Assignment 156 Cornell
COURSE PROJECT
Boosting Immunity with Medicinal Plants
Instructions
In this project, you will connect information on how different types of plants affect the body and how they may be used to support or improve the functioning of particular body systems. First, you will choose plants that may provide protection from infections by helping the immune system or even directly affecting different types of pathogens. Then, you will examine some types of plants that may be useful in either preventing or treating cancer or in relieving the symptoms of existing cancer treatments. By completing this project, you will be better prepared to evaluate when and how these types of plants may be integrated into a personal health plan.
Except as indicated, use this document to record all your project work and responses to any questions. At a minimum you will need to turn in a digital copy of this document to your instructor as part of your project completion. You may also have additional supporting documents that you will need to submit. Your instructor will provide feedback to help you work through your findings
Note: Though your work will only be seen by those grading the course and will not be used or shared outside the course, you should take care to obscure any information you feel might be of a sensitive or confidential nature.
Complete each project part as you progress through the course. Wait to submit the project until all parts are complete. Begin your course project by completing Part One below. A submit button can be found on the final Course Project assignment page. Information about the grading rubric is available on any of the course project assignment pages online. Do not hesitate to contact your instructor if you have any questions about the project
Part One
Supporting the Immune System
The immune system is the body’s primary defense against invading organisms, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t benefit from the support of medicinal plants. In this module, you examined a variety of plants that can help to improve the functioning of the immune system, as well as act against some of the common parasites that can infect humans. For each of the questions below, demonstrate some key learnings from this course as you answer in the space provided, and, where appropriate, referring to plants that have been covered in the videos, readings, and other course documents.
1. When would you recommend someone add an adaptogenic plant to their health care regimen?
In this course, an adaptogenic is conceptually defined as a natural substance that helps the body adapt to stress. Etymologically and operationally defined I would say an adaptogenic “adapt-o-gen-ic” is something that helps in the process of adaptation by changing the genetic expression thus expression of certain substances (e.g. the compounds known as proteins) that would be either beneficial, non-beneficial or (exclusive or) irrelevant for the body to thrive in the environment. In this operational definition it could or (exclusive or) could not help the body with dealing with stress, which stress is also non-defined yet however I would only use this word physically when thus describing forces i.e., the acceleration of massed objects (mass characterized objects). However, I doubt doctor Friso would use it in this way only as I think she might also like to use this term for the conceptually defined concept of “mental stresses”.
Concluding I would in my previously mentioned operational definition recommend adaptogenic plants to someone to help them with the treatment of diseases which could be illnesses. However, I thus do not like to use the term adaptogenic plant because every food has an influence on gene expression which having of this knowledge renders the term adoptogenic useless when not comparing certain substances. You could however use the term when one food product significantly more changes the gene expression activity (downregulating or (exclusive or) upregulating) of a certain substance such as a protein more than another food product would, hence you could then say the one product is significantly more adaptogenic in expression activity than another food product.
2. Give three examples of adaptogenic plants used in traditional medicine and explain the mechanism of action for each.
In this course the following three examples of adaptogenic plants are given when adhering to the conceptual definition of doctor Friso.
Example 1 would be the at relatively high altitudes flourishing peruvian ginseng maca with binomial name lepidium meyenii which is categorizable as a member of the cabbage family (also called Brassicaceae family, Cruciferae family and cruciferous plant family) is possibly usable as:
> Its root is consumed in various ways, including as a vegetable and drunk as a tea [1].
> Maca roots are consumed cooked as a root vegetable, processed into flour for baking, in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement [1].
> The whole root, root powder, and liquid extract have been used for centuries by the native people of the Andes [1].
> In traditional medicine, maca is used as an immune stimulant adaptogenic to treat menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, unwanted symptoms of menopause, to increase sexual performance for infertility and strength and stamina [1].
> Studies have shown that maca may help to increase libido and improve athletic performance. It may also affect some hormone levels in the blood [1].
> Maca seems to modulate an immune response as well as have adaptogenic properties [1].
> In vitro experiments have shown that extracts of maca exhibit estrogenic activity as well antidepressant-like effects [1].
Considering action mechanisms, the main compounds that are contained within this product are phenolics, flavonoids, glucosinolates that contain sulfur responsible for the pungent smell of Brassicaceae family members and glycosides.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains the types of active compounds:
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains glucosinolates.
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains phenolics.
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains glycosides.
Considering negative effects, these include altered menstrual cycle, moodiness, cramps, gastritis, or insomnia [1].
Furthermore, maca extracts interact with anticoagulants and estrogens, so should not be taken by individuals with conditions which might be worsened by exposure of estrogen, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers [1].
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 would be the in hot wet areas and swampy soil (thus this plant can be found filling in the cracks in the pavement, lining wet ditches, and growing wildly around water pumps) flourishing gota kola plant (Gotu Kola derives from Sinhalese. “Gotu” meaning conical shape, and “Kola” meaning leaf, or the plant with a leaf of conical shape) bionomically named centella asiatica (also called brahmi, as Brahmi derives from “Brahman,” which translates into the energy of consciousness, the greatest of the great, and God-consciousness; Mandukaparni, Mandukaparni is the Sanskrit for “frog-leaved.”; and Tiger’s herb, the name "Tiger’s herb" is because it was believed that tigers would rub the plant to heal their wounds of which perhaps the legend retains some truth: the many terpenoids found in Centella asiatica have been associated with the management of dermatological conditions, including postoperative scarring.) is possibly usable as:
> the many terpenoids found in Centella asiatica have been associated with the management of dermatological conditions, including postoperative scarring [1].
> It is generally considered a whole-body tonic to increase longevity, improve cognitive function, and rejuvenate both the mind and the body [1].
> Gotu Kola has been used in traditional medicine as a replenishing herb for the nervous system to treat anxiety-related stress and various nervous disorders [1].
> it is described in the Shushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita, the two most authoritative ancient texts on Ayurvedic medicine, as a plant that can help to rejuvenate the body [1]. One passage says that it will “give a favorable turn to one’s fortune, impart a lotus-like bloom [to the cheeks] with perpetual youth, unparalleled intellectual faculties, and a life that would cover a period of three centuries of song and sunshine.”
> This plant has been a favorite of elephants for thousands of years and is believed to be linked to their famed long-term memories [1].
> The herb is also traditionally used in Tai-Chi to extend life [1].
> In Sri Lanka, there is a tale of a 10th-century king who claimed Gotu Kola provided the energy and stamina to satisfy his extensive harem [1].
> Gotu Kola is used by yogis in the Himalayas to develop the crown chakra and is used in tantric practices to prolong stamina [1].
> Both India and Africa have used this herb for generations to treat leprosy [1].
> In folklore, Centella asiatica is recognized as a powerful aphrodisiac used in love spells, in rituals to boost lifeforce, meditation, psychic practices, mental health, and concentration [1].
> Centella leaves are used in Indian, Burmese, and Sri Lankan cuisines and incorporated into a beverage in Thailand [1].
>In Sri Lanka, it is used to make “kola kenda,” which is like porridge [1].
> The leaves of Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) are used as an adaptogenic [1].
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 3 would be the vanilla-like flavored dried roots of the shrubby vine suma (also called "para tudo", which means "for all," because it has a reputation to cure all diseases; Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculate, Hebanthe eriantha) categorizable in the amaranthaceae family is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
> the roots have been used as traditional medicine and tonic for centuries [1].
> The dry root has a vanilla-like flavor that can be made into a very flavorful tea, or the powder root can be sprinkled on food or beverage [1].
>It's also found as liquid herbal extract and capsules from powder root [1].
> Suma is a key healing plant among South and Central American herbalists [1].
> It is known as immunostimulant adaptogen and tonic used to treat fatigue and stress [1].
> Suma is also used as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, to stimulate appetite and circulation, and antispasmodic [1].
> Suma is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and skin problems [1].
> Suma's primary uses are as an adaptogen and an immune system booster [1].
> Suma is considered safe for most people when it is taken by mouth for a short period of time [1].
The root contains many bioactive compounds including saponin, pfaffosides, glycosides, and terpenoids.
Considering negative effects, it can cause asthma symptoms if the root powder is inhaled. Because Suma is supposed to increase estrogen production, its use should be avoided in combination with estrogens.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 4 would be the roots of the thick fleshy leaved (which is an evolutionary biological adaptation preferable for surviving in dry climates) in high altitudes of the northern hemisphere and relatively dry climate flourishing perennial flowering perennial rhodiola rosea (also called “golden root” and “hong jing tiang”) which is categorizable in the crassulaceae stonecrop family is possible usable for
>rhodiola is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
>the roots are used in traditional medicine all over the world [1].
> It is generally considered an adaptogen, acting in a similar fashion as ginseng [1].
> In traditional medicine, Rhodiola root is prepared as a tea in the treatment of colds, anemia, fatigue, to enhance immune response, fertility, and sexual function [1].
> It is also available as tincture, capsule, or herbal supplements [1].
> Research suggests Rhodiola may support memory and focus, and help relieve symptoms of depression [1].
> Clinical trials have confirmed antidepressant activity of Rhodiola rosea roots and rhizomes in patients with mild to moderate depression [1].
> Rhodiola is used as an adaptogen and may also help to protect cells from damage, regulate heartbeat, and have the potential for improving learning and memory [1].
Considering the action mechanism, the roots of Rhodiola contain more than 140 known compounds, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. Its mechanism of action is partly attributed to the herb's ability to enhance the level of monoamines, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
> parts of golden root (Rhodiola rosea) is used as an adaptogen:
> The roots of golden root (Rhodiola rosea ) are used as an adaptogen.
>Rhodiola is possibly safe when taken short term. It might cause dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive saliva production. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Rhodiola is safe to use long term. Rhodiola might change how the body breaks down some medications. It interacts with medications changed by the liver, antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and medications for high blood pressure and immunosuppressants. Talk to your health care provider if taking any of these medications together with Rhodiola.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 5 would be the small woody shrub siberian ginseng bionominally named eleutherococcus senticosus (and also called devil's bush) which is by their character categorizable in the araliaceae plant family (which thus is in the same family as “true ginseng”) is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
>Siberian ginseng is primarily used in traditional medicine as adaptogen, and as a stimulant, increasing central nervous system function [1].
>Herbalists recommend the use of Siberian ginseng primarily as an adaptogen; a stimulant; an immune booster; an anti-inflammatory; to boost cognitive function; to help with diabetes; to boost athletic performance; reduce anxiety, stress, and fatigue; and for many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence supporting most of these claims [1].
>It might also contain chemicals that have activity against some bacteria and viruses [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active compounds are phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides. It contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones which chemicals is what is believed to create the adaptogenic benefits.
Considering safety, rare side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash. In high doses it might cause nervousness and anxiety. Interactions are reported with alcohol, digoxin, lithium, medications changed by the liver, medications for diabetes, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and sedatives. Its use should be avoided or closely monitored in combination with these compounds.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
3. Give three examples of plant-based remedies used in traditional medicine for their immune-stimulant properties, and explain the mechanism of action for each.
Example 1 would be the short-lived perennial in tropical regions growing vine plant gynostemma pentaphyllum (also called sweet divine, Jiaogulan, southern ginseng, sweet tea vine, and the herb of immortality which name is due to the possibly observed relatively long lifespan of those who consume it) categorizable in the gynostemma (about 90 species are categorizable this genus) categorizable in the cucurbitaceae family (also called the cucumber family since it is in the same family as the cucumber is categorizable in) is possibly usable for
>its leaves are used for tea [1].
> it is used in capsules, extracts, and supplements [1].
> it is as an adaptogen, antioxidant, hypotensive, immunostimulant, whole-body tonic and vasodilator [1].
> Research mostly from China and Japan has confirmed some of the therapeutic properties of Jiaogulan tea [1].
>Jiaogulan is an adaptogen, an antioxidant whose chemical compounds, mainly saponin, have properties similar to that of ginseng [1].
> The herb tea is valued for immune stimulation, antioxidant protection, and cardiovascular benefit [1].
