of carcinogens, increases activity of detoxifying enzymes, speeds up excretion of chemical carcinogens and enhances immunity of the body. The Aged Garlic Extract is found to inhibit growth of many cancers including those of the breast, bladder, skin, colon, oesophagus, stomach and the lung. The research done at National Medical Centre and Hospital in Japan has revealed that the Aged Garlic Extract reduces side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Japanese Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Company is still contributing US$ 10 million annually for further research on garlic.

Essiac is a herbal formula that was originally known to an American tribe as Lasagen. It was renamed Essiac in 1920 by a Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse. Essiac enhances activity of the immune cells and reduces toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recent studies have revealed that all the major components of Essiac including Arctium lappa, Rheum officinale, Rumex acetosella and Ulmus rubra have significant anticancer activity. Rheum officinale contains emodin that inhibits growth of cancer. Arctium lappa contains potent anticancer factors that prevent mutations in the oncogenes. Essiac has been used in the treatment of malignant melanoma, lymphoma and cancers of the pancreas, breast, ovary, oesophagus, bladder, bile duct & the bone. A study conducted on 30 terminal cases of cancer by Dr. John Wolfer, Director of Cancer Clinic at North-western University Medical School has revealed that Essiac reduces the size of tumour, relieves the pain and prolongs the survival period. Another study conducted at Brusch Medical Centre in Massachusetts has confirmed the anticancer effect of Essiac.

Hoxsey herbal formula was discovered incidentally in 1840s by Elder Hoxsey, when one of his horses suffering from cancer on the leg, got cured after grazing certain herbs. He made a note of these herbs. Later, his grandson Harry Hoxsey tried these herbs on the human cancer. Hoxsey herbal formula contains Arctium lappa, Berberis vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Larrea tridentata, Picramnia antidesma, Rhamnus purshianus, Stillingia sylvatica, Trifolium pratense and Xanthoxylum americanum. Recent studies have revealed that all the ingredients of Hoxsey formula possess definite biological activity against cancer. Hoxsey herbal formula has been used to treat malignant melanoma, lymphoma and cancer of the skin. A five-year study conducted on 16 terminal cases of cancer has shown disease free survival in 6 patients after administration of Hoxsey formula. Another study conducted at the Bio-Medical Centre in Tijuana, Mexico on the advanced cases of malignant melanoma, metastatic prostate cancer and metastatic ovarian cancer has shown prolonged survival period and better quality of life after administration of Hoxsey herbal formula.

Iscaddor is a fermented extract of Viscum album (Mistletoe) that was discovered by the Austrian scientist, Rudolf Steiner and has been used in the treatment of cancer by European physicians since 1920s. Clinical studies done on more than 5000 cancer patients have revealed that Iscaddor arrests the growth of cancer. A study conducted on advanced cases of the breast cancer has revealed that the use of Iscaddor has considerably increased the life span and improved the quality of life. Iscaddor is also found to prevent malignant transformation of the bladder papilloma. In a study conducted on the patients of cervical cancer, who were given Iscaddor along with radiotherapy have shown 83 per cent survival rate after 5 years as compared to 69 per cent survival rate in those patients, who were given radiotherapy alone. Another study conducted on the bronchogenic carcinoma patients has recorded four year survival period in 75 per cent cases after administration of Iscaddor. Similarly, the patients of skin cancer, who were given Iscaddor, have shown three year survival period in 80 per cent cases. Iscaddor has been found to increase life span in the patients suffering from cancers of the stomach and the colon. A recent study conducted by Dr. Richard Wagner of Germany on 26 patients of the ovarian cancer (stage III), has shown full remission in 3 patients and partial remission in 8 patients while growth of the cancer was arrested in remaining 15 patients after administration of Iscaddor.

Larix is a highly concentrated polysaccharide derived from Larix occidentalis. It was first identified and developed by Dr. Peter D’Adamo in 1992. Larix enhances cytotoxicity of the natural killer cells (NK cells). It stimulates immune cells of the body leading to production of various immune enhancing factors, known as cytokines, which include interferon, interleukin, tumour necrosis factors and colony stimulating factors. Larix prolongs survival period in cancer patients and prevents metastases in the liver. Larix is usually recommended along with modified citrus pectin, because both of these polysaccharides prevent adhesion of cancerous cells to the liver tissue.

