Chinese Medicine For Cancer  Part I

Reducing the side effects of chemo and radiation

Traditional Chinese medicine herbs contain a variety of chemicals that might act to inhibit tumor cell divisions, increase the proportion of immune cells within the tumor, and increase the blood flow through the tumor. As a result, it would reduce the number of tumor cells and minimize many side effects. Some herbs protect normal tissues from radiotherapy, such as Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium thanks to its antioxidative actions and immune enhancement.

Phytoestrogens that possess either estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity are found in some botanical supplements like Angelica sinensis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and the various ginsengs. These substances, which act as chemopreventive agents, are used to treat patients with hormone-responsive cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer and so on.

Ginseng has anti-proliferative activity (prevents the spread of malignant cells into surrounding tissues). It helps improve the quality of life of patients with breast cancer, and prevents its recurrence, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clịnical Oncology meeting in 2007.

Soybean is proven to be effective as an anti-cancer factor in the laboratory. Some studies suggested that people with a high soy or tofu content in their diet may have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Prevention of cancer progression

In China, a number of chronic viral infections results in cancer. Other risk factors include poor diet, genetic predisposition, and smoking. An inadequate response from the immune system to eradicate chronic viral infections and cancer cells is a common problem.

In traditional Chinese medicine, appropriate nutrition is emphasized in cancer treatment. The usage of green tea and Panax ginseng was shown to reduce effectively the risk of cancer and prevent cancer recurrence. Similarly, isoflavones and phytoestrogens in soybeans appear to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer, as well as cut back on the risk of recurrence. A traditional Chinese herb combination may reduce the risk of lung cancer in ex-smokers.

The compound containing Sophora tonkinensis, polygonum bixstorta, prunella vulgaris, Sonchus brachyotus, Dictamnus dasycarpus, and Dioscorea bulbifera lowered the risk of esophageal cancer by 50%, according to some Chinese studies.