>the tea reduces the negative effects of stress and has a normalizing effect on blood pressure [1].
> It is said that daily use of the tea may help increase the metabolism of fats, and may be used in a successful weight loss program [1].
> People commonly use Jiaogulan by mouth to strengthen the immune system for high cholesterol, diabetes, fever, disease, obesity, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence supporting most of these uses [1].
> Jiaogulan contains chemicals that may stimulate the immune system, work as an antioxidant, help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels in people with diabetes [1].
Considering the action modus is that the main active compounds are gypenosides, saponins, steroids, and flavonoids. And in terms of its key actions, it is considered an adaptogen, antioxidant, hypotensive, immunostimulant, whole-body tonic and vasodilator [1]. Jiaogulan is an adaptogen, an antioxidant whose chemical compounds, mainly saponin, have properties similar to that of ginseng [1].
In terms of negative effects, it is possibly safe when taken by mouth for short-term up to four months. In some people however, it may cause side effects such as severe nausea and increase bowel movement. Jiaogulan extracts interact with medications that decrease the immune system and with medications that slow blood clotting, so people should be cautious when combining these.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 would be the at relatively high altitudes flourishing peruvian ginseng maca with binomial name lepidium meyenii which is categorizable as a member of the cabbage family (also called brassicaceae family, Cruciferae family and cruciferous plant family) is possibly usable as:
> Its root is consumed in various ways, including as a vegetable and drunk as a tea [1].
> Maca roots are consumed cooked as a root vegetable, processed into flour for baking, in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement [1].
> The whole root, root powder, and liquid extract have been used for centuries by the native people of the Andes [1].
> In traditional medicine, maca is used as an immune stimulant adaptogenic to treat menstrual irregularities, female hormonal imbalances, unwanted symptoms of menopause, to increase sexual performance for infertility and strength and stamina [1].
> Studies have shown that maca may help to increase libido and improve athletic performance. It may also affect some hormone levels in the blood [1].
> Maca seems to modulate an immune response as well as have adaptogenic properties [1].
> In vitro experiments have shown that extracts of maca exhibit estrogenic activity as well antidepressant-like effects [1].
Considering action mechanisms, the main compounds that are contained within this product are phenolics, flavonoids, glucosinolates that contain sulfur responsible for the pungent smell of Brassicaceae family members and glycosides.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains the types of active compounds:
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains glucosinolates.
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains phenolics.
> Maca (Lepidium meyenii) contains glycosides.
Considering negative effects, these include altered menstrual cycle, moodiness, cramps, gastritis, or insomnia [1].
>Furthermore, maca extracts interact with anticoagulants and estrogens, so should not be taken by individuals with conditions which might be worsened by exposure of estrogen, including breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers [1].
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 3 would be the leaves, roots, and stems of the medium-sized annual plant green chireta bionominally named andrographis paniculate categorizable in the andrographis plant genus categorizable in the acanthaceae plant family (which is a large family of tropical herbs, shrubs, and vines) are possible usable as:
> The fresh and dried leaves or even the juice of the whole plant can be used as an immunobooster to treat colds, flu, fever, upper respiratory infections, liver disorders, and cases of general debility [1].
> Andrographis exhibits antibacterial, antihelminthic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, and immunostimulating properties [1].
> Either alone or in combination with other herbs, Andrographis has been shown to reduce duration and severity of upper respiratory infections, such as those associated with the common cold or the flu [1].
> Andrographis extract may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis [1].
> It also reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis [1].
> Green chireta also seems to be able to prevent influenza viruses from binding to cells in the body [1].
> Andrographis extract demonstrated inhibition of the calcium channel in the muscles, which caused smooth muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and relaxed the uterus [1].
> Andrographolides also demonstrate anticancer effects in preclinical studies [1].
> Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active [1].
Considering action mechanisms, it contains a variety of terpenoid lactones, primarily Andrographolide [1]. The Andrographolides found in green chireta exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it may activate an immune response by modulating cytokines, the signaling molecule of the immune system.
> However, patients should use caution before using the herb because it may interact with many drugs. Andrographis is likely safe when taken appropriately, but possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptom of autoimmune disease, so it should be avoided by people with autoimmune diseases. It may interact moderately with medication for high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and medication that slows blood clotting, like anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Its use should be monitored when combined with all these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 4 would be the vanilla-like flavored dried roots of the shrubby vine suma (also called "para tudo", which means "for all," because it has a reputation to cure all diseases; Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculate, Hebanthe eriantha) categorizable in the amaranthaceae family is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
> the roots have been used as traditional medicine and tonic for centuries [1].
> The dry root has a vanilla-like flavor that can be made into a very flavorful tea, or the powder root can be sprinkled on food or beverage [1].
>It's also found as liquid herbal extract and capsules from powder root [1].
> Suma is a key healing plant among South and Central American herbalists [1].
> It is known as immunostimulant adaptogen and tonic used to treat fatigue and stress [1].
> Suma is also used as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, to stimulate appetite and circulation, and antispasmodic [1].
> Suma is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and skin problems [1].
> Suma's primary uses are as an adaptogen and an immune system booster [1].
> Suma is considered safe for most people when it is taken by mouth for a short period of time [1].
The root contains many bioactive compounds including saponin, pfaffosides, glycosides, and terpenoids.
Considering negative effects, it can cause asthma symptoms if the root powder is inhaled. Because Suma is supposed to increase estrogen production, its use should be avoided in combination with estrogens.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 5 would be the roots of the thick fleshy leaved (which is an evolutionary biological adaptation preferable for surviving in dry climates) in high altitudes of the northern hemisphere and relatively dry climate flourishing perennial flowering perennial rhodiola rosea (also called “golden root” and “hong jing tiang”) which is categorizable in the crassulaceae stonecrop family is possible usable for
>rhodiola is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
>the roots are used in traditional medicine all over the world [1].
> It is generally considered an adaptogen, acting in a similar fashion as ginseng [1].
> In traditional medicine, Rhodiola root is prepared as a tea in the treatment of colds, anemia, fatigue, to enhance immune response, fertility, and sexual function [1].
> It is also available as tincture, capsule, or herbal supplements [1].
> Research suggests Rhodiola may support memory and focus, and help relieve symptoms of depression [1].
> Clinical trials have confirmed antidepressant activity of Rhodiola rosea roots and rhizomes in patients with mild to moderate depression [1].
> Rhodiola is used as an adaptogen and may also help to protect cells from damage, regulate heartbeat, and have the potential for improving learning and memory [1].
Considering the action mechanism, the roots of Rhodiola contain more than 140 known compounds, including terpenoids, phenolics, flavonoids, anthraquinones, and alkaloids. Its mechanism of action is partly attributed to the herb's ability to enhance the level of monoamines, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
> parts of golden root (Rhodiola rosea) is used as an adaptogen:
> The roots of golden root (Rhodiola rosea ) are used as an adaptogen.
>Rhodiola is possibly safe when taken short term. It might cause dizziness, dry mouth, or excessive saliva production. There isn't enough reliable information to know if Rhodiola is safe to use long term. Rhodiola might change how the body breaks down some medications. It interacts with medications changed by the liver, antidiabetic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and medications for high blood pressure and immunosuppressants. Talk to your health care provider if taking any of these medications together with Rhodiola.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 6 would be the small woody shrub siberian ginseng bionominally named eleutherococcus senticosus (and also called devil's bush) which is by their character categorizable in the araliaceae plant family (which thus is in the same family as “true ginseng”) is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
>Siberian ginseng is primarily used in traditional medicine as adaptogen, and as a stimulant, increasing central nervous system function [1].
>Herbalists recommend the use of Siberian ginseng primarily as an adaptogen; a stimulant; an immune booster; an anti-inflammatory; to boost cognitive function; to help with diabetes; to boost athletic performance; reduce anxiety, stress, and fatigue; and for many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence supporting most of these claims [1].
>It might also contain chemicals that have activity against some bacteria and viruses [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active compounds are phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides. It contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones which chemicals is what is believed to create the adaptogenic benefits.
Considering safety, rare side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash. In high doses it might cause nervousness and anxiety. Interactions are reported with alcohol, digoxin, lithium, medications changed by the liver, medications for diabetes, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and sedatives. Its use should be avoided or closely monitored in combination with these compounds.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
4. Give three examples of plant species used in traditional medicine to treat parasitic infections, and explain the mechanism of action for each.
Example 1 would be the medium height in the temperate regions of China growing annual plant artemisia annua (also called “sweet wormwood”, “sweet Annie”, “Qin Ghao” and “qinghao”) categorizable in the daisy asteraceae plant family is possible usable as:
>used like cinchona and Mamala as plant that help combat a number of parasitic diseases [1].
> Artemisia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years to treat fever, including those caused by malaria, as well as inflammation and other types of infections and parasites [1].
> It is sometimes applied directly to the skin for bacterial or fungal infections and for joint, muscle, or nerve pain [1].
> In modern Western medicine, artemisinin and its derivatives are FDA-approved, antimalarial drugs [1].
> It is also under investigation as a possible drug for cancer treatment since laboratory studies have shown some effects [1].
Considering its mechanism of action, all of the above-ground parts are rich in terpenoids (such as artemisinin) and flavonoids which are used. It is not completely understood how artemisinin kills the plasmodium parasite cells. It may have multiple modes of action. It seems to destroy the outer membrane of plasmodium cells by formation of free radicals (and other reactive oxygen species), and by relatively indiscriminately binding and inactivating enzymes involved in many of the parasites' key biochemical pathways.
> Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because 1) Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because it disrupts the outer membrane of the parasite and 2) Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because it interferes with the enzymes that the parasite uses.
Considering safety, it is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth. In some individuals, it can cause an allergic reaction. The tea of Sweet Annie might cause upset stomach and vomiting. Sweet Annie can interact with medications changed by the liver (including chemotherapeutic agents, etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine and vincristine, antifungals, glucocorticosteroids, and many others) and should not be used in combination with these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 would be the bark of the tree of the generally in tropical areas growing small tree plant mamala bionomially named homalanthus nutans is categorizable in the euphorbiaceae spurge plant family possible usable as:
>used like cinchona and Artemisia as plant that help combat a number of parasitic diseases [1].
> It contains components that scientists are discovering are useful in the fight against cancer and HIV [1].
>it is used by Samoan healers to treat hepatitis, jaundice, and yellow fever (an acute viral disease transmitted by impacted mosquitoes) [1].
> Research has indicated that the chemical from the bark, called prostratin, has strong antiviral activity [1].
> It has in-vitro activity against HIV and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of HIV [1].
> Prostatin is also currently being investigated for therapeutic potential against other diseases including cancer and Alzheimer's disease [1].
Considering the action modus, the bark of the tree contains many terpenoids, including the terpenoid prostratin. Research shows that prostratin is a protein kinase C inhibitor and could flush viral reservoirs in latently infected T-cells. In other words, it could remove the infection hiding in the immune cells while preventing healthy cells from infection. Since it is a modulator of protein kinase C, also known as PKC, prostratin has the potential to be a treatment for cancer. In fact, PKC is a family of molecules that regulate growth factor response, such as proliferation and apoptosis in cells, and therefore target highly proliferative cells like cancer cells.
Considering safety, although prostratin in mamala tree extracts has long been used by traditional Samoan healers without their patients experiencing any significant side effects, taking purified prostratin can cause various undesirable effects including diarrhea, stomach pain, and others.
Furthermore, not much is known in terms of interaction. Mamala extract may interfere with over-the-counter antacids or acid-reducing agents, medication changed by the liver, and other medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 3 would be the at relatively high altitudes growing tree plant cinchona officinalis Linnaeus (also called jesuit's bark which common name comes from the fact that the Jesuit missionaries brought the plant to Europe in the 1500s after learning about the healing properties from the native peoples, the Jesuit priests prepared a concoction made with the tree's bark and mixed it with clove and rose-leaf syrups and other dried plants; and called Peruvian bark, red bark, Jesuits' powder, and “Fever Tree” since Father Calancha, a priest living in South America, wrote in his book Chronicles of Moral Order of Saint Augustine in Peru that a concoction of the bark of the Fever Tree, using an amount weighing the same as two small silver coins, from the Loja region of Ecuador would cure malaria when drunk.”) is categorizable in the genus Cinchona (Linnaeus named the genus after the Countess of Chinchon. She was the wife of a viceroy of Peru, and she was treated with the bark in 1638) which is categorizable in the rubiaceae coffee family and is usable as:
> as a source of quinine (The word quinine comes from the Peruvian ghina or quina-quina) [1].