Gyrophora esculenta (Maitake) is a mushroom that inhibits growth of cancer by enhancing activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells). A study done by Dr. Hiroaki Nanba, Department of Immunology at Kobe Women’s College of Pharmacy, Japan has shown that Maitake inhibits carcinogenesis and metastases. Another study conducted at the National Cancer Research Centre in Japan revealed that the extracts of Gyrophora esculenta (Maitake), Lentinus edodes (Shiitake) and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) have completely eliminated tumours in 80 per cent cases.

Bioflavonoids (flavonoids) are the water-soluble pigments, found in vegetables and fruits. These were known as “Vitamin P” till 1950. The list of bioflavonoids includes citrin, hesperidin, rutin, quercitin, epicatechin, flavones, flavonols, proanthocyanins and anthocyanins. Most of the bioflavonoids possess antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids enhance therapeutic effect of vitamin C by increasing its absorption in the liver, kidneys and the adrenal glands. Anthocyanins found in citrus fruit and grape seed are known to inhibit growth of cancer by scavenging free radicals. Quercetin is known to inhibit growth of the stomach cancer.

Pau D’ Arco has been extracted from the bark of South American tree, Tabebuia impetiginosa. The major active ingredient of Pau D’ Arco is lapachol that possesses strong biological activity against cancer. In a clinical study, pure lapachol was given in 250 mg daily doses to the patients suffering from cancers of the liver, kidney, breast, prostate and the cervix. The regression in size of tumours was observed in all the cases, whereas complete remission was noticed in 30 per cent cases. Another study has shown 80 per cent increase in survival period of the leukaemic patients after administration of lapachol.

Bromelain is a mixture of proteases and some other enzymes. It is isolated from the stem and fruit of Ananas comosus (Pineapple). Bromelain stimulates defence mechanism of the body against cancer by enhancing cytotoxic activity of the monocytes and the macrophages, thus inhibiting growth of cancer. It is used in the treatment of leukaemia. Rectal administration of Bromelain is preferred, however it can be given orally.

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) contains curcumin, which inhibits the growth of cancer by preventing production of harmful eicosanoid such as PGE-2. The anticancer effect of curcumin has been demonstrated in all the steps of cancer development, i.e. initiation, promotion and progression of cancer. Data obtained from several studies suggest that curcumin inhibits the genesis of cancer as well as promotes the regression of cancer. Curcumin suppresses mutagenic effect of various mutagens including cigarette smoke condensates, 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene (DMBA) and benzopyrene. Curcumin is found to decrease levels of urinary mutagens. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The protective effects of Curcuma longa and its derivatives are partially due to direct antioxidant effect. Studies have revealed that Curcuma longa inhibits production of nitrosamine that enhances natural antioxidant functions of the body. Curcuma longa increases levels of glutathione and other non-protein sulfhydryls. It acts directly on several enzymes. Curcumin is used to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and the ulcerating oral cancer. Curcuma longa also prevents malignant transformation of leukoplakia.

Camellia sinensis (Green tea) contains epigallocatechin gallate, which protects against cancer by preventing covalent bonding of carcinogens to the DNA. It also inhibits growth of cancer by eliminating free radicals from the body. Gallates found in green tea protect the body from damaging effects of radiation. A regular use of green tea protects the body against many cancers including those of the liver, oesophagus, stomach, intestine and the lung. Studies have shown that there is lower incidence of stomach cancer in habitual tea drinkers as compared to those, who do not drink tea. It has been observed that daily consumption of 5 grams of green tea inhibits synthesis of nitrosamine (a major carcinogen) in the body.

Betula utilis (White-barked Birch Tree) contains betulin that can be easily converted into betulinic acid. Studies have revealed that betulinic acid inhibits growth of malignant melanoma and cancers of the liver and the lung.

Aloe vera contains aloe-emodin, which activates the macrophages to fight cancer. Aloe vera also contains acemannan, which enhances activity of the immune cells against cancer. Aloe vera is found to inhibit metastases.

Silybum marianum (Milk thistle) protects the body against liver cancer by accelerating regeneration of the liver cells. Bioflavonoids found in Silybum marianum such as silymarin and silybin are known to protect the liver tissue. Silybum marianum also contains antioxidant compounds

Echinacea angustifolia contains arabinogalactan, which protects the body from cancer by activating the macrophages. Echinacea angustifolia is used to treat metastatic carcinoma of the oesophagus and the colon.

