Natural Products, Herbs & Spices, Plant extracts and Dietary Supplements

Berberine
This 2020 Review says the following about Berberine (BBR):
Different studies reported that BBR could prevent the proliferation of cancer cells by inhibiting the molecules involved in cell cycle regulation and therefore, trigger cell cycle arrest in cancerous cells. In addition, many studies have examined the effect of BBR on the inhibition of metastasis and invasion of malignant cancer cells and reported this natural product to be efficient in the treatment of malignant and invasive cancers by inhibiting the expression of proteins involved in metastasis.
See Berberine page

Broccoli Sprout Extract
In this study of 239  bladder cancer patients … intake of raw cruciferous vegetables was significantly associated with reduced disease-specific (57% reduction) and overall mortality (43% reduction), a result largely driven by raw broccoli intake.
See Broccoli Sprout Extract page

Chlorine Dioxide Solution
This 2023 study which looked at  case series of patients with cancer (metastatic prostate cancer, metastatic kidney cancer, metastatic non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) treated with chlorine dioxide-based therapy concluded:
For each case, after treatment with CDS in three different types of cancer, a significant antitumor response was observed in all metastatic tumors., with no associated side effects. 
See Chlorine Dioxide Solution page

Curcumin
This 2020 Systematic Review says: Finally, 10 patients participated in this study were able to complete this treatment plan. In 8 patients, the VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) as a tumur marker, which indicates tumor growth, metastasis, and malignancy, was reduced by 30% compared to the baseline before treatment.
See Curcumin page

Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM)

The use of CHM was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival
In this study Nine hundred eighty-five stage IV EC [esophageal cancer] patients were analyzed, including 74 CHM users and 911 non-CHM users. We found the use of CHM was associated with a higher 5-year overall survival rate than CHM nonusers…In addition, the overall median survival time was about 7 months longer among CHM users. Moreover, the lower 1-, 3-, 5-year disease-specific survival rates were higher among CHM users. Additionally, the risk of all-cause mortality was lower among CHM users …CHMs improved health while relieving tumor burden…while Fritillaria thunbergii Miq and Sevilla maindronide Rochebrune were used together to relieve cancer-related gastrointestinal discomfort.

See more at Traditional Chinese Medicine page

GcMAF
GcMAF is a is a human protein. It acts as a “director” of your immune system. This study concluded that, in addition to its ability to activate tumor killing immune cells, GcMAF has direct anti tumor-forming effects on endothelial cells independent of tissue origin.

Genistein
Food sources: Soybeans and Soy protein. Inhibits ovarian cancer stem cells says this study
This study analysed 9514 breast cancer survivors with a diagnosis of invasive breast cancer between 1991 and 2006 from 2 US cohorts and 1 Chinese cohort. Soy isoflavone intake (mg/d) was measured with validated food-frequency questionnaires. After a mean follow-up of 7.4 years, postdiagnosis soy food consumption of ≥10 mg isoflavones/day was associated with a nonsignificant reduced risk of breast cancer–specific mortality and a statistically significant reduced risk of recurrence.
See also Haelan 951 (A fermented soybean-derived beverage)

This study: Sixteen nonanemic prostate cancer patients received weekly administration of 100 ng of GcMAF. As the MAF precursor activity increased, their serum Nagalase activity decreased…After 14 to 25 weekly administrations of GcMAF (100 ng/week), all 16 patients had very low serum Nagalase levels equivalent to those of healthy control values, indicating that these patients are tumor-free. No recurrence occurred for 7 years.

Melatonin
This study found:  As an adjuvant therapy melatonin led to significantly higher tumor remission, better survival at 1 year, and less radiochemotherapy-related side effects, including thrombocytopenia, neurotoxicity, and fatigue.
See Melatonin page

Omega-3 fatty Acids
This study found that people who had the highest blood levels of DHA when compared against those with the lowest blood levels, had a 17% lower risk of death caused by cancer.
See Omega 3

Paw Paw  Cell-Reg (PawPaw extract)
Pawpaw is a tropical tree native to regions of North America. The fruit of this tree is reputed to have anti-cancer properties. One Purdue University professor, Dr. Jerry L. McLaughlin, spent two decades studying this fruit and its chemical constituents. His research and the subsequent research of others that followed, have validated the pawpaw fruit’s use as a safe and effective herbal anti-cancer therapy.