> Cinchona was used in traditional medicine for centuries by the Quechuas people of South America to reduce fever and as a muscle relaxant [1].
> The Quechuas people of South America mix the ground bark of cinchona trees with sweetened water to offset the bark's bitter taste, producing something resembling the taste of tonic water [1].
> In Western medicine, purified quinine and semi derivatives, such as chloroquine and mefloquine are used to treat malaria, fevers, and leg cramps caused by vascular spasm [1].
> Cinchona is also under investigation for cancer treatment since laboratory studies have shown some effects [1].
> Cinchona is used in eye lotions to numb pain, kill germs, and as an astringent [1].
> Cinchona extract is also applied to the skin for hemorrhoids, ulcers, stimulating hair growth, and managing varicose veins [1].
> In foods, quinine from cinchona is used as a bitter flavoring in tonic water and alcoholic beverages [1].
> Cinchona bark contains quinine, an FDA-approved medicine used to treat malaria [1].
> Cinchona also contains quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat heart palpitations and arrhythmias [1].
> has historically been a remedy for all forms of malaria [1].
> It was used by the Quechuas, the Cañari, and the Chimú indigenous communities of South America to reduce fever, treat malaria, and as a muscle relaxant [1].
> the Quechuas, the Cañari, and the Chimú indigenous communities of South America mixed the ground bark with sweetened water to counterbalance the bark's bitter taste, producing a drink similar in taste to tonic water.
>it is used to treat malaria. Malaria or “mal aria ” (“bad air” in Italian) was once even more widespread than it is now. It has killed millions of people in the 20th Century. According to the World Health Organization, almost half of the world’s population still lives in areas where the disease is transmitted. But in the 17th Century, the first cure for malaria finally arrived from the Andes. For three centuries, quinine was the only effective remedy for malaria. Because of the high demand for cinchona bark, people carelessly cut down the trees without replanting. In 1865 , even though the export of either trees or seeds was prohibited, Charles Ledger stole seeds of a relatively potent Bolivian species, now called Cinchona ledgeriana, and carried them to London. Shortly after that, the Dutch government bought some of the seeds and started cultivating cinchona trees on the island of Java to try to monopolize the world production of quinine. This is a historical case of biopiracy during European colonialism, which made European countries powerful economically and politically in the world scene. European nations never compensated the native people of South America for sharing their knowledge and natural resources.
Quinine, the main active compound in cinchona, is now chemically synthesized. Different chemical variants of quinine, called derivatives, such as chloroquine and mefloquine, are also used. The primary use of quinine is to treat malaria and its associated symptoms. We now know that malaria is caused by parasites that enter the blood through bites by infected mosquitoes. After maturing in the liver, the parasites enter the red blood cells, where they replicate, causing high fever and spreading throughout the body.
As mentioned earlier, quinine is the source of the bitter taste in tonic water. The drink gin and tonic was created in British colonial India when the British people would mix their medicinal quinine tonic with gin. At that time, British soldiers in tropical regions were often treated with quinine pills to prevent malaria. To disguise its bitter flavor, quinine was mixed with sweet sparkling water.
“Is Your Cocktail Making You Sick?” is the title of a 2017 New York Times article reporting a rare case where sudden allergic reactions can occur in individuals, causing anemia, intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, liver toxicity, neurological abnormalities, and damage to other major organs as well. “This individual was on her death bed until one doctor recognized the similarity of symptoms.” Some people can develop severe allergies to quinine over time, a type of autoimmune response.
“…In some people, the quinine molecule can wedge itself into antibodies, altering them in a way that tremendously increases the tendency of the antibodies to harm the blood vessels… Moreover, since quinine use is often self-regulated or introduced in beverages and cocktails, patients may not mention it in response to direct questions about medication use, adding to diagnostic difficulty…The damaged vessels set off a cascade of destructive bleeding and clotting…There is no way to predict who might develop the allergy. But once people have one reaction, it is sure to happen again if they are exposed to quinine, so they have to avoid it for life. Even a minute amount can trigger a life-threatening reaction.”
The bark of the tree contains many alkaloids, including the alkaloid quinine. There are other plants that also produce quinine, but cinchona was the first one discovered. Cinchona bark contains quinine, an FDA-approved medicine used to treat malaria. It probably works by interfering with the growth of the parasites in the red blood cells of the human body and disrupting the parasites' reproduction. Cinchona also contains quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat heart palpitations and arrhythmias.
Considering negative effects, it (Cinchona) is probably unsafe in large quantities and can be deadly. Symptoms of overdose include ringing of the ears, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vision disturbances. Cinchona can also cause bleeding and allergic reactions. Cinchona bark interacts with medications that slow blood clotting (such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets), with quinine and derivatives, quinidine, and many other medications, and should not be taken in combination with these compounds.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
5. Select one plant species from the ‘Additional Plants to Help the Immune System’ tool that could be beneficial for an individual who has contracted a viral infection. Explain why you would recommend that particular plant, including the major safety considerations that the individual should be aware of and the mode of action of the compounds that have the beneficial effects. You should refer back to the ‘Resources for Evaluating Herbal Supplements’ tool from the first course in this series to find more information about the plants.
If I have to select a plant species from the ‘Additional Plants to Help the Immune System’ tool that could be beneficial for an individual who has contracted a viral infection it could be the flowering perennial plants in the astragalus genus (including the species such as e.g. astrolagus membranaceus (also known as “huang qi”, “yellow leader”, “yellow ladder” which name comes from the plant's brightly-colored roots, and astrolagus propinquus) categorizable in the fabaceae bean family are possible usable for:
> traditional Chinese medicine as it is considered prominent in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> It is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> Astragalus roots have being used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, similar to ginseng as a tonic for fatigue, lack of appetite, as an immunostimulant or adaptogen, a digestive, for cancer prevention, for longevity, and many other purposes [1].
> Astragalus roots are available as extracts, tea, capsules, and supplements [1].
> It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [1].
> It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body [1].
> Recent studies show that giving Astragalus intravenously or using Chinese herbal mixture containing astragalus might reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it has helped cancer patients with weakened immune systems [1].
Considering mechanisms of action, the roots contain terpenoids and glycosides such as atragalocytes and flavonoids. It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
However, to add on it really depends on what virus and what the viral infection is like.
This is not specified for the plants in the additional plants tool and also not in the question of which I think it is of utmost importance to address because viruses are different meaning that they are not the same thing and thus a viral infection is not treatable with one simple solution but it should be carefully considered how to treat a certain specified viral infection of a certain viral in a certain area in a certain organism such as a human animal.
For example, for respiratory viral infections or preventative thereof I would like to share information about the kiwi fruit with you as I know it might also be helpful for the immune system. I put all the information I know so far about it in the following substantiated text:
Chinese gooseberry kiwifruit actinidia continual meta-analysis
Eindhoven
Publication date first version: 12 January 2022
Publication date last version: 13 January 2022
Author: Rody Mens - r.w.mens@student.tue.nl
Citation: Mens RW. 12 January 2022. Chinese gooseberry kiwi fruit actinidia continual meta-analysis; https://www.nutritionfactsnederlands.nl/videoscript/2022/1/12/kiwi-fruit ; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357780798_kiwi_fruit_ENGLISH; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357780908_Kiwi_fruit_Dutch
Some keywords: Chinese kruisbes; actinidia chinensis; Hort16A; Zespri gold; Actinidiaceae; luchtweginfecties; hoofdcongestie; keelpijn; congestie; DNA-schade; DNA-damage; prikkelbaredarmsyndroom; IBS; Chinese gooseberry; sore throat; head congestion; upper respiratory tract infection; sick; ziek; irritable bowel syndrome.
Summary: Chinese gooseberry kiwi fruit actinidia could possibly help as nutrition for immunity, as nutrition for the respiratory system, as nutrition for improving sleep, and as nutrition for the gastro-intestinal tract.
Kiwi fruit [SOURCES BELOW]
The Chinese gooseberry kiwi fruit actinidia (which is edible and recommended to eat with the skin on because just under the skin are most of the antioxidant phytonutrients, the golden kiwi discussed below is non-haired and smooth-skinned which makes this easier), especially the diploïd female yellow-brown colored golden kiwi fruit of the kiwi-fruit plant actinidia chinensis ‘Hort16A’ variety (also called Zespri gold) categorizable in the genus actinidia in the family actinidiaceae helps as nutrition for immunity and as nutrition for the respiratory system with the common cold flu-like symptoms because it extremely significantly improves immune system function reducing the severity and the duration of certain upper respiratory tract infection symptoms such as the severity and the duration of head congestion, and the duration of sore throat [1]. It also makes people significantly less susceptible to respiratory infections meaning not only significantly improving the symptoms of those that got sick, but fewer people on kiwi fruit get sick in the first place, as compared with the control group. Those in the banana control group who got an upper-respiratory-tract infection suffered for about 5 (five) days with a sore throat and congestion, compared to the kiwifruit eaters who felt better after just a day or 2 (two) [2].
It also helps as nutrition for sleep improvement because it significantly improves sleep onset, duration, and efficiency using both subjective and objective measurements [4].
It also helps as nutrition for immunity and as nutrition for cancer treatment because it significantly helps preventative against DNA damage because of the phytonutrient antioxidants it contains [5] and it furthermore also significantly helps against oxidative DNA damage by upregulating the production our DNA restorative repair enzymes [6].
It also significantly helps as nutrition for the gastro-intestinal tract with irritable bowel syndrome IBS from which on average about 10-20 [%] of people suffer. 2 (two) kiwifruits a day seem to significantly improve bowel function in people having irritable bowel syndrome with constipation by shortening colon transit time, increasing defecation frequency and improving bowel function without deleterious effects on psychological functioning which are prevalent with the use of tegaserod (also called zelnorm and zelmac) which was the most frequently prescribed means for irritable bowel until it was pulled from the market by the U.S.A. government’s FDA in 2007 out of concern it was killing people by increasing risk of heart attack and stroke [8].
However, care should be taken with consumption because kiwi allergy is a very prevalent allergy because on average about 1 (one) in 130 people may be allergic to kiwifruit, which may rank kiwis as the third-most common food allergen second only to milk and eggs [3].