Uncaria tomentosa (Cat’s claw) is a rain forest climber that has been traditionally used in Peru to treat tumours. Uncaria tomentosa contains many antioxidant compounds including polyphenols, triterpines, campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol. Cat’s claw is used to treat the brain tumours.

Chlorella pyrenoidosa contains a very effective detoxifying agent, known as lysine. Chlorella pyrenoidosa also contains high content of albumin that neutralises free radicals. Chlorella pyrenoidosa protects the body from cancer.

Laminaria japonica (Kombu) possesses a strong anticancer activity and inhibits the growth of cancer. Studies have shown that a regular use of Laminaria japonica reduces risk of the breast cancer considerably.

Green drinks (Super vitamins) contain a combination of various herbs including Hordeum vulgare, Medicago sativa and Spirulina along with nutrients. Studies have shown that Green drinks enhance activity of the immune cells against cancer. Green drinks also possess direct anticancer activity.

Withania somnifera contains withanolides, which possess immuno- modulatory activity. Withaferin A & withanolide D found in Withania somnifera are known to inhibit growth of cancer. Studies have revealed that Withania somnifera enhances the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy.

Annona species contain acetogenins, which possess significant cytotoxic activity against leukaemia and sarcoma. Acetogenins are found to be effective in the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Hydrocotyl asiatica protects from cancer by enhancing immune functions of the body. Hydrocotyl asiatica extract has shown strong anticancer activity. In Brazil, Hydrocotyl asiatica is used to treat the uterine cancer.

Gossypium barbadense contains gossypol. Recent studies have revealed that gossypol possesses selective toxicity towards cancerous cells.

Mentha species contain phenolic antioxidants that prevent recurrence of cancer.

Lavandula angustifolia contains perillyl alcohol, which arrests growth of tumour by inhibiting p21 ras oncogene.

Combretum caffrum (African Willow Tree) contains combretastatin, which has been isolated recently. Combretastatin executes its therapeutic action against cancer by inhibiting blood supply to the tumour.

Camptothecin is a pyridoindole (quinoline) alkaloid, which is isolated from seeds of Camptotheca acuminata and Mappia foetida. Camptothecin is a well-known anticancer agent. Derivatives of camptothecin such as 18-OH-camptothecin, 11-OH-camptothecin and 10-OH-camptothecin have been found to possess a strong antileukaemic activity.

Ellipticine and 9-methoxy ellipticine are pyridocarbazole (monomeric indole) alkaloids that have been isolated from Ochrosia elliptica. These act as potent anticancer agents. Ellipticine and its derivatives are used to treat cancers of the breast and the kidney. Lipophilic derivatives of ellipticine act by binding to the DNA.

Homoharringtonine, a cephalotaxine alkaloid, derived from Cephalotaxus species and indicine N-oxide, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, derived from Heliotropium indicum, are the two other herbal alkaloids, which are likely to be used in the treatment of cancer.

Other important anticancer herbs include Benincasa hispida, Brassica oleracea, Calendula officinalis, Dirca occidentalis, Feddiea fischeri, Larrea divaricata, Larrea tridentata, Morus alba, Ostodes paniculata, Passerina vulgaris, Piper futokadsura, Soulamea soulameoides, Thymus serpyllum, Trichosanthes kirilowii and Urtica dioica.

Magic Bullet

The battle against cancer can be won if we succeed in designing a drug that may act like a ballistic missile with target at the cancerous cells. Scientists are coming closer to develop such a drug that could differentiate the cancerous cells in the body. For example, the herb Ricinus communis (Castor) contains a cytotoxic alkaloid, the toxic molecule of which is made up of two parts. The first part gets attached to a cell and the second part kills the cell. Researchers are trying to prepare the magic bullet by attaching the second part of this toxic molecule to monoclonal antibodies, which could deliver the toxic molecule to the cancerous cells, thus killing them selectively without harming the normal cells.

