Open AccessRole of herbals in cancer management
Author(s) -
Md. Sayem Alam,
Deepti Katiyar,
Richa Goel,
Amita Vats,
Ashu Mittal
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the journal of phytopharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-480X
DOI - 10.31254/phyto.2013.2608
Subject(s) - cancer , cancer cell , medicine , immune system , detoxification (alternative medicine) , traditional medicine , cancer treatment , pharmacology , chinese herbs , immunology , traditional chinese medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
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.