Source references:
[1] Hunter DC, Skinner MA, Wolber FM, Booth CL, Loh JM, Wohlers M, Stevenson LM, Kruger MC. Consumption of gold kiwifruit reduces severity and duration of selected upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and increases plasma vitamin C concentration in healthy older adults. Br J Nutr. 2012 Oct;108(7):1235-45. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511006659. Epub 2011 Dec 15. PMID: 22172428. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22172428/ ; https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/consumption-of-gold-kiwifruit-reduces-severity-and-duration-of-selected-upper-respiratory-tract-infection-symptoms-and-increases-plasma-vitamin-c-concentration-in-healthy-older-adults/21FADFCDA9B1CE84BF9FE2476B1A2AC4
[2] Skinner, M.A. (2012) "Wellness foods based on the health benefits of fruit: Gold kiwifruit for immune support and reducing symptoms of colds and influenza," Journal of Food and Drug Analysis: Vol. 20 : Iss. 1 , Article 29. Available at: https://doi.org/10.38212/2224-6614.2095
[3] Rancé F, Grandmottet X, Grandjean H. Prevalence and main characteristics of schoolchildren diagnosed with food allergies in France. Clin Exp Allergy. 2005 Feb;35(2):167-72. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02162.x. PMID: 15725187. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15725187/ ; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02162.x
[4] Lin HH, Tsai PS, Fang SC, Liu JF. Effect of kiwifruit consumption on sleep quality in adults with sleep problems. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2011;20(2):169-74. PMID: 21669584. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21669584/ ; https://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/20/2/169.pdf
[5] Collins AR, Harrington V, Drew J, Melvin R. Nutritional modulation of DNA repair in a human intervention study. Carcinogenesis. 2003 Mar; 24(3):511-5. https://watermark.silverchair.com/0240511.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAsswggLHBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggK4MIICtAIBADCCAq0GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMHiuzMTVd80SeRqfYAgEQgIICfllGeZG-KsZA4XPeMDx8VlhhNlGQKm2-FPD_dJ12g3I83NO_xNeI1P4O54_AZ50T01g_BTXaUvctyVOMcpRrspcVLnYLz8aGajO03U9vN5AiwiQubhmHixcKRhISTCeuGg7jsKo0t2GPbuMoLwtoWH1xjZWDF-ISr4NAPq1ILLUAMMIvHEGtHxvB8u2U0rbtIixZkpr9llgL4L5rKI2DBNMmSqLVbAnwmpJp6988lIgg622fvTbAk5C-yieH6NSMYOyoysFCBGODrFcsqEgO36jK2vmYitWG1NzL98-_1iePjCdJXcYdkw4bco1pEIXrzJUWYjH89zcTuvSINN2Ym3SRS08qXRDAdpcC335LmHmO-Kdcn3NXAaIuf7bWug1I-q7xUpLbjPHmvVwXbN6FEb0VHaXnQu1xxnxL_UMtza1POv9Dlu31v0nac7khV7AYiUPrPSXD6Nw9ZBpi2hqnYS9ln96RNzieO5Y3BYkHnTq0B5kdwPwaJKtFvJm9_vduObN1j4OoU1tYBwp2RsiAuj2llyj0L5MffUheMTu_5UR_3ENAbN5uhZZOn8FVZFdZOKW4NyCyxzc1i5cmR2JvvS5QnkAyCsS-c9tyPWuM9X_mcyCUTLSjja7yjSA4HZFPEzkwlsD63sqTTr9RsDNQ-WHq-7h1RgQxCN1sMLs42EpGvATUIW4_dSSUpD6oeQn4tP9o8HkAHX6DiiSa4IHEXnLdlRP2Ak7DMjad45944gDxSdD7HGl10p8-OLrb1BjzokxpYu3p4cH4gkB1CbXFugqaU-a2e70pzvRWJVrlxQWIG1IUwRP6up_01JK9xeIxa6EnjpeMfWR9WLieY17-
[6] Bøhn SK, Myhrstad MC, Thoresen M, Holden M, Karlsen A, Tunheim SH, Erlund I, Svendsen M, Seljeflot I, Moskaug JO, Duttaroy AK, Laake P, Arnesen H, Tonstad S, Collins A, Drevon CA, Blomhoff R. Blood cell gene expression associated with cellular stress defense is modulated by antioxidant-rich food in a randomised controlled clinical trial of male smokers. BMC Med. 2010 Sep 16; 8:54. https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/1741-7015-8-54.pdf
[7] Hammerle CW, Surawicz CM. Updates on treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2008 May 7; 14(17):2639-49. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2709043/pdf/WJG-14-2639.pdf
[8] Chang CC, Lin YT, Lu YT, Liu YS, Liu JF. Kiwifruit improves bowel function in patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2010;19(4):451-7. PMID: 21147704. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21147704/ ; https://apjcn.nhri.org.tw/server/APJCN/19/4/451.pdf
Part Two
Preventing or Treating Cancer With Plants
One of the diseases that many people are concerned about are the many different types of cancers. However, as you examined the variety of plants in this module, you are now aware of how plant-based medicines can be used to both treat and potentially prevent this type of illness. The crossover from traditional medicine to western medicine is both well documented and continuing to expand. For each of the questions below, demonstrate some key learnings from this course as you answer in the space provided, and, where appropriate, referring to plants that have been covered in the videos, readings, and other course documents.
1. Give three examples of plant species used in traditional medicine in cancer prevention and explain the mechanism of action for each.
Example 1 would be the leaves, roots, and stems of the medium-sized annual plant green chireta bionominally named andrographis paniculate categorizable in the andrographis plant genus categorizable in the acanthaceae plant family (which is a large family of tropical herbs, shrubs, and vines) are possible usable as:
> The fresh and dried leaves or even the juice of the whole plant can be used as an immunobooster to treat colds, flu, fever, upper respiratory infections, liver disorders, and cases of general debility [1].
> Andrographis exhibits antibacterial, antihelminthic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antispasmodic, and immunostimulating properties [1].
> Either alone or in combination with other herbs, Andrographis has been shown to reduce duration and severity of upper respiratory infections, such as those associated with the common cold or the flu [1].
> Andrographis extract may benefit patients with ulcerative colitis [1].
> It also reduces symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis [1].
> Green chireta also seems to be able to prevent influenza viruses from binding to cells in the body [1].
> Andrographis extract demonstrated inhibition of the calcium channel in the muscles, which caused smooth muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure and heart rate, and relaxed the uterus [1].
> Andrographolides also demonstrate anticancer effects in preclinical studies [1].
> Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active [1].
Considering action mechanisms, it contains a variety of terpenoid lactones, primarily Andrographolide [1]. The Andrographolides found in green chireta exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, it may activate an immune response by modulating cytokines, the signaling molecule of the immune system.
> However, patients should use caution before using the herb because it may interact with many drugs. Andrographis is likely safe when taken appropriately, but possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Andrographis might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptom of autoimmune disease, so it should be avoided by people with autoimmune diseases. It may interact moderately with medication for high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and medication that slows blood clotting, like anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. Its use should be monitored when combined with all these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 would be the vanilla-like flavored dried roots of the shrubby vine suma (also called "para tudo", which means "for all," because it has a reputation to cure all diseases; Brazilian ginseng, Pfaffia paniculate, Hebanthe eriantha) categorizable in the amaranthaceae family is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
> the roots have been used as traditional medicine and tonic for centuries [1].
> The dry root has a vanilla-like flavor that can be made into a very flavorful tea, or the powder root can be sprinkled on food or beverage [1].
>It's also found as liquid herbal extract and capsules from powder root [1].
> Suma is a key healing plant among South and Central American herbalists [1].
> It is known as immunostimulant adaptogen and tonic used to treat fatigue and stress [1].
> Suma is also used as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, to stimulate appetite and circulation, and antispasmodic [1].
> Suma is sometimes applied directly to the skin for wounds and skin problems [1].
> Suma's primary uses are as an adaptogen and an immune system booster [1].
> Suma is considered safe for most people when it is taken by mouth for a short period of time [1].
The root contains many bioactive compounds including saponin, pfaffosides, glycosides, and terpenoids.
Considering negative effects, it can cause asthma symptoms if the root powder is inhaled. Because Suma is supposed to increase estrogen production, its use should be avoided in combination with estrogens.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 3 would be the at relatively high altitudes growing tree plant cinchona officinalis Linnaeus (also called jesuit's bark which common name comes from the fact that the Jesuit missionaries brought the plant to Europe in the 1500s after learning about the healing properties from the native peoples, the Jesuit priests prepared a concoction made with the tree's bark and mixed it with clove and rose-leaf syrups and other dried plants; and called Peruvian bark, red bark, Jesuits' powder, and “Fever Tree” since Father Calancha, a priest living in South America, wrote in his book Chronicles of Moral Order of Saint Augustine in Peru that a concoction of the bark of the Fever Tree, using an amount weighing the same as two small silver coins, from the Loja region of Ecuador would cure malaria when drunk.”) is categorizable in the genus Cinchona (Linnaeus named the genus after the Countess of Chinchon. She was the wife of a viceroy of Peru, and she was treated with the bark in 1638) which is categorizable in the rubiaceae coffee family and is usable as:
> as a source of quinine (The word quinine comes from the Peruvian ghina or quina-quina) [1].
> Cinchona was used in traditional medicine for centuries by the Quechuas people of South America to reduce fever and as a muscle relaxant [1].
> The Quechuas people of South America mix the ground bark of cinchona trees with sweetened water to offset the bark's bitter taste, producing something resembling the taste of tonic water [1].
> In Western medicine, purified quinine and semi derivatives, such as chloroquine and mefloquine are used to treat malaria, fevers, and leg cramps caused by vascular spasm [1].
> Cinchona is also under investigation for cancer treatment since laboratory studies have shown some effects [1].
> Cinchona is used in eye lotions to numb pain, kill germs, and as an astringent [1].
> Cinchona extract is also applied to the skin for hemorrhoids, ulcers, stimulating hair growth, and managing varicose veins [1].
> In foods, quinine from cinchona is used as a bitter flavoring in tonic water and alcoholic beverages [1].
> Cinchona bark contains quinine, an FDA-approved medicine used to treat malaria [1].
> Cinchona also contains quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat heart palpitations and arrhythmias [1].
> has historically been a remedy for all forms of malaria [1].
> It was used by the Quechuas, the Cañari, and the Chimú indigenous communities of South America to reduce fever, treat malaria, and as a muscle relaxant [1].
> the Quechuas, the Cañari, and the Chimú indigenous communities of South America mixed the ground bark with sweetened water to counterbalance the bark's bitter taste, producing a drink similar in taste to tonic water.
>it is used to treat malaria. Malaria or “mal aria ” (“bad air” in Italian) was once even more widespread than it is now. It has killed millions of people in the 20th Century. According to the World Health Organization, almost half of the world’s population still lives in areas where the disease is transmitted. But in the 17th Century, the first cure for malaria finally arrived from the Andes. For three centuries, quinine was the only effective remedy for malaria. Because of the high demand for cinchona bark, people carelessly cut down the trees without replanting. In 1865 , even though the export of either trees or seeds was prohibited, Charles Ledger stole seeds of a relatively potent Bolivian species, now called Cinchona ledgeriana, and carried them to London. Shortly after that, the Dutch government bought some of the seeds and started cultivating cinchona trees on the island of Java to try to monopolize the world production of quinine. This is a historical case of biopiracy during European colonialism, which made European countries powerful economically and politically in the world scene. European nations never compensated the native people of South America for sharing their knowledge and natural resources.
Quinine, the main active compound in cinchona, is now chemically synthesized. Different chemical variants of quinine, called derivatives, such as chloroquine and mefloquine, are also used. The primary use of quinine is to treat malaria and its associated symptoms. We now know that malaria is caused by parasites that enter the blood through bites by infected mosquitoes. After maturing in the liver, the parasites enter the red blood cells, where they replicate, causing high fever and spreading throughout the body.
As mentioned earlier, quinine is the source of the bitter taste in tonic water. The drink gin and tonic was created in British colonial India when the British people would mix their medicinal quinine tonic with gin. At that time, British soldiers in tropical regions were often treated with quinine pills to prevent malaria. To disguise its bitter flavor, quinine was mixed with sweet sparkling water.
“Is Your Cocktail Making You Sick?” is the title of a 2017 New York Times article reporting a rare case where sudden allergic reactions can occur in individuals, causing anemia, intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, liver toxicity, neurological abnormalities, and damage to other major organs as well. “This individual was on her death bed until one doctor recognized the similarity of symptoms.” Some people can develop severe allergies to quinine over time, a type of autoimmune response.
“…In some people, the quinine molecule can wedge itself into antibodies, altering them in a way that tremendously increases the tendency of the antibodies to harm the blood vessels… Moreover, since quinine use is often self-regulated or introduced in beverages and cocktails, patients may not mention it in response to direct questions about medication use, adding to diagnostic difficulty…The damaged vessels set off a cascade of destructive bleeding and clotting…There is no way to predict who might develop the allergy. But once people have one reaction, it is sure to happen again if they are exposed to quinine, so they have to avoid it for life. Even a minute amount can trigger a life-threatening reaction.”
The bark of the tree contains many alkaloids, including the alkaloid quinine. There are other plants that also produce quinine, but cinchona was the first one discovered. Cinchona bark contains quinine, an FDA-approved medicine used to treat malaria. It probably works by interfering with the growth of the parasites in the red blood cells of the human body and disrupting the parasites' reproduction. Cinchona also contains quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat heart palpitations and arrhythmias.