Chinese Medicine in Cancer Treatment

Panax ginseng (Ren Shen/Ginseng) is a forest herb that has been used by the Chinese medical practitioners for more than 2000 years. It inhibits growth of cancer by interfering with the DNA synthesis. Panax ginseng contains several active constituents, which include saponins, essential oils, phytosterols, amino acids, peptides, vitamins and minerals. Saponins enhance activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells), stimulate the macrophages and promote production of the antibodies. According to a report published in the Free Radical Biology and Medicine, the anticancer effect of Panax ginseng is mainly due to its ability to protect the body against free radicals. Studies have shown that Panax ginseng decreases incidence of the liver cancer by 75 per cent. Panax ginseng is used by the Chinese doctors to treat cancers of the ovary and the stomach. Two Korean researchers, T.K. Yun and S.Y. Choi, have reported that the incidence of cancer decreases significantly after administration of Panax ginseng. Studies have revealed that Panax ginseng regenerates the natural killer cells (NK cells), which are damaged by chemotherapy and radiotherapy

Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) is used by the Chinese doctors to treat advanced cases of the liver cancer. Swainsonine, a derivative of Astragalus membranaceus, is known to prevent metastases. A study conducted at the Peking Cancer Institute has recorded much higher survival rate in the patients of advanced stage liver cancer after administration of Astragalus membranaceus along with conventional treatment as compared to those patients, who were given the conventional treatment alone. Astragalus membranaceus protects the liver from toxic effects of chemotherapy. Astragalus membranaceus is often used in combination with Panax ginseng. According to a research done in Japan, the Ginseng-Astragalus combination (GAC) has a regulatory effect on the natural killer cells (NK cells). Studies have also shown that GAC protects the body from toxic side effects of chemotherapy and enhances activity of the immune cells. GAC is found to regulate secretion of the stress hormone, cortisol. Astragalus membranaceus is used in China along with another herb called Ligustrum lucidum. A study conducted at Loma Linda University in California, has revealed that Astragalus membranaceus and Ligustrum lucidum, enhance the immune-stimulating effect of each other, when given together.

Amygdalin (Laetrile) has been used by the Chinese physicians for more than 3,500 years to treat various tumours. Ernest Krebs, a noted biochemist, has confirmed the anticancer activity of Amygdalin, which is derived from Fagopyrum esculentum, Panicum miliaceum and seeds of Prunasin family (including Prunus armenica, Prunus cerasus, Prunus persica and Prunus domestica). Amygdalin is one of the nitrilosides (natural cyanide-containing substances), which consists of two molecules, i.e. benzaldehyde and cyanide. In the body, these two molecules split off in the liver by an enzyme, called beta-glucosidase to form glucuronic acid. Another enzyme known as glucuronidase that is present in higher concentrations in the cancerous cells breaks glucuronic acid to produce cyanide that kills the cancerous cells. It is worth mentioning that cancerous cells do not contain rhodanase (sulphur transferase), an enzyme, which is found in normal cells of the body. Rhodanase protects normal cells of the body from the killing effects of cyanide by converting free cyanide into relatively harmless substance known as thiocyanate.

Haelan 851 is a concentrated extract of Glycine max (Soya bean). It was developed by scientists of Fujien Provincial Agricultural College in China (Healing is spelt in old English as “Haelan” and 851 denotes the year and month of its discovery, i.e. 1985 January). Haelan 851 is rich in zinc, selenium, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B12, C, D, E and K), amino acids, isoflavones, protease inhibitors, saponins and phytosterols. Studies have shown that isoflavones found in Haelan 851 convert the cancerous cells to normal cells by inducing cell-differentiation. Ross Pelton, a nutritional biochemist, has reported that many terminal cases of cancer get reversed after administration of Haelan 851. Genistein, one of the isoflavones found in higher concentrations in soya products, is known to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the cancerous cells. Genistein also prevents platelet aggregation by inhibiting tyrosine kinase inhibitor enzyme. It is worth mentioning that platelet aggregation promotes the spread of cancer. It has been observed that genistein blocks the synthesis of DNA in the cancerous cells, thus inhibiting the growth of cancer. Genistein also inhibits growth of hormone dependent cancers of the breast and the prostate. Studies have revealed that genistein and other isoflavones found in Haelan 851 prevent growth of cancer by inhibiting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). Haelan 851 has been found to enhance immunity of the body and prolong survival period in the liver and the stomach cancer patients. A clinical study done by Chinese doctors on 239 patients of various cancers including those of the lung, stomach, oesophagus, intestines and the lymphatic system, has revealed that Haelan 851 improves quality of life and physical functioning by improving appetite, strengthening immune system of the body and reducing toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Fu Zhen therapy is used by the Chinese doctors to treat cancer. Fu Zhen formulation contains six herbs namely Atractylodes, Astragalus, Codonopsis, Ganoderma, Ginseng and Ligustrum. Fu Zhen therapy strengthens natural defences of the body against cancer by enhancing activity of the immune cells. According to a report published in the Journal of American Medical Association, survival period doubled in the patients suffering from advanced stages of cancer after administration of Fu Zhen. Moreover, these patients enjoyed a better quality of life. In another study conducted on 46 patients of the primary liver cancer who were treated with Fu Zhen therapy along with conventional treatment, 29 survived for one year and 10 survived for 3 years, whereas in the control group of 30 patients who were given conventional treatment alone, 6 survived for one year.

