Role of herbals in cancer management
Journal Title: The Journal of Phytopharmacology - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 6
Abstract
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.
Authors and Affiliations
Sanjar Alam, Deepti Katiyar, Richa Goel, Amita Vats, Ashu Mittal
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP49536
- DOI -
- Views 221
- Downloads 0
A comparative evaluation of Kumaun Himalayan Gymnosperms for their Antifungal potential against plant pathogenic fungi
Fungicidal activity of 10 ethnobotanically known Kumaun Himalayan gymnospermous plants namely Araucaria cunninghamii, Biota orientalis, Cedrus deodara, Cephalotaxus griffithi, Cryptomeria japonica Cupressus torulosa, G...
Possibility of potential herbal-drug interactions in elderly population
Medicines are variable in composition and quality, which may have an impact on their interaction profile still as a result of the reliability of reports regarding them. As such, the potential for herb-drug interactions...
In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of Garcinia indica fruit rind (Kokum) in rats
The aqueous extract of Garcinia indica fruit rind (GIE) was studied for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats. Wistar rats were orally administered GIE...
Understanding the role of quercetin during neurotoxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos
Organophosphate Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a pesticide, is widely used across the world to control worms and insects. It is highly toxic and causes neurobehavioral disorders. Naturally occurring compounds having polyphenols a...
Phytopharmacology of Indian plant Sesbania grandiflora L.
Sesbania grandiflora L. is an Indian medicinal plant which belongs to family Leguminosae. It is cultivated in south or west India in the ganga valley and in Bengal. The plant contains rich in tanins, flavonoides, couma...