Considering negative effects, it (Cinchona) is probably unsafe in large quantities and can be deadly. Symptoms of overdose include ringing of the ears, headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vision disturbances. Cinchona can also cause bleeding and allergic reactions. Cinchona bark interacts with medications that slow blood clotting (such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets), with quinine and derivatives, quinidine, and many other medications, and should not be taken in combination with these compounds.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 4 would be the medium height in the temperate regions of China growing annual plant artemisia annua (also called “sweet wormwood”, “sweet Annie”, “Qin Ghao” and “qinghao”) categorizable in the daisy asteraceae plant family is possible usable as:
>used like cinchona and Mamala as plant that help combat a number of parasitic diseases [1].
> Artemisia has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years to treat fever, including those caused by malaria, as well as inflammation and other types of infections and parasites [1].
> It is sometimes applied directly to the skin for bacterial or fungal infections and for joint, muscle, or nerve pain [1].
> In modern Western medicine, artemisinin and its derivatives are FDA-approved, antimalarial drugs [1].
> It is also under investigation as a possible drug for cancer treatment since laboratory studies have shown some effects [1].
Considering its mechanism of action, all of the above-ground parts are rich in terpenoids (such as artemisinin) and flavonoids which are used. It is not completely understood how artemisinin kills the plasmodium parasite cells. It may have multiple modes of action. It seems to destroy the outer membrane of plasmodium cells by formation of free radicals (and other reactive oxygen species), and by relatively indiscriminately binding and inactivating enzymes involved in many of the parasites' key biochemical pathways.
> Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because 1) Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because it disrupts the outer membrane of the parasite and 2) Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) seems to have effects against plasmodium infection because it interferes with the enzymes that the parasite uses.
Considering safety, it is possibly safe for most adults when taken by mouth. In some individuals, it can cause an allergic reaction. The tea of Sweet Annie might cause upset stomach and vomiting. Sweet Annie can interact with medications changed by the liver (including chemotherapeutic agents, etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine and vincristine, antifungals, glucocorticosteroids, and many others) and should not be used in combination with these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 5 would be the bark of the tree of the generally in tropical areas growing small tree plant mamala bionomially named homalanthus nutans is categorizable in the euphorbiaceae spurge plant family possible usable as:
>used like cinchona and Artemisia as plant that help combat a number of parasitic diseases [1].
> It contains components that scientists are discovering are useful in the fight against cancer and HIV [1].
>it is used by Samoan healers to treat hepatitis, jaundice, and yellow fever (an acute viral disease transmitted by impacted mosquitoes) [1].
> Research has indicated that the chemical from the bark, called prostratin, has strong antiviral activity [1].
> It has in-vitro activity against HIV and is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of HIV [1].
> Prostatin is also currently being investigated for therapeutic potential against other diseases including cancer and Alzheimer's disease [1].
Considering the action modus, the bark of the tree contains many terpenoids, including the terpenoid prostratin. Research shows that prostratin is a protein kinase C inhibitor and could flush viral reservoirs in latently infected T-cells. In other words, it could remove the infection hiding in the immune cells while preventing healthy cells from infection. Since it is a modulator of protein kinase C, also known as PKC, prostratin has the potential to be a treatment for cancer. In fact, PKC is a family of molecules that regulate growth factor response, such as proliferation and apoptosis in cells, and therefore target highly proliferative cells like cancer cells.
Considering safety, although prostratin in mamala tree extracts has long been used by traditional Samoan healers without their patients experiencing any significant side effects, taking purified prostratin can cause various undesirable effects including diarrhea, stomach pain, and others.
Furthermore, not much is known in terms of interaction. Mamala extract may interfere with over-the-counter antacids or acid-reducing agents, medication changed by the liver, and other medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 6 would be the sprouts and other parts of the in relatively temperate zones flourishing short perennial herb plant alfalfa medicago sativa (also called “lucerne”, and “mu-su” in traditional Chinese medicine after alfalfa was introduced to China from Persia) categorizable in the fabaceae bean family (which alfalfa can but should not be mistaken for clover which is categorizable as member of the same plant family) are possible usable for:
> it has qualities that may help prevent cancer [1].
> Is currently in 2021 most commonly used as cattle fodder [1].
> It has been cultivated as livestock food since ancient times, probably originating in Iran, and spreading more widely during ancient Greece and Rome [1].
> In addition to be livestock food, the leaves, sprouts, and seeds are used “medicinally” [1].
> The sprouts are also a popular food in Asia [1].
> Alfalfa can be taken in capsults or eaten as fresh raw sprouts, after rinsing it thoroughly to remove mold [1].
>it is used as long ago as the Han Dynasty which is thus since more than 2000 years ago [1].
> Rather than being recommended as primary treatment for specific conditions, one of its most common uses in Chinese medicine is as a tonic herb, one that can support health by nourishing the body [1]. Because of this, it has been said to help in cancer prevention [1]. Evidence of its cancer preventive effects in humans is, however, not conclusive [1].
> The saponins contained in alfalfa act on the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems, making it a whole body treatment that is used to help restore and invigorate systems in the body or to promote general health and well-being [1].
> Alfalfa is also of special interest to women because of its estrogenic activity [1].
> Alfalfa is believed to strengthen digestion and stimulate appetite, treat ulcers, diabetes, and high cholesterol, promote urination, relieve asthma and high fever, relieve menstrual disorders and increase lactation, and more [1].
Considering possible mechanisms of action, the main active compounds in alfalfa are glycosides saponins, estrogens, and phenolics. The saponins contained in alfalfa act on the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems, making it a whole body treatment that is used to help restore and invigorate systems in the body or to promote general health and well-being [1].
Considering safety, because alfalfa is a source of phytoestrogen, grazing on alfalfa during breeding can cause temporary reduced fertility in sheep, similarly to red clover, which is also part of the Fabaceae family. Commonly reported negative effects of taking alfalfa include increase of fecal volume and defecation frequency, loose stools, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and intestinal gas. Due to high content of purines, alfalfa should be avoided in patients with gout. Because it's rich in phytoestrogens, it should not be consumed during pregnancy and nursing or in combination with estrogens or diuretics. Alfalfa may also increase serum urate and urea levels.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
However, considering alfalfa, if I look at if there is any strong scientific evidence for the traditional medicinal uses of a plant and at the potential issues, I do foresee with trying to validate the traditional uses the following points of concern:
The sprouts (and possibly other parts) of the in relatively temperate zones flourishing short perennial herb plant alfalfa medicago sativa (also called “lucerne”, and “mu-su” in traditional Chinese medicine after alfalfa was introduced to China from Persia) categorizable in the fabaceae bean family (which alfalfa can but should not be mistaken for clover which is categorizable as member of the same plant family) is a plant of which, according to doctor Friso, its most common uses in Chinese medicine is as a tonic herb, and thus one that can support health by nourishing the body [1]. This could be because the saponins contained in alfalfa may act on the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems, which then could be making it a whole-body treatment that is used to help restore and invigorate systems in the body or to promote general health and well-being [1].
However, I currently cannot recommend alfalfa since it could be harmful for your human body because it poses a risk to your body of food poisoning possibly leading to escherichia coli bacterial or (non-exclusive or) salmonella bacterial food poisoning which is why the American Dietetic Association ADA, Food and Drug Administration FDA and Centers for Disease Control CDC do not recommend eating alfalfa sprouts [3]. From getting salmonella once you may suffer from chronic arthritis for the rest of your life which is why the Centers for Disease Control CDC has decreed not eating sprout foods. However, when putting this in context sprout consumption leads to about a 100 (hundred) cases in the United States of America USA of salmonella poisoning compare that to eggs though which caused 118’000 cases of salmonella poisoning in the same year. But in the same manner the Centers for Disease Control CDC does not decree “not eating eggs”, but they do say not to eat raw and runny eggs. But even sunny side up or scrambled does not eliminate the salmonella threat since eggs have to be cooked hard to significantly kill off the salmonella bacteria. Similarly, if we boiled sprout foods, they would be safe too but that would possibly not be very appetizing. Furthermore, a study looking at the potentially deadly escherichia coli 0157 bacteria found that in retail beef and alfalfa sprouts about one out of every 91 burgers is and one about one in 67 alfalfa sprout containers could be contaminated with these bacteria. So, next to burgers I can also not recommend alfalfa sprouts, even homegrown alfalfa sprouts are not recommended since the bacteria could also be present in the alfalfa seed itself that you may buy at the store [4] of which even soaking the seeds in a bleach solution may not guarantee safety which is not the case for the following viable more nookless seed alternative I would like to present to alfalfa sprouts (seeds). What I can recommend however instead of using alfalfa sprouts are broccoli sprouts, thus as a healthy alternative to alfalfa you could use broccoli seeds instead which are easy to sprout at home yourself. Broccoli sprouts are also significantly more helpful for the immune system in terms of anti-viral capacity as alfalfa sprouts. The cruciferous broccoli sprouts showed in a study to be helpful as nutrition for the immune system since it showed to be about 100 (a hundred) times more effective than the non-cruciferous alfalfa sprouts in increasing viral “detox” enzyme expression resulting in reducing more influenza virus-induced markers of inflammation as well as reducing the influenza virus viral quantity present in the human body greatly diminishing the viral infectious capacity, than compared to alfalfa sprouts in which placebo this was less so the case [2].
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
[2] Noah TL, Zhang H, Zhou H, Glista-Baker E, Müller L, Bauer RN, Meyer M, Murphy PC, Jones S, Letang B, Robinette C, Jaspers I. Effect of broccoli sprouts on nasal response to live attenuated influenza virus in smokers: a randomized, double-blind study. PLoS One. 2014 Jun 9;9(6):e98671. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098671. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2014;9(9):e109513. PMID: 24910991; PMCID: PMC4049587. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24910991/ ; https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0098671 ; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049587/ ; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049587/pdf/pone.0098671.pdf
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Outbreak of Salmonella Serotype Saintpaul Infections Associated with Eating Alfalfa Sprouts --- United States, 2009. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2009 May 15;58(18):500-3. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5818a4.htm Also an article published in on the American dietetic association website on 10 september 2007 titled “sprout safety”.
[4] Samadpour M, Barbour MW, Nguyen T, Cao TM, Buck F, Depavia GA, Mazengia E, Yang P, Alfi D, Lopes M, Stopforth JD. Incidence of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes in retail fresh ground beef, sprouts, and mushrooms. J Food Prot. 2006 Feb;69(2):441-3. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-69.2.441. PMID: 16496591. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16496591/ ; https://meridian.allenpress.com/jfp/article/69/2/441/171853/Incidence-of-Enterohemorrhagic-Escherichia-coli ; https://watermark.silverchair.com/0362-028x-69_2_441.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAt0wggLZBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggLKMIICxgIBADCCAr8GCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMEosUgJdlYcWHqbIBAgEQgIICkHF0Nl5TqyT21YN9e97PSsLPbxZLdc-_Z7XIHqCtK1Ba9DZ1i16vv3WqLjSJl9JQYD6PO5ViAszl2_7gs8NGWJBaVOgieZ0xulB3zIII98py5thGTrHSO4Atdys0k1cXOiucZOR7cl1Inhp7okD35uiAUABbpntx-txjOlRjUBG_WXKXsWjPL080LLD4Q3oRBkCRUNTGHZldtuo_gtquVXyXG5u06R1ryvi3Q-ORo5KfeXtbpMXzz_R7OBzboPQm0waX-ax2VnWM_Dm4k3_r301bBy2c4qfYmQEXhAwTjPHS0NxAzphTnN0-ItPuWvE0dExtIv8wfi6xRieQcCpjZX7ZBB5gNn1kX_N3Sbao_Urydkz1fk2y9E7mbOqZfwDXhEHRhHyYERM7Ci1OlYluMUTqCN5KnyzVrIffhMWI8XSHmDQGDKSNtbckP_lO3nI2pcqBJmUrm_iDITXFlmGgaUgm24RXKczADYPBuJleNIaCL_21b93gg8bc0NgbQrOBN6X8TFWndohhfnykCMCC-Cl3YWrmVm70O2AfIYop4M9Lws-7pYeqzsZY78oX3t3sj5Lj0aeHHIJ9oXwEMnJH7A01NnQ4pqglitiemLg9h4d4ZOWoQfdh3vMzlx6uM81EXPcOOujpGC79OVYlaUBFfXbTurtk2Pnbn90sWMHzSplWn_I4sJTJNunZfXdnK_J2b0aNX6KM5TzOpzmdpWsJFxByXA8a2l6DB4JWPkbNR0Ju5jHKjR-xYsvUpWMh2wIiYlM541Rom6xMY1a_M4kGd7bRXrLEj5mAnH7tbVhXu9bLFnYxY-S0VMJAatw9UWfoR6Ykvneo4r-URCuj8HNV85lsGu4ajZ-3LEnZBmDB8Nfh
Example 7 would be the species of evergreen shrub or (inclusive or) small tree tea plant camellia sinensis (and not to be confused with the melaleuca alternifolia plant called “the tea tree plant” which is used as source for tea tree oil) categorizable in the theaceae tea plant family is possible usable for:
> it is best known as the plant from which green tea, oolong tea, and black tea are produced [1].
