Explore the potential of herbs and supplements in breast cancer care with Meri Sehat. Gain insights for holistic health approaches.

Are Herbs And Supplements Helpful In Curing Breast Cancer?

The use of herbs and vitamins in the treatment of breast cancer is still being studied, and some trials have produced encouraging results.

Introduction

Disclaimer:&nbsp;Herbs and supplements may help in the management and betterment of the symptoms faced by breast cancer patients but these cannot cure or treat the disease itself. There is insufficient credible evidence to support the notion that dietary or nutritional supplements can prevent, cure, or effectively manage the growth of cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, accounting for over 1 in 10 new cancer cases each year<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>. Moreover, it is the second most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Early detection and timely treatment can improve survival rates. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy are commonly used for the treatment of breast cancer.

The use of herbs and vitamins in the treatment of breast cancer is still being studied, and some trials have produced encouraging results. It is crucial to remember that not all herbs and supplements are secure or efficient, and some may interfere with standard cancer therapies.

This begs the question of whether or not supplements and herbs are effective in treating breast cancer. The evidence that is provided must be carefully considered because this subject is complicated. It&#39;s important to speak with a healthcare provider before beginning any alternative therapies. 
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Understanding Herbal Approaches to Breast Cancer Care

Herbs refer to plants with nonwoody stems that bear fruits and seeds. These plants have been extremely important in advancing human health and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Due to the natural active components present in herbs, which are thought to enhance human health, there is currently more public interest in them than in manufactured medications.

Due to the fear of side effects, many people self-prescribe herbal remedies to manage common disorders.

Some plants, like ginseng, garlic, burdock, aloe vera, and saw palmetto, are used in the various treatments. Native American Indians also use various herbs for medicinal purposes, including black cohosh, ragweed, and snakeroot. 
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Supplements are a group of products that can consist of various components, including vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other ingredients. They can be taken in different forms such as pills, gels, capsules, gummies, powders, drinks, or even food. Some of the most common types of supplements are multivitamins, herbal supplements, probiotics, protein powders, and <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/five-myths-about-weight-loss">weight loss </a>supplements.

The primary purpose of supplements is to &quot;supplement&quot; an individual&#39;s overall diet, helping to fill any gaps in their nutrient intake. Supplements, particularly vitamins and minerals, can be beneficial in situations where there is an increased demand for nutrients. Nevertheless, there are numerous supplements available that often make unsubstantiated health claims.<a href="#accordion">[11]</a> 
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<h5 style="text-align:justify">Common Herbs and Supplements That Have Been Studied</h5>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Garlic</li>
</ul>

Garlic (Allium sativum) contains hundreds of therapeutically useful secondary metabolites. Alliin, an amino acid, is found in garlic oil and is converted to allicin when the rhizomes are crushed. Allicin is responsible for garlic&#39;s distinctive odor and its therapeutic properties. Garlic oil also contains selenium, which acts as an antioxidant. Garlic also contains bioflavonoids, such as cyanidin and quercetin, which have antioxidant properties<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Ginseng</li>
</ul>

Panax ginseng, also known as ginseng, is a long-lasting plant that primarily grows in China, Korea, Japan, and Russia, and its dried root is the main part used for therapeutic purposes. The active substances found in ginseng have been shown to reduce or prevent the development of tumor necrosis factors in the skin of mice, hinder the propagation and spread of cancerous cells, stimulate cell differentiation, and increase the level of interferon. However, human studies are lacking.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Carotenoids</li>
</ul>

Green herbs, leaves, and rose hips contain an active compound known as &quot;carotenoids.&quot; These aromatic plants are also used as dyeing agents, such as saffron, annatto, and paprika. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that have various therapeutic properties, including scavenging free radicals, protecting against oxidative damage to cells, improving gap junctions, regulating enzyme activity involved in cancer production, and stimulating the immune system.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Flax Seeds</li>
</ul>

The flax plant has tiny, hard-coated brown and golden seeds that contain all of its active components. These seeds are a great source of dietary fiber, omega-3 fats, and lignans. Flax seeds have more potent phytoestrogens than soy products and can cause a significant change in the elimination of 2-hydoxyesterone. According to a research group at the University of Toronto led by Lilian Thompson, flax seeds may possess some powerful anti-cancer properties. In an experiment on mice, the anti-cancer activity of flax seed was identified by mixing lignin into the diet of mice with cancer. The results showed a reduced tumor load. 

In another experiment, female mice were fed a diet of 10% flax seeds while human breast cancer cells were injected into their mammary glands. The cancer growth rate was reduced by 45% in the group fed with flax seeds<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. As per the results, flax seeds can increase the differentiation of mammary tissues in mice, prevent malignancies, and reduce tumor development, making them less vulnerable to carcinogens<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. However it is important to note that these studies were conducted on animal models. 
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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Turmeric</li>
</ul>

Turmeric is commonly used to give a dark yellow color to food. The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which acts as an antioxidant, altering the production of eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), and has anti-inflammatory properties in humans. Additionally, turmeric inhibits the production of nitrosamines, which leads to an increase in the body&#39;s natural antioxidant activity. 