Ginkgo biloba (Yin Guo/ Bai Guo) contains Ginkgolide-B, which protects the body against cancer. It inhibits growth of cancer by regulating activity of the platelet-activating factor. A recent study done on the workers of nuclear power station at Chernobyl in Russia has shown that Ginkgo biloba protects the DNA from damaging effects of nuclear radiation.

Rabdosia rubescens (Dong Ling Cao) is used in China to treat cancer. A study conducted on 115 patients suffering from non-resectable oesophageal cancer has shown that the survival period of these patients prolonged by 300 per cent after administration of Rabdosia rubescens in combination with the conventional treatment.

Liu Wei Di Huang is a Chinese herbal formulation used in the treatment of cancer. It contains Rehmannia glutinosa, Corni officinalis, Dioscorea batatas, Poria cocos, Paeonia suffruticosa and Alismatis orientalis. The Beijing Institute for Cancer Research has reported significant regression of tumours in the patients of small-cell lung cancer after administration of Liu Wei Di Huang. Studies have shown that Liu Wei Di Huang enhances the therapeutic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) is used by the Chinese physicians to treat cancer of the cervix. The polysaccharide fraction of Angelica sinensis, known as “AR-4” possesses immunostimulating activities such as induction of interferon production, stimulation of the immune cell proliferation and enhancement of antitumour activity of the immune cell.

Berberine is used by the Chinese physicians to treat bone marrow depression caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Berberine is isolated from Hydrastis canadensis (Goldenseal), Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape root) and Berberis vulgaris (Barberry).

Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao) also known as Wild Selfheal contains rosmarinic acid, which is considered as one of the best antioxidants. The Chinese physicians have been using this herb to treat cancer.

Actinidia chinensis (Yang-t’ao) root is used by the Chinese physicians in the treatment of cancer. Actinidia chinensis contains a polysaccharide known as “ACPS-R” that possesses immune-enhancing and anticancer activities.

Polyporus umbellatus (Zhu Ling) is found to increase the life span of cancer patients by enhancing activity of the immune cells against cancer.

In Longhua Hospital of Chinese Medicine, a study was conducted on 60 patients suffering from advanced stages of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and the oral cavity. These patients were divided into two groups. One group was treated with the Chinese herbal medicines and the other with chemotherapy. The average survival period in the group treated by Chinese herbal medicines was 465 days, whereas in the chemotherapy group, the average survival period was 204 days. The survival rate after 1 year was 67 per cent in the herbal group and 33 per cent in the chemotherapy group. After 2 years, the survival rate was 13 per cent in the herbal group and 3 per cent in the chemotherapy group.

Dr. Chen-lian Pan has reported a very good survival rate in 300 patients suffering from the advanced stages of cancer after treatment with the Chinese herbal medicines. The total effective rate of the herbal medicines was 51 per cent with the longest survival period of 11 years.

Dr. Minyi Chang, who treated more than 5,000 cancer patients with the Chinese herbal medicines since 1982, has described the effectiveness of 256 Chinese anticancer herbs in his book, Anticancer Medicinal Herbs.

Kampo is the Japanese version of the Chinese herbal medicine. In kampo, the herbs are used in combinations. There are more than 140 kampo formulations, out of which the most effective anticancer combinations are Juzen-taiho-to and Sho-saiko-to.

Juzen-taiho-to (JT-48) is a combination of Astragalus, Angelica, Cinnamomum, Ginseng, Glycyrrhiza, Urtica, Paeonia and some other herbs. Juzen-taiho-to enhances anticancer activity of the natural killer cells (NK cells) and reduces toxic effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Sho-saiko-to contains Bupleurum, Pinellia, Scutellaria, Ziziphus jujuba, Panax ginseng, Glycyrrhiza and Zingiber. Sho-saiko-to enhances activity of the macrophages and enables the patient to fight cancer effectively.