> it has qualities that may help prevent cancer [1].
> Most people are familiar with the tea plant for its leaf and leaf buds, which are used to make various beverage and teas, but they are also used as medicine [1].
>it is used since at least 4,000 years ago [1].
> In ancient China, tea was used as medicine, by chewing on the fresh leaf for their refreshing, invigorating, stimulants effect [1]. It took time to figure out how to properly dry and process the leaf to be able to brew it in water to make tea [1].
> Green tea is prepared by steaming leaves and drying them [1].
> Black tea and oolong tea involve processes in which the leaves are fermented, in case of black tea, or partially fermented, in the case of oolong tea, before drying [1].
> In traditional medicine, Camellia green tea is taken by mouth as an astringent to reduce symptoms of diarrhea and high level of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood [1].
> Camellia tea is also used to improve mental alertness and thinking, as body tonic, for diabetes, for low blood pressure, and as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and many other purposes [1].
> It is available in form of tea, capsules, supplements, herbal extract or cream [1].
>Camellia extracts are also used in cosmetics for their antioxidant and astringent properties [1].
> Camellia leaves contain tannins, which are astringent, and antibacterial polyphenols, which are used in treating diarrhea [1].
> It may have cancer prevention or anti-cancer activity due to the polyphenol antioxidant content. Evidence of its cancer preventing effects in humans, however, is not conclusive [1].
> Camellia tea is also considered a body tonic, used to help restore and invigorate the body or to promote general health and wellbeing [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active compounds in all types of tea are polyphenolics, including tannins and flavonoids, such as catechins, and alkaloids, including caffeine. Camellia leaves contain tannins, which are astringent, and antibacterial polyphenols, which are used in treating diarrhea.
It may have cancer prevention or anti-cancer activity due to the polyphenol antioxidant content. Evidence of its cancer preventing effects in humans, however, is not conclusive.
Considering safety, drinking Camellia green tea is likely safe for most healthy, harder when consumed in moderate amounts, up to about eight cups per day, but it can be unsafe when consumed in higher doses. In some people, green tea extract can cause stomach upset, constipation, and nervousness. Green tea extracts have been reported to cause liver and kidney problems, even failure, especially when taken in high doses in the form of herbal supplements. Green tea interacts with central nervous system stimulants, such as amphetamines, cocaine, ephedrine, caffeine, nicotine and theophylline, with antibiotics, birth control pills, estrogens, antidepressants, and medications that can harm the liver, such as Tylenol, anticoagulants, anti-platelets, and many more. Taking green tea along with these drugs might cause serious problems.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 8 would be the ripe seeds of the in relatively temperate regions of the world flourishing annual or biennial herb milk thistle plant silybum marianum (also known as “carduus marianus”, and “Scotch thistle”) categorizable as a member of the asteraceae daisy plant family (the weblike pattern on the surfaces of the leaves distinguish milk thistle from its many thistle sister species) is possible usable for:
> it has qualities that may help prevent cancer [1].
> It's ripe seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains silymarin, a standardized complex extract mixture of polyphenolic bioactive molecules [1].
> Additionally, the roots and leaves can be used as food [1].
> In term of plant preparations, milk thistle seeds are made into powder, extract, tinctures, teas, and herbal supplements [1].
> It's used in cosmetics for its regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and to alleviate the effects of skin rashes [1].
> In traditional medicine, milk thistle is used for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused my mushroom poisoning, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis [1].
> Some people apply milk thistle typically for skin damage caused by radiation or use it as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, immunostimulant, antioxidant, to promote general good health, and for cancer prevention [1].
> Milk thistle seeds might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs [1].
> The ripe seeds also seem to have blood sugar lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [1].
Considering action mechanisms, the ripe seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains silymarin, a standardized complex extract mixture of polyphenolic bioactive molecules [1]. Silymarin probably works by neutralizing free radicals or other molecules that can cause DNA damage, and by activating important detoxifying enzymes.
Considering safety, when used topically and taken by mouth, milk thistle extract is likely safe for most people. In some cases, ingestion of milk thistle extracts has caused diarrhea, nausea, intestinal gas, and loss of appetite. Milk thistle interacts moderately with medications changed by the liver, estrogens, and medications used for lowering cholesterol, such as statins. People should be cautious with such combinations.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 9 would be the hemiparasitic (since it both produces its own food and also absorbs water and minerals from the tree that is growing on and it can grow on a variety of different trees) shrub European mistletoe plant viscum album categorizable in the santalaceae sandalwood family is possible usable for:
> Mistletoe is highly toxic, but its leaves and fruit contain elements that treat circulatory and respiratory problems [1].
> European mistletoe is highly poisonous to humans and accidentally eating its berry can cause death in human animals [1].
> It has been known since ancient times and was surrounded by many folk myths and legends symbolizing romance, fertility, and vitality [1].
> Mistletoe leaves are sometime used to flavor alcoholic beverages, and the berry, leaf, and stem also have been used for centuries to treat circulatory and respiratory problems [1].
> The use of mistletoe extract in the treatment of cancer originated with Rudolf Steiner [1]. Although laboratory and animal experiments have suggested a mistletoe extract may stimulate the immune system and kill some types of cancer cells, there is not enough evidence to validate its benefit to people with cancer [1].
> Preliminary studies in humans seems to show the mistletoe treatment may improve cancer symptoms and reduce side effects of cancer treatment [1].
> Several brand name of mistletoe extracts are available in Europe, often given by intravenous injection [1].
> In preclinical models, mistletoe has some anti-inflammation and anticancer effects [1].
> Mistletoe-induced immune stimulation may explain physical improvements that contribute to increased quality of life in cancer patients [1].
Considering mechanisms of action, it contains more than 20 different active compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids.
Considering safety, because of its high toxicity, its use can also be unsafe if not accurately monitored by a health care practitioner. European mistletoe is possibly safe when used by mouth in appropriate amounts, but likely unsafe when taken in larger doses. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and liver damage. Pregnant women should not consume mistletoe due to its uterine stimulant activity. European mistletoe can interact moderately with medications for high blood pressure or immunosuppressants, so its use should be monitored when taken in combination with these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 10 would be the roots and underground stems (also called rhizomes) of the relatively low-growing herbaceous perennial native to woodlands American mandrake plant podophyllum peltatum (also called mayapple) categorizable in the berberidaceae barberry family is possible usable for:
> Their roots and underground stems, or rhizome, are being used to make medicine for centuries by the “Native Americans” [1].
>the “Native Americans” collected these roots in the fall to treat constipation, rheumatism, liver disorder, for wart removal, and as laxative [1].
> Mayapple is currently being studied for its possible treatment of leukemia and other types of cancer [1].
> Podophyllotoxin, also known as a podofilox, and two of it's semi-derivatives, etoposide and teniposide, have shown promise in treating some type of cancers and are also used in western medicine as antiviral, antimicrobial agent, anthelmintics, purgatives, and antitumor agents [1].
> Podofilox stops replication of both cellular and viral DNA by binding to specific enzymes and can also prevent cell division of highly proliferating cancerous cell [1].
> Clinical evidence suggests that a single application of 25 percent [%] podophyllum resin can help heal wounds caused by hairy leukoplakia, manifesting with white patches on the tongue in people with weakened immune system, a pathology common in patients going through chemotherapy [1]. In this sense, it is used as cancer symptoms control drug.
> The fruit of the mayapple is edible in small amounts, but only when ripened and yellow.
>the fruit is sometimes made into jelly but is poisonous if eaten in large amounts.
Considering mechanisms of action, the main compound is Podophyllotoxin, which is a terpenoid lactone. Podophyllotoxin, also known as a podofilox, and two of it's semi-derivatives, etoposide and teniposide, have shown promise in treating some type of cancers and are also used in western medicine as antiviral, antimicrobial agent, anthelmintics, purgatives, and antitumor agents. Podofilox stops replication of both cellular and viral DNA by binding to specific enzymes and can also prevent cell division of highly proliferating cancerous cell.
> Podophyllotoxin, extracted from the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), may help to treat cancer by having the effect that it interferes with DNA replication in the cancer cells.
Considering safety, the leaves and rhizome are poisonous if ingested, and may cause nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, paralysis, coma, liver and kidney problems, and even death. Podophyllotoxin extracts and active compounds can be found as ingredients in topical medicine, but are highly toxic if taken internally, causing central nervous system depression, enteritis, organ failure, and death. Podophyllum should not be used for self-treatment and during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby. In terms of interaction with other medications, not much is known. Theoretically, mayapple extract could interact with antiviral and antimitotic medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 11 would be the flowering perennial plants in the astragalus genus (including the species such as e.g. astrolagus membranaceus (also known as “huang qi”, “yellow leader”, “yellow ladder” which name comes from the plant's brightly-colored roots, and astrolagus propinquus) categorizable in the fabaceae bean family are possible usable for:
> traditional Chinese medicine as it is considered prominent in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> It is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> Astragalus roots have being used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, similar to ginseng as a tonic for fatigue, lack of appetite, as an immunostimulant or adaptogen, a digestive, for cancer prevention, for longevity, and many other purposes [1].
> Astragalus roots are available as extracts, tea, capsules, and supplements [1].
> It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [1].
> It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body [1].
> Recent studies show that giving Astragalus intravenously or using Chinese herbal mixture containing astragalus might reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it has helped cancer patients with weakened immune systems [1].
Considering mechanisms of action, the roots contain terpenoids and glycosides such as atragalocytes and flavonoids. It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 12 would be the low-growing flowering plant madagascar periwinkle plant catharanthus roseus (also called rose periwinkle, rosy periwinkle, vinca, parwynke (old English name), joy of the ground, centocchio (italie) meaning hundred eyes, and in reference to its color and its use in magic it is also called “sorcerer's violet,” since it is used as favorite flower for making charms and love potions and to block evil spirits; and it is called “the flower of death” because of the ancient tradition of making it into garlands to place on the tombs of dead children; In Germany, it is the “flower of immortality”; In France, the periwinkle is considered an emblem of friendship) categorizable in the Apocynaceae dogbane family (which family also contains milkweed, oleander and many other plants with “toxic” and “medicinal” properties) is possible usable for:
> ornamentally and “medicinally” [1].
> The French also used it to treat menstrual problems [1].
> In the Caribbean, voodoo magic practitioners sew periwinkle leaves into the mattress to keep husband and wife forever in love and the home peaceful. They are sometimes combined with magnolia leaves, which also have a reputation for promoting faithfulness in love. The blue flowers of periwinkle are representative of spiritual peace and harmony [1].
> used as favorite flower for making charms and love potions and to block evil spirits [1].
> also used to make garlands [1].
> Compounds found in the Madagascar periwinkle have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as drugs involved in various forms of chemotherapy [1].
> It is grown both as an ornamental and as a medicinal plant [1].