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Green Tea</li>
</ul>

Green tea is scientifically known as Camellia sinensis. According to several animal studies, green tea polyphenols can restrict cancer cell division and stimulate the necrosis and apoptosis of tumor cells. Tea catechins can stimulate the immune system function, inhibit metastasis and angiogenesis in tumor cells, and reduce the risk of tumors in various organs of the body, as evidenced by studies on colon and stomach cancer. Additionally, green tea can lessen the harmful effects of radiation due to its antioxidant activity. However it is important to note that these studies were conducted on animal models.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Vitamin D</li>
</ul>

Sun exposure on the skin is responsible for producing vitamin The minimum amount of vitamin D required to maintain sufficient levels in the body is 1000 IU per day. In the absence of sun exposure, oral intake of vitamin D is the only way to maintain its levels. It is safe to take up to 4000 IU of vitamin D per day along with other benefits. 

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the active hormonal form of vitamin D in the blood, which may possesses anti-cancer activity. Vital organs of the body have a local mechanism to convert the chief circulating form of vitamin D, 25(OH) D, into the hormonal form, 1,25(OH)2D, which is necessary for them to perform their functions. Exposure to sunshine stimulates this mechanism, leading to the conversion of the circulating form into the hormonal form.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Black Cohosh</li>
</ul>

Black cohosh, scientifically known as Cimicifuga recemosa, is a shrub found in the eastern forests of North America. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat menopausal symptoms, premenstrual discomfort and dysmenorrhea. It was also a principal component of Lydia Pinkham&#39;s Vegetable Compound, a popular patent medicine in the 19th century. There are a variety of preparations of black cohosh available in drug stores, and herbalists have shown them to be a safe and effective therapy for menopausal indications.

Black cohosh is also used by women advised to avoid hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by their physician. However, &nbsp;the active principles of black cohosh are not well understood. There is ambiguity surrounding the estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity of black cohosh, with various research studies yielding contradictory results. Some studies have shown that it enhances or lessens cancer cell production in culture, while others have revealed that black cohosh has synergistic effects for breast cancer patients when given in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

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<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Burdock</li>
</ul>

Burdock, scientifically known as Arctium lappa, is a plant whose root is used for medicinal purposes in Europe and Asia. Historically, it was used to treat conditions such as arthritis, tonsillitis, and measles.

Disclaimer!

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Consult your specialist before starting any herbal or supplemental treatment.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Always consult with a naturopathic doctor for the correct dosage as these herbs can be harmful if taken in excess.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Herbs and supplements may help in the management and betterment of the symptoms faced by breast cancer patients but these cannot cure or treat the disease itself.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">There is insufficient credible evidence to support the notion that dietary or nutritional supplements can prevent, cure, or effectively manage the growth of cancer. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Herbs and supplements may help in the management and betterment of the symptoms faced by breast cancer patients but these cannot cure or treat the disease itself.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">There is insufficient credible evidence to support the notion that dietary or nutritional supplements can prevent, cure, or effectively manage the growth of cancer. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Conclusion

While there is some evidence that certain herbs and supplements may have anti-cancer properties and can be used as a complementary treatment for breast cancer, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and potential risks. Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any herbs or supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may have harmful side effects. It is also important to note that herbs and supplements should not be used as a substitute for conventional breast cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, which have been scientifically proven to be effective in treating the disease. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li style="text-align:justify">The use of herbs and vitamins in the treatment of breast cancer is still being studied. The primary purpose of supplements is to &quot;supplement&quot; an individual&#39;s overall diet, helping to fill any gaps in their nutrient intake.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Multiple animal studies have explored the use of herbs and supplements for the treatment of breast cancer. However, there is no proof that these can cure cancer.</li>
	<li style="text-align:justify">Patients should always consult with their healthcare provider before using any herbs or supplements.</li>
</ul>

[1] Onion and garlic use and human cancer1–3. Onion and Garlic Use and Human Cancer1–3 - ScienceDirect 2023.

[2] A case-control study of ginseng intake and cancer - PubMed. PubMed 1990.

[3] Chen WY, Colditz GA, Rosner B, Hankinson SE, Hunter DJ, Manson JE, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Speizer FE. Use of postmenopausal hormones, alcohol, and risk for invasive breast cancer. Annals of internal medicine. 2002 Nov 19;137(10):798-804.

[4] Tan KP, Chen J, Ward WE, Thompson LU. Mammary gland morphogenesis is enhanced by exposure to flaxseed or its major lignan during suckling in rats. Experimental Biology and Medicine. 2004 Feb;229(2):147-57.

[5] Craig WJ. Health-promoting properties of common herbs. The American journal of clinical nutrition. 1999 Sep 1;70(3):491s-9s.

[6] Lambert JD, Yang CS. Mechanisms of cancer prevention by tea constituents. The Journal of nutrition. 2003 Oct 1;133(10):3262S-7S.

[7] Keum YS, Park KK, Lee JM, Chun KS, Park JH, Lee SK, Kwon H, Surh YJ. Antioxidant and anti-tumor promoting activities of the methanol extract of heat-processed ginseng. Cancer letters. 2000 Mar 13;150(1):41-8.

[8] Rockwell S, Liu Y, Higgins SA. Alteration of the effects of cancer therapy agents on breast cancer cells by the herbal medicine black cohosh. Breast cancer research and treatment. 2005 Apr;90:233-9.

[9] Tamayo C, Richardson MA, Diamond S, Skoda I. The chemistry and biological activity of herbs used in Flor‐Essence™ herbal tonic and Essiac. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives. 2000 Feb;14(1):1-4.

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