The website PawPawResearch.com says:
Dr. McLaughlin licensed his patents only to Nature’s Sunshine Products, who sells the product under the name “Paw Paw Cell Reg™” to the public through their distributors. The only distributor that we highly recommend is called Healthy Sunshine. See www.healthy-sunshine.com. Here is the link to their Paw Paw Cell Reg™ page.

This study involving 94 patients says: James Forsythe, M.D., Director of the Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada, in Reno, agreed to recruit test subjects for us among his stage 4 cancer patients. Dr. Forsythe found that the paw paw capsules, named Paw Paw  Cell-Reg, when given one capsule qid, stabilized a number of patients with advanced breast, lung, prostate, lymphatic, and colorectal cancers as well as with Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia; furthermore, the patients showed no abnormalities in liver, kidney, electrolyte, blood sugar, or bone marrow functions. The product was effective whether used alone or as an adjuvant with other treatments including IGF-I and insulin-potentiation. Evidence of effectiveness included reductions in the blood levels of tumor antigens, measurable decreases in tumor sizes, inhibition of further metastases, weight gain, increased mobility, enhanced energy, and increased duration of survival.

Polysaccharide-K (PSK) (mushroom extract) In this study 225 patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer treated with Radiation and PSK, the 5-year survival rates were significantly increased.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate juice has been shown to suppress inflammatory cell signaling , inhibit prostate tumor growth and lower serum PSA levels, and also inhibit aromatase activity, endogenous estrogen biosynthesis and breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Two clinical trials have been conducted, both in men with prostate cancer. The first was an open label, uncontrolled Phase II study. The aim was to assess the effects of pomegranate juice on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men with a rising PSA after surgery or radiotherapy. Men with a PSA between 0.2 and 5 ng/ml and a Gleason score of 7 or less were treated with 8 ounces of pomegranate juice daily until disease progression. 

The treatment was well-tolerated with mean PSA doubling time decreasing from 15 months at baseline to 54 months post-treatment. Assays comparing the effects of pre-treatment and post-treatment patient serum on prostate cancer cell growth showed a 12% decrease in proliferation and a 17% increase in apoptosis, both statistically significant. Source: CAM-CANCER (Extracts)

Poly-MVA
A proprietary water- and lipid-soluble polymer-based nutritional supplement composed of a complex mixture of alpha-lipoic acid bound to palladium…and other minerals, vitamins and amino acids.

Could something as simple as a dietary food supplement really help in treating advanced cancer patients? Medical oncologist and homeopathic physician, Dr. James W. Forsythe is hopeful.

Dr. Forsythe has been conducting a Poly-MVA outcome based investigation on various Stage IV Cancers since January of 2004 in Reno, Nevada and has seen encouraging results. “We have seen patients go into full remission with aggressive, stage IV cancers and we see continued positive responses in others with previously chemo-resistant cancer...
See Poly-MVA page

Peppermint
This study concluded that peppermint extract has the effect of reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting and improving the appetite in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. 

Salicinium
Salicinium is a natural plant based extract, a complexed sugar molecule that is harmless to normal cells in the body because they cannot absorb a “complex glycome”. The composite Salicinium molecule will only affect anaerobic (cancer) cells destroying the enzymatic “cloak” which allows them to hide from the immune system. Source: Reno Integrative Medical Center

Source: Article by Jeffrey J. King, BS, MS, JD, published in Townsend Letter
This article describes a long-term, multi-site study demonstrating potent anti-cancer and antiviral effects of glyco-benzaldehydes and related compounds developed under the tradename Salicinium®. Results from 675 cancer patients show that Salicinium effectively treats many different types of cancer, significantly extending survival for all groups studied (including a majority of patients with treatment-resistant Stage IV cancer). 

