Alternative Medicine: The Cure for Cancer

Alternative Medicine: The Cure for Cancer

For decades, alternative medicine (also known as complementary medicine) has been subjected to much speculation. Many scientists view this area of medicine as unsafe, but this view is primarily due to a lack of proper testing and personal bias. As we venture to find treatments for cancer that are more effective and with fewer related side effects, researchers are turning to herbal products. This literature review focuses on three such herbs, Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng), Convolvulus arvensis (bindweed), andEvodiae fructus (evodiamine) which have been found to be potent in their property of inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing capillaries (angiogenesis). This inhibition of angiogenesis is important in that it is correlated to the metastatic growth of cancer. Not only can herbs be valued for their possible eradication of tumors, but also for their use to decrease side effects associated with the progression of disease. Studies will also be reviewed on L-carnitine and Serenoa repens (saw palmetto). L-carnitine (commonly found in red meat) is an important cofactor involved with metabolism and has been shown to decrease cancer-related stress in patients. Additionally, Serenoa repens has been demonstrated to improve the quality of life for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).