> It's the source of the drugs vincristine and vinblastine, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and used in western medicine in chemotherapy against Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, malignant lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and other types of tumors [1].
> In addition, more than 70 different alkaloids have been isolated from the periwinkle [1].
> Usage can be traced back to Mesopotamia to 2600 before the common era, and all parts of the plant has been used as medicine [1].
> It was listed in the second century Roman Herbarium by Apuleius -in it, he stated that the herb was used against "devil sickness and demoniacal possession and against snakes and “wild beasts”" [1].
> Although it has serious safety concern for its toxicity, periwinkle has been used in traditional medicine all over the world for diabetes, cancer, as an immune stimulant [1].
> It is also used as a cough remedy, for ease in lung congestion, and as a diuretic [1].
> Some people apply periwinkle directly to the skin to stop bleeding, relive insect bites, wasp stings, for eye irritation, treat infections, and swelling or inflammation [1].
> Its usage dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, 2600 BCE. It was listed in the 2nd century
A.D. Roman Herbarium by Apuleius. In it, he stated that the herb was used against "devil sickness and demoniacal possessions and against snakes and wild beasts.” Apuleius also described the elaborate procedure necessary for harvesting the herb. The Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen recommend the periwinkle to be consumed mixed into wine against the fluctuations of the belly [1].
> In Ayurvedic medicine, the poisonous extracts of its roots and shoots are used against many illnesses [1].
> Its extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine against many diseases, including diabetes, malaria, cough, kidney problems, and Hodgkin's lymphoma [1].
> In Madagascar, the bitter and astringent leaves are used to induce vomiting, and the roots are used as a purgative, depurative, and as toothache remedy [1].
> In Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica, it is used as eyewash in infants [1].
> Periwinkle flowers are used to treat asthma in the Bahamas [1].
> In South Africa and the West Indies, it is used to cure diabetes [1].
> Traditional uses in the Philippines include inducing abortion and treating stomach cramps [1].
> The periwinkle is used in malaria treatment in Vietnam [1].
> In Indonesia and China, it is used for menstrual complaints and dysmenorrhea [1].
> Since the periwinkle is native to the island of Madagascar, it has been part of the native population’s traditional medicine for centuries [1].
> In the 1950s, researchers from Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals were led to the rosy periwinkle by shamans in Madagascar. The scientists identified two closely related drugs from the periwinkle extract, vincristine and vinblastine. The drugs were patented and used to treat leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and other types of cancers. In the 1990s, these two drugs combined generated sales of $100 million/year. Even though both the plant and the knowledge of its medicinal properties were obtained from Madagascar's people, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals does not share the revenue generated by these drugs with them [1]. This is another example of biopiracy, the bioprospecting that exploits plants and traditional knowledge by claiming patents to restrict the plant's general use.
> It is currently on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List (EML) [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, vinblastine and vincristine, the two main alkaloids found in periwinkle extract, act as mitotic inhibitors. They prevent cells from undergoing mitosis or cell division, which causes mitotic arrest or cell deaths, preventing cancerous growth. Mitotic inhibitors are used in cancer treatment because cancer cells depend on rapid multiplication to be able to grow and then spread. Thus, cancer cells are more sensitive to inhibition of mitosis than normal cells. More than 70 bioactive alkaloids have been isolated from the Madagascar periwinkle.
> the anti-cancer compound vinblastine, extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle, does affect the cells in the manner that Vinblastine interferes with mitosis (cell division), stopping cancer cells from replicating.
Considering safety, the plant as a whole is toxic and must be used very carefully. Its leaves, aerial parts, and roots retain very high toxicity if consumed orally. Madagascar periwinkle is unsafe when taken by mouth due to the presence of the poisonous vinca alkaloids. Madagascar periwinkle can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, hearing loss, dizziness, bleeding, nerve problems, seizure, liver damage, or even death. It interacts with diuretics and coagulants and medicines used for diabetes, and its use should be strictly monitored by a health care professional.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 13 would be the evergreen short narrow needled coniferous shrub or (non-exclusive or) tree yew plant categorizable in the genus taxus (The name "taxus" comes from the Greek word toxon which mean poison; of which genus there are around 30 species that are spread mainly over the Northern Hemisphere of the earth of which taxus species known as the "tree of death" are some of the most deadly trees known since with the exception of the fresh of the aril (aril = an extra seed-covering, typically colored and hairy or fleshy, e.g., the red fleshy cup around a yew seed), the seed-covering part that looks like a berry, all parts of the tree are toxic) categorizable in the taxacaea plant family is possible usable for:
> It is highly toxic, but its needles are also used for medicine, says Professor Friso [1].
> Its uses as poison and as medicine were known since ancient times and was mentioned in written records from Ancient Greece and Rome and was a sacred tree to the Celtic druids [1].
> Despite serious safety concerns, yew tree was used in traditional medicine, for example, a tea brewed from yew or ingestion of the needle for treating various illnesses such as worm infections, seizure, muscle and joint pain, and liver conditions [1].
> Healers also prescribed it for starting menstruation or causing abortion [1].
> Paclitaxel was originally extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew, or Taxus brevifolia, and the Canadian yew, Taxus canadensis. However, the yield was very low and that resulted in the death of the tree, as it was harvest from the bark. This led to concern about the destruction of the ancient yew forests. Yew became an endangered species in the mid 1980s. Scientists were able to isolate a precursor molecule from the needle of other species of yew, European yew, for example, instead of in the bark, and the final synthesis can be done in a chemistry lab. Thus, paclitaxel is now a semi-synthetic product and a sustainable product as well, since the leaves can be harvested without killing the tree. Both paclitaxel, sold under the brand name of Taxol, and related taxanes have shown activity against solid cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma and leukemia and are used in chemotherapy for the treatment of these types of cancers [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active ingredient in yew are a mixture of terpenoids and alkaloids including paclitaxel (also called Taxol), an FDA approved drug used in chemotherapy. Taxol and other related taxanes inhibit mitosis, or cell division. Stopping a cell during division will generally result in the cell dying. Chemotherapeutic drugs are usually designed to target rapidly dividing cells because sustained proliferation is a common feature of cancers.
>Paclitaxel = The anti-cancer compound that was originally extracted from yew tree (Taxus spp.) is paclitaxel.
Considering safety, the compounds in yew can affect various parts of the body including the nerves, heart, and muscles. Yew is likely unsafe for people based on the known toxicity. There are no current clinical uses of the plant extracts, only the isolated compounds in chemotherapy. Crude preparation of yew needles or bark should not be used because of the cardiac toxicity caused by taxanes. Consumption of yew in even small amounts causes cardiac issues resulting in deaths. It's quickly acting, and no antidote exists. Yew extract can interact with many medications including heart medication, antimitotic drugs, and many more.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 14 would be the Chinese happy tree (which gets its name from its beauty and many “medicinal” properties hence it is called the "tree of joy" because of its beauty and many “medicinal” properties) bionomially named Camptotheca acuminata categorizable in the Cornaceae dogwood family is possible usable for:
> The leaves, bark, and fruit all potentially have medicinal properties [1].
> The happy tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity to provide treatment for many illnesses including psoriasis, liver and stomach disorders, common cold, cancer, and leukemia [1].
> Although folk uses of Camptotheca have been traced back to many centuries, it was only in the early 1970's that the majority of Chinese doctors became to use his fruits, bark, and leaves to treat certain type of cancer and other diseases in hospitalized patients [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the active compounds are several alkaloids, such as camptothecin and this is derivatives. This led to scientific study to determine if there actually was an anticancer compound. Pharmaceutical companies now use camptothecin as a prescription drug used in chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. As a chemotherapeutic agent, camptothecin acts on the cell replication cycle in a similar manner to other anticancer drugs we have examined. By interrupting cell division, the rapid growth of cancer cells is stopped. These result in suppression of various types of cancer. Camptothecin has also been used as a template to develop semisynthetic derivatives, such as topotecan and irinotecan, which retain anticancer activity but have less severe side effects. These new compounds have also been approved by the FDA and are used to treat a variety of cancer, particularly those of colorectal and gynecological origin.
>Camptothecin, which was first identified in the Chinese happy tree (Camptotheca acuminata, which is now used to treat certain types of cancers is an alkaloid.
Considering safety, the Chinese happy tree is likely unsafe and poisonous for people to use. Crude preparations of this plant are not recommended. Poisoning is likely and may include tiredness, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and death, in severe cases. Camptotheca extracts can interact with many medications including heart medication, antimitotic drugs, and many more.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 15 would be turmeric which could be helpful in the case of multiple different types of cancer.
I have written an extensive article about it over here:
Turmeric curcumin curcuma longa Linnaeus continual meta-analysis
Eindhoven
Publication date first version: 17 January 2022
Publication date last version: 19 January 2022
Author: Rody Mens - r.w.mens@student.tue.nl
Citation: Mens RW. 17 January 2022. Turmeric curcumin curcuma longa Linnaeus continual meta-analysis; https://www.nutritionfactsnederlands.nl/videoscript/2022/1/17/kurkuma-alomvattend-artikel ; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357914622_Kurkuma_Dutch; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357914530_turmeric_ENG
Some keywords: Indiase kurkuma; Indian turmeric; Chinese kurkuma; Chinese turmeric; zard-choobag; curcuma domestica; kurkuma; turmeryte; tarmaret; terra merita; kuṅkumam; kungumam; kumkuma; kukum; kunku; Kumkum; kunkuma; haldi; haridra; kuṅkumam; meritorious earth; Indiase saffraan; Indian saffron; curcumine; curcumin; kurkumin; kurkumine; zwarte peper; piper nigrum; black pepper; reumatoïde artritis; rheumatoid arthritis; RA; osteoarthritis; OA; artrose; niet-steroïde anti-inflammatoire geneesmiddelen; NSAIDS; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; systemische lupus erythematodes; lupus; SLE; India; DNA; DNA-damage; DNA-schade; DNA-mutaties; mutaties; mutations; DNA-mutations; multipel myeloom; MM; multiple myeloma; monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance; MGUS; monoklonale gammopathie van onbepaalde betekenis; adenomateuze polyposis; precancereuze laesies; precancerous laesions; plaveiselcelcarcinoom; inflammatoire darm ziekte; IBD; colitis ulcerosa; UC; CU; IBD-UC; neurodegenerative diseases; neurodegeneratieve ziekten; Alzheimer; AD; dementia; dementia; conjunctivitis; roze oog; pink eye; uveitis; idiopathische inflammatoire orbitale pseudo-tumoren; non-Hodgkin-lymfoom; non-Hodgkin-lymphoma; prediabetisch; prediabetic; diabetes mellitus; diabetes mellitus type 2; baarmoederfibromen; UF; fibroids; vleesbomen; galblaaspijn; gallbladder pain.
Summary: Turmeric curcumin curcuma longa Linnaeus could possibly help as nutrition for the joints, as nutrition for bones, as nutrition for immunity, as nutrition for the liver, as nutrition for the treatment of cancer, as nutrition for the gastro-intestinal tract, as nutrition for the brain, as nutrition for surgery recovery, as nutrition for the cardiovascular system, as nutrition for the reproductive system, as nutrition for the eyes and as nutrition against pain.