Be aware that salicinium can make the tumor get larger before getting smaller. See full warning

Taurolidine
A synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic with antibacterial, anticoagulant and potential antiangiogenic activities… In addition, taurolidine also promotes apoptosis by inducing various apoptotic factors and suppresses the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that plays an important role in angiogenesis.
Source: National Cancer Institute

Vitamin E (Supplement)

This study of 23 patients is the first to demonstrate that tocotrienol supplementation in combination with chemotherapy is effective in multi-resistant ovarian cancer. Many patients with advanced recurrent ovarian cancer have a short life expectancy and their condition deteriorates rapidly with a progression free survival of 2 to 4 months and a median overall survival of 5 to 7 months. In this study, the progression free survival increased to 7.8 months and a median overall survival of 12 months.
See Vitamin E

Vitamins A, C, D, E

Interestingly, combining vitamins A, C, D, and E with chemotherapy and radiotherapy offers a customized strategy for cancer treatment. 

These vitamins enhance immune response, alleviate oxidative stress, inhibit angiogenesis, and induce apoptosis. The synergy between vitamins and conventional treatments provides promising paths for more effective and personalized therapies – study

2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG)
2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is an analogue of glucose in which a 2-hydroxyl group is replaced by hydrogen. Despite this minor change in its structure, glucose transporters can still carry 2DG into cancer cells disguised as “fake sugar” that they crave intensely.

This alteration prevents sugar from participating in anaerobic glycolysis, the metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose for energy. By interfering with glycolysis, 2DG has the potential to starve cancer cells, which heavily depend on glucose for their rapid growth. Source: 2dg.org
See 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) page

Black Pepper (a spice containing Piperine)
The treatment of colon cancer cells with piperine has been shown to reduce the ability of the cells to form non-adherent spheres and colonies, suggesting the inhibiting effect of piperine on cancer stem cells, says this study

The treatment of colon cancer cells with piperine has been shown to reduce the ability of the cells to form non-adherent spheres and colonies, suggesting the inhibiting effect of piperine on cancer stem cells, says this study

Bupleurum (Thorowax, or Hares ear)
Preclinical studies suggest that bupleurum has antiviral hepatoprotective anti-inflammatory immune-modulating antiproliferative and chemopreventive  properties. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre

Boswellia SPP
Source: Townsend Letter …boswellic acid has been shown to demonstrate anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor activity in several animal models. It also reduces inflammation and favors the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, which prevent metastasis.

Cayenne Pepper (a spice containing Capsaicin)
Food sources: cayenne, chili, paprika, red hot pepper
This study review says: Capsaicin exhibits strong anticancer activity through targeting multiple signaling pathways and cancer-associated genes in different tumor stages including initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis. This scientific Review article states: It has been recently demonstrated that capsaicin induces apoptosis [cancer cell death] in many types of cancer cell lines, including colon adenocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and many others, leaving normal cells unharmed.

Capsiacin (Cayenne Pepper)
Food sources: Cayenne, green or red chili, spur or tabasco peppers
This study review says: Capsaicin exhibits strong anticancer activity through targeting multiple signaling pathways and cancer-associated genes in different tumor stages including initiation, promotion, progression and metastasis.

Chamomile
Study: Exposure of chamomile extracts caused minimal growth inhibitory responses in normal cells, whereas a significant decrease in cell viability was observed in various human cancer cell lines. Chamomile exposure resulted in differential apoptosis in cancer cells but not in normal cells at similar doses.

Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
An herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine that has roots of high medicinal value according to the US National Institutes of Health. This study showed results that support the efficacy of Chinese Skullcap as an anticancer agent for glioblastomas multiforme.

Dr Rath Cellular Solutions
A range of products to address cancer at the cellular level.
https://www.drrathresearch.org/

Essiac Tea
Essiac, a tea reportedly developed by the Ojibwa tribe of Canada and made famous by Rene Caisse, a Canadian nurse who, it is claimed, cured numerous cancer patients. This study says: Essiac inhibited hydroxyl radical-induced lipid peroxidation by up to 50% at the 50% tea preparation concentration. These data indicate that Essiac tea possesses potent antioxidant and DNA-protective activity, properties that are common to natural anti-cancer agents. 

Echinacea
This Study says: Flavonoids act as an immune-stimulant, they are present in Echinacea…lessen the harmful consequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It also helps the patients in prolonging the survival time with progressive stage of cancer.

Feverfew
Feverfew and Green Chirayta (plant extracts)
This review says “the compound parthenolide, which is derived from the medicinal plant feverfew, has recently been shown to preferentially induce acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) stem cells to undergo apoptosis. Importantly, parthenolide had no discernable effect on normal blood cells.”
This study shows that feverfew plant extract and Green chirayta plant extract are highly effective anti-myeloma cancer stem cell agents, with Green chirayta plant extract displaying increased selectivity for myeloma cancer stem cells compared to feverfew plant extract. The data presented here constitute the first report of natural products with anti-Cancer Stem Cell activity in myeloma cancer.

Garlic
According to American Institute for Cancer Research, one randomized controlled study of a single garlic-containing meal suggested that about 1½ teaspoons of garlic activated genes related to regulating the self-destruction of abnormal cells and immune function.
Study: The beneficial effects of garlic have been known for centuries, and our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlay these effects is steadily increasing. Here, we show that a homemade garlic extract has anti-cancer activities both in vitro [petri dish] and in vivo [live body], and that the activity is stable for more than six months if stored in a freezer.

Ginger
Ginger, a cousin spice of super anti-cancer substance turmeric, is known for its ability to shrink tumors. This study says: …the anticancer potential of ginger is well documented and its functional ingredients like gingerols, shogaol, and paradols are the valuable ingredients which can prevent various cancers, angiogenesis and metastasis, induction of apoptosis.

Ginseng:
– Increases NK cell activity against cancer cells.
– Modulates the immune system towards greater responses against tumors.
– Enhances the effects of chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic agents.

The anti-cancer effects of ginseng are mainly through the improvements in cell-mediated immunity consisting of cytotoxic T cells and NK cells, while other mechanisms such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and angiogenesis are also involved.

American, Panax, and Siberian ginseng all have estrogenic effects; therefore, women with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid these herbs (Eagon et al., 2000).

Grape Seed Extract
This study included the following: Another most significant finding of the present study is that GSE showed cytotoxic efficacy against different CRC cell lines, which differed in their metastatic potential; interestingly, the anti-cancer efficacy of GSE increased as the metastatic potential of CRC cells increased.

Graviola  (Soursop)
In some Caribbean countries, it is among the most common herbal remedies used in among prostate, breast and colorectal cancer patients. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

This study says: Over 212 phytochemical ingredients have been reported in graviola extracts prepared from different plant parts. Studies have linked A. muricata-derived compounds…to a variety of anticancer effects including cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, necrosis, and inhibition of proliferation on a variety of cancer cell lines, including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, leukemia, renal, pancreatic, hepatic, oral, melanoma, cervical, and ovarian cancers.

Green Tea
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is the main proteins required for the development of new blood vessels to feed tumors. Green Tea inhibits VEGF, according to this study
See Green Tea page

Honokiol
This Review concluded: Honokiol has been shown to regulate cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, as well as the inhibition of metastasis and angiogenesis through various signalling pathways.
See Honokiol page

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
This study says that H2O2, is a very interesting potential therapeutic tool to fight cancer. The proper and cautious use of H2O2 in combination with commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs may have synergistic effects increasing lung cancer cell death. Particularly, novel therapeutic approaches combining H2O2 with repositioned drugs may help to decrease the mortality from this malignancy.

Caution: The only grade recommended for internal use is 35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide, which must be properly diluted down to 3% with water.
A number of websites indicate that 3% Food Grade is actually 35% Food Grade that has been diluted down to 3% because it is illegal in many places to post/ship 35% food grade due to the danger of someone consuming it without diluting it to 3%.

Here’s a links to one suppliers of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide: food grade hydrogen peroxide

Indole-3-Carbinol
I3C has a widespread effect on multiple cancer cells, such as breast cancer, melanoma, and prostate cancers, according to this study. This demonstrates the I3C plays a significant role in either the cell cycle arrest or apoptosis of various cancers.

This study says: I3C exhibits anti-cancer activities by suppressing breast tumor cell growth and metastatic spread. Metastatic breast cancer is a devastating problem, clinical application of I3C as a potent chemopreventive agent may be helpful in limiting breast cancer invasion and metastasis.

This study concluded: The experimental studies as described above suggest that I3C and DIM, the components of cruciferous vegetables, have therapeutic potential both for prevention and for treatment of cancer.

IP6 (Inositol hexaphosphate)
This study states: A striking anticancer effect of IP6 was demonstrated in different experimental models. Inositol is also a natural constituent possessing moderate anticancer activity. The most consistent and best anticancer results were obtained from the combination of IP6 plus inositol. In addition to reducing cell proliferation, IP6 increases differentiation of malignant cells, often resulting in a reversion to normal phenotype…

This study is a case report of a patient with metastatic melanoma.
We present a case report of a patient with metastatic melanoma who declined traditional therapy and opted to try over the counter supplement IP6+inositol instead. To our surprise, the patient achieved a complete remission and remains in remission 3 years later.

Do not take if you are taking anticoagulants/antiplatelet agents: IP6 has antiplatelet activity and may increase the risk of bleeding. Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Licorice (a herb containingGlycyrrhizic acid)
This study says: Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the main component of licorice root extracts, has been shown to suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various types of cancers.
This study says: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) is a perennial plant that is cultivated in many countries and has been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. However, some components of licorice exert unwanted side effects…The anticancer activities of many of the licorice components appear to include cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and general antioxidant effects. 

Low Dose Naltrexone
This 2024 study says: Low-dose naltrexone exhibits an inhibitory effect on cancer cell proliferation by blocking the opioid growth factor–receptor axis and enhancing the immune response against cancer cells. Data from existing studies indicate that low-dose naltrexone has a high anti-cancer potential, especially as an adjuvant in conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy schemes.

Methylene blue
Methylene blue is a special dye that generates and increases oxygen levels in tumors. After being injected into the bloodstream, it accumulates in the tumor, where it interacts with the cancer cells, which have high levels of a molecule called NADH. This interaction causes it to reduce to its colorless form, Leucomethylene blue, in the tumor microenvironment and becomes a powerful catalyst that helps to increase oxygen levels in the tumor.

As cancer cells bloom in low-oxygen surroundings, increasing oxygen levels make it harder for them to live on. This rise in oxygenation level makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation & chemotherapy.
Source: MACSEN LABS

This 2023 study says:
In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into the potential of methylene blue-guided metabolic therapy for treating ovarian cancer. The results underscore the promise of metabolic therapy in reducing tumor growth by addressing the mitochondria redox potential, akin to its role as an oxidative agent in bacterial diseases.

Modified Citrus Pectin
This study concluded: Due to its anti-adhesive, apoptosis-promoting, and apoptosis-inducing properties, it appears that MCP is capable of targeting multiple critical rate-limiting steps involved in cancer metastasis.

In addition, by inhibiting Gal-3 anti-apoptotic function and enhancing apoptosis induced by cytotoxic drugs, it holds the potential to increase dramatically the efficiency of a conventional chemotherapy. The progression of this promising anti-cancer agent into clinical practice, hampered by various factors, was rather slow.

Nevertheless, limited clinical studies performed to date demonstrated that MCP significantly increased prostate specific antigen doubling time in patients with recurrent prostate cancer, thus confirming its potential usefulness in treating prostatic neoplasia. 

MSKE
A substance found in the skins of grapes and in certain other plants, fruits, and seeds.

This Review looked at results from a number of studies:
The clinical trials presented in this review show that resveratrol’s therapeutic efficacy depends on several factors. Resveratrol was more effective in certain types of cancer than in others. For example, it seems to epigenetically reduce the expression of certain breast cancer-related genes, but caused severe adverse events specifically in multiple myeloma patients.
See MSKE page

Milk Thistle (Silymarin and Silibinin)
– Prevents damage to the liver resulting from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
– Induces apoptosis for cancer cells and hinders cancer cells from growing.
– Modulates the signaling pathways linked to tumor progression.
Recent preclinical studies have shown strong efficacy of silibinin to target cancer cell’s migratory and invasive characteristics as well as their ability to metastasize to distant organs, according to this study
The authors of this study say their data provide sufficient evidence that silibinin has dual efficacy against both bulk colorectal cancer cells cells and colon cancer stem cells.