[Turmeric - SOURCES BELOW]
The pungent, bitter, astringent smelling brightly yellow-orange golden (the alleppey turmeric also called the Indian turmeric exemplars have a deep yellow to orange-yellow color) or (exclusive or) brown (the Chinese turmeric exemplars have typically a brownish color) or (exclusive or) red (which red color is created by combining dried turmeric with calcium hydroxide powder and when red it is also called “kunkum” and “kumkuma”) spice powder from the dried ginger-like vegetable but colored on the inside root stalks and the rhizomes of the perennial flowering herb plant living in tropical warm temperature areas and needing plenty of rainfalls to thrive commonly named turmeric which species name is curcuma longa linnaeus (also called “zard-choobag“, “curcuma domestica“, “kurkuma“, “turmeryte“, “tarmaret“, “terra merita“, “kuṅkumam“, “kungumam“, “kumkuma“, “kukum“, “kunku“, “kumkum“, “kunkuma“, “haldi“, “haridra“, “kuṅkumam“, “meritorious earth“, “Indiase saffraan“ and “Indian saffron“ since Marco Polo wrote a that it is a vegetable that has all the properties of true saffron as well as the smell and the color but yet it is not really saffron) categorizable in the plant genus curcuma (also called kurkuma which name may be derived from the Sanskrit “kuṅkuma” which is referring to both turmeric and saffron) in the ginger family zingiberaceae (and thus a relatively close relative of ginger) possibly because it contains the non-steroidal polyphenolic (because of the multiple chemically defined aromatic phenol rings) and multiple hydroxyl group (which aromatic phenol rings and hydroxyl groups give it its antioxidant property) containing the polar readily in water soluble potentially powerful antioxidant curcuminoid diferuloylmethane biologically active compound molecule turmeric curcumin (also called “curcumine”, “kurkumine” and “kurkumin”) that is contained and thus can be found in turmeric as it makes up of approximately 5 [%] of its mass [105] (for which a convenient useful pragmatic sidenote would be that curcumin’s blood serum level bioavailability by increased absorption in the colon can be synergistically potentially boosted thus increased up to 2’000 [%] in human animals when consuming it together with the black pepper piper nigrum that contains the compound peperine [1] which is responsible for about 5 [%] of its mass [106] and which is also responsible for the pungent flavor of pepper and also inhibits the livers metabolism mechanism to make substances water-soluble so they can be more easily excreted suppressing this mechanism leading to higher blood levels of bioavailability of curcumin as within an hour you can see a little bump in the level in the bloodstream of curcumin when the mechanism is unsuppressed because the liver is actively trying to get rid of it while compared to when also consuming peperine with the same amount of curcumin consumed the bioavailability shoots up to 2’000 [%] [1], which does not take much black pepper since a little pinch of 1/20 of a teaspoon is enough to considerably boost levels [107], which concomitant combination would work great in a curry recipe for example since the bioavailability of curcumin is normally very low and thus the nutritional value is poorer when not consumed with black pepper since just a tiny bit gets into our bloodstream after eating a nice curry unless we add some black pepper [1]; and another way to boost the absorption of curcumin is to consume it in the whole food turmeric root form (relatively fresh or dried as a powder) as compared to an extract because natural oils found in turmeric root and turmeric powder can enhance the bioavailability of curcumin 7 (seven) to 8 (eight) fold [107]; and when eaten together with a relatively large amount of fatty acid containing foods such as nuts, e.g. walnuts, almonds or pecans, also ensures increased bioavailability as curcumin can be directly absorbed into the bloodstream through the lymphatic system and thus thereby in part bypassing the liver [107]) which curcumin pigment also gives turmeric its brightly deep yellow to orange-yellow golden color which turmeric is possibly usable as
>Nutrition for joints and nutrition for bones because it could possibly help with the condition of arthritis such as osteoarthritis OA which characterizes itself by progressive destructional loss of cartilage and therefore leading to damaging bone also causing bone loss in joints caused by inflammation possibly leading to disability (e.g. pain in the kneecap of the knee from osteoarthritis, which osteoarthritis in more general terms is not just from excess wear and tear from added load on the joints because relatively non-weight-bearing joints, like the hands and wrists, can also be affected suggesting the link is not purely because of mechanical load), for which curcumin in the spice turmeric may work as well as, or even better than, anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers used for the treatment because in a study of 50 patients suffering from mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis they were given either the best available medical treatment, which included control with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, or the best available treatment along with some proprietary curcumin supplement in which they looked at a number of different outcome measures, including the so-called Karnosfsky scale used for evidence of the presence of disease (which scale goes up to a 100 which is normal, no complaints meaning no evidence of disease and down to zero, at which someone is dead) which resulted in the group with the added curcumin doing symptomatically significantly better, and were able to double their walking distance. The curcumin group was able to significantly decrease their drug use, significantly fewer negative side-effects, less swelling, less hospitalizations, and less other treatments needed [2]. Another study showed that it does not have to be some expensive proprietary formula because looking at the efficacy of turmeric extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis in a hundred sufferers randomized to an ibuprofen group or group using concentrated turmeric extracts for 6 (six) weeks showed that the members in the curcumin group did as good as or even better than the ibuprofen group. This all the while ibuprofens can cause gastro-intestinal tract problems causing ulcerative bleeding by perforation of the intestines’ duodenum and stomach by ibuprofen eating right through our stomach wall which even happened to someone in the study as well [3]. This whereas turmeric does not have such side effects and can be potentially protective to a long list of diseases [4], it does however have some potential negative effects in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below.
>It may also help as nutrition for joints and nutrition for bones for the arthritis condition rheumatoid arthritis RA which characterizes itself by progressive destructional loss of cartilage and therefore damaging bone also causing bone loss in joints caused by inflammation possibly leading to disability since curcumin has been proven to be more effective in alleviating pain from rheumatoid arthritis compared to the leading drug of choice. The efficacy of curcumin was first demonstrated years ago around 1980 in which a double-blind crossover study of curcumin versus the powerful anti-inflammatory in racehorses used phenylbutazone in which both drugs showed significant improvement in morning stiffness, walking time, joint swelling, with the complete absence of any side effects in the curcumin group [5] while phenylbutazone was pulled from the market 3 (three) years later for wiping out defunctionalizing some people’s immune systems, taking their lives killing them [6]. Another study showed that of 45 (forty-five) patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis randomized into 3 (three) groups (curcumin, the standard of care drug, or both) that the primary endpoint was a reduction in disease activity, as well as a reduction in joint tenderness and swelling which in all 3 (three) groups got better, but the (2) two groups including curcumin showed the highest percentage of improvement significantly better than those in the drug group and demonstrating that curcumin alone was not only safe and effective, but was surprisingly more effective in alleviating pain compared to the leading drug of choice without any apparent adverse side effects with even curcumin appearing protective, given that there were more adverse reactions in the diclofenac sodium drug group than the combined drug and curcumin group [7]. In contrast to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDS, curcumin has no negative gastrointestinal effects and appeared to may even protect the lining of the stomach [8]. Curcumin does have some negative effects in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below.
>It may also help as nutrition for immunity for inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (also called “SLE” and just “lupus”) in which possibly our immune system, often via producing antibodies, attacks the very nucleus of our cells attacking our DNA itself being able to potentially damage any organ area regional system which could result in a lot of different complications (and thus may be helpful as nutrition for a lot of body component systems), e.g. helpful as nutrition for the kidneys in lupus kidney nephritis (lupus kidney nephritis is also called LN and has different more specialized forms of description, e.g. glomerulonephritis) caused by inflammation (which inflammation is caused by the disease itself or (exclusive or) as a result of intense immunosuppressive drug toxicity or (exlusive or) a combination of both; of which drugs used could be chemotherapy drugs, e.g. the means cytoxan and cyclophosphamide, which can have life-threatening side effects which may include leukemia and bladder cancer and many women lose their hair and become permanently infertile [9]) in which case oral intake of turmeric could be helpful as nutrition for the cardiovascular system because it decreases cardiovascular system manifestation of nephritis such as proteinuria (which is functional spilling of protein in the urine), hematuria, and the systolic blood pressure in human animals suffering from relapsing or (exclusive or) refractory, i.e. untreatable, lupus kidney nephritis according to a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study because in the control group, 3 (three) people got better, 3 (three) person’s condition got worse, and the rest pretty much stayed the same while in the turmeric group, 1 (one) got worse, 1 (one) stayed the same, but the rest all got better. In this study they took women with out-of-control lupus, and just had them take like ¼ (a quarter) teaspoon of turmeric with each meal for 3 (three) months [10] costing practically nothing compared to [$] 35’000 a year for 1 (one) of the latest lupus drugs which is the monoclonal antibody belimumab that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulating protein [11].
>It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer as plant and fungi-based food products accomplish multitargeting of cancer causing aspects inexpensively and safely as compared to chemotherapy drugs which are increasingly more specific over development-time monotargeted therapies (or called pseudo-multitargeted when multiple chemotherapy drugs are combined) because studies indicate that in any given type of cancer, hundreds of different genes must be modified to change a normally functioning cell into a cancer cell thus although cancers are characterized by the multiple step dysregulation of cell signaling pathways, most current anticancer therapies involve only the modulation of a single target. Thus, certain plant- and fungi-based products may work or even work better than certain chemotherapy drugs but plant- and fungi based anticancer therapies has not been prioritized because drug companies are not usually able to secure a by threat of violence government monopoly inducing intellectual property rights to these products and the extracted compounds [12]. Looking at the potential of turmeric, epidemiological on population-based data from studies show that very significantly very much lower cancer rates by lower incidence of cancer (e.g., U.S. men get 23 times more prostate cancer, get between 8 (eight) and 14 times the rate of melanoma, 10 to 11 times more colorectal cancer, 9 (nine) times more endometrial cancer, 7 (seven) to 17 times more lung cancer, 7 (seven) to 8 (eight) times more bladder cancer, 5 (five) times more breast cancer, and 9 (nine) to 12 times more kidney cancer than men in India; which is hundreds of percent more breast cancer and thousands of percent more prostate cancer [14]) is achieved in other areas of the world, thus less prevalence of cancer in regions of the world where turmeric is relatively more heavily and more widely consumed via the diet such as in India, may be due to their relatively more plant-based spice-richer diet which often includes turmeric curcumin. This comparison with India is relevant because Indians account for 1/6 (one-sixth) of the world’s population, and have some of the highest spice consumption in the world, thus epidemiologic studies in this country have great potential for improving our understanding of the relationship between diet and cancer [13]. Of course, it may not be the spices as the study noted that several dietary factors may contribute to the lower overall rate of cancer in India of among them being a relatively lower intake of meat by a mostly plant-based diet in addition to the relatively high amount of intake of spices. This is significant because 40 (forty) percent of Indians are vegetarians, and even the ones that do eat meat do not eat a lot of meat, of which we could use the axiom that health is not only what you do not eat but also what you do eat. India is one of the largest producers and consumers of fresh fruits and vegetables and they eat a lot of pulses, meaning legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Concluding it is probably not just turmeric because they eat a wide variety of spices, which group of products called spices constitute by mass the most antioxidant-packed class of foods in the world. Population studies cannot prove a correlation between dietary turmeric and decreased cancer risk, but it certainly inspired a bunch of research. So far, curcumin has been tested against a variety of human cancers, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, lung cancer, and head-neck cancer, for both prevention and treatment [15].
It may help as nutrition for treatment of cancer as chemopreventive agent, i.e. a substance that may help prevent cancer (as opposed to chemotherapy agents, i.e. substances aimed at treating cancer thus substances that may help with treating cancer), because given its possible multiple mechanisms of action curcumin may help as nutrition for treatment of cancer and helpful as nutrition for the immune system as it may be classified as chemopreventive agent into all 3 (three) of the by these researchers acknowledged categorical-distanced different chemopreventive agent subgroups called the antiproliferative chemopreventive agents subgroup, the antioxidants chemopreventive agents subgroup, and the carcinogen-blocking chemopreventive agents subgroup [16]. Curcumin appears to play a role helping to block every stage of cancer transformation, proliferation, and invasion [16]. It may even help prevent carcinogens to even get to our cells [16]. An in vitro, i.e., in glass test tube or petri dish, study back investigated the effects of curcumin on the mutagenicity, i.e., the DNA-mutating ability, of several toxins after which they found that curcumin was an effective antimutagen against several mutagenic possibly cancerogenic, i.e., cancer-causing substances [17]. For in vivo, i.e., in people, studies it is not ethically just to take a group of people and expose them to carcinogens giving half of them a dosage of turmeric and then waiting to see what happens. You could wait until some toxic waste spill happens, e.g., by a nuclear accident, but otherwise you are not easily going to find people who would voluntarily expose themselves to carcinogens. But you can test on people who already voluntarily expose themselves to carcinogens, such as smokers. A lot of living organisms are encoded by DNA, so you could look at the number of DNA mutations that arise measuring urinary mutagens by using a person