Note: The estrogenic effects suggest that women with hormone sensitive cancers should avoid this herb.

Nigella Sativa (Black Seeds)
Also known as Black Seeds and Black Cumin.
This study says: Experimental findings and recent advances in the field highlight TQ as an effective therapeutic agent for the suppression of tumor development, growth and metastasis for a wide range of tumors.

This study says:  Results from all the experiments suggested that TQ could significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in the leukemic cell line CEMss.

This study says: Chehl et al. (2009) showed that TQ, the major constituent of N. sativa oil extract, induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in PDA (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma) cells. chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells.

This Review says: Thymoquinone (TQ), the principle active constituent of black seed (Nigella sativa), has promising properties including anticancer and chemosensitizing peculiarities. The anticancer power of TQ is accomplished by several aspects; including promotion of apoptosis, arrest of cell cycle and ROS generation. In addition, it boosts the immune system and lessens the side effects associated with traditional anticancer therapy. TQ also controls angiogenesis and cancer metastasis.

Nigella sativa and Thymoquinone
Nigella sativa L., commonly referred as black cumin, is an oriental spice that has been used since the times of ancient Egypt. It is…used as a natural medicine for treatment of many acute as well as chronic conditions ranging from fever to intestinal disturbances to cancer. Thymoquinone is the predominant bioactive constituent isolated from black seeds of Nigella sativa and has been shown to possess antineoplastic activity against multifarious tumors.

Naturin – a new Chinese medical herb produced by XingYa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.,
This study says: In vitro treatment with Naturin, a new Chinese medical herb, significantly restored lymphocyte proliferation and NK cell activity that were suppressed in cancer patients (Shen et al., 1996). In vivo, Naturin was reported to have significantly improved symptoms of cancer patients including leukemia and lung cancers (Mori et al., 1988).

Neem
This study says: Neem and Neem-based products can clearly inhibit the processes which drive PCa [prostate cancer] incidence, progression, and resistance to chemotherapy in pre-clinical settings, and do so by inhibiting the pathways known to mediate these processes including the AR pathway, PI3K/Akt pathway, and intrinsic pathway of apoptosis amongst others. This, combined with the favorable safety profile of Neem…
This study contains the following highlights:
• Neem constituents maintain redox balance and induce cancer cell death.
• Antitumor immunity of host is augmented by neem components.
• Therapeutic efficacy of anticancer agents is enhanced by neem compounds.
• Anticancer agents in neem exert tumor selective toxicity.

Oregano
Study: Our findings suggest that oregano amounts found in the Mediterranean diet can exert proapoptotic effects, which are selective for cancer cells. Moreover, whole extract, instead of a specific component, can be responsible for the observed cytotoxic effects.

Passion Fruit Leaf Extract (PaLE)
This 2020 study says:
Our outcomes corroborate the conclusion that PaLE has antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo with low toxicity.
This 2020 Review states: Various extracts, fruit juice and isolated compounds showed a wide range of health effects and biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anti-tumor, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic activities, and so forth.
Passionflower was shown to enhance the potency of St. John’s wort

Quercetin
Study: Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of a wide range of cancers such as prostate, cervical, lung, breast, and colon.

Study: In conclusion, quercetin, a natural flavonoid, holds the potential to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and prevent metastasis. It has demonstrated significant therapeutic value, especially in TNBC, a subtype that lacks effective therapeutic targets. By modulating key signaling pathways and enhancing immune responses, quercetin effectively curbs tumor progression.

Review: The power of quercetin to change epigenetics, which can directly control the appearance of miRNA and how much DNA is methylated, can help fight cancer and make tumor cells more open to treatment. 

Red clover
Genistein has been regarded as the anti-cancer compound in red clover.
This study concluded: our study suggests that extracts from red clover are able to alter ER positive breast cancer cell motility and invasive behavior by regulating the actin cytoskeleton
through the ERM protein moesin. Through this mechanism, phytoestrogens derived from red clover decrease breast cancer cell migration and invasion induced by physiological concentrations of estradiol Patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should avoid red clover because it has estrogenic activity

Resveratrol
Study: A vast body of experimental in vivo and in vitro studies and a few clinical trials has presented evidence of resveratrol’s great potential as an anti-cancer agent, both for the prevention and therapy of a large range of cancers. Resveratrol has a very low toxicity, and, although it has multiple molecular targets, it acts on different protective and common pathways that are usually altered in a great number of tumors. This suggests that resveratrol may be more suitable for use as an anti-carcinogen and it can also effectively exert it antineoplastic effects in conjunction with diverse chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies. 

Rosemary (a herb containing rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosic acid (CA))
This 2024 study concluded: RA and CA exhibited pro-apoptotic effects while inhibiting migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. The cytotoxicity and therapeutic potential of rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosic acid (CA) in numerous types of cancer, including resistant cells, make them promising candidates for anti-cancer therapies. The selective toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic medications further support their potential application in cancer treatment.

Salvestrol supplements
Salvestrols are natural compounds in the diet which are converted inside diseased cells, by a specific enzyme, into compounds that can destroy the diseased cell. They are part of a natural rescue mechanism and may be essential to maintain good health. Source: Salvestrol.ca
See Salvestrol page

This study says: In two glioblastoma patients TRD was able to significantly improve the quality of life with partial remission of tumor burden. 

This study concluded: The application of taurolidine tends to prevent the development of lung metastases. Furthermore, taurolidine seems to reduce established lung metastases in this in vivo model. Taurolidine may offer additional therapeutic options in patients with colon adenocarcinoma…

Over 33 studies have utilized taurolidine intravenously, and no adverse effects apart from vein irritation at high doses have been experienced. To date, taurolidine’s safety profile has been excellent. Allergic reactions have not been observed. Study

Saffron
This 2024 study concluded: Studies have demonstrated that saffron and its compounds, including crocin, crocetin, safranal, and picrocrocin, possess anticancer properties, such as inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, as well as interfering with various cancer-promoting signaling pathways. Saffron has also shown potential in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, enhancing their efficacy and reducing side effects.

Sheeps Sorrell
The roots of Sheep sorrel herb (Rumex acetosella) were the key to the success of Rene Caisse’s Essiac Tea therapy

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
This 2021 study says: The vast majority of the data reported here suggest that hypericum and its derivatives might be very powerful agents for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. There is the possibility they possess much broader biological activities.

Sutherlandia (Cancer Bush)
Constituents in Sutherlandia have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer properties. A few case reports suggest it may help decrease fatigue in cancer patients, but whether it could be used as a treatment for cancer has not been studied in humans.
Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Tibetan Medicine
This study says:
Tibetan medicine is the most comprehensive form of Eurasian healthcare and the world’s first integrative medicine. Incorporating rigorous systems of meditative self-healing and ascetic self-care from India, it includes a world-class paradigm of mind/body and preventive medicine. Adapting the therapeutic philosophy and contemplative science of Indian Buddhism to the quality of secular life and death, it features the world’s most effective systems of positive and palliative healthcare.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
This study reported: Several researches have been conducted on the effect of Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) on various cancers, including colorectal, breast, lung, head and neck cancer, etc. By studying the effect of this plant on cancers, researchers reached remarkable results. Conclusion: According to the research done, it can be said that Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) has an effect on various cancers and is also known as an anti-cancer plant.

Wheatgrass
The authors of this study said their results demonstrated that wheatgrass-activated immune cells played a central role in building immunity. Several papers have indicated that wheatgrass has anti-tumor activities, anti-oxidant properties,

References
Kaefer CM, Milner JA. Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 17. Available from:
Herbs or Natural Products That Decrease Cancer Growth Part One of a Four-Part Series Muriel J. Montbriand, PhD, RN https://www.ons.org/system/files/journal-article-pdfs/165V50368TP17350.pdf
Talib WH, AlHur MJ, Al Naimat S, Ahmad RE, Al-Yasari AH, Al-Dalaeen A, Thiab S, Mahmod AI. Anticancer Effect of Spices Used in Mediterranean Diet: Preventive and Therapeutic Potentials. Front Nutr. 2022 Jun https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.905658
Neeta Bhagat, Archana Chaturvedi. Spices as an Alternative Therapy for Cancer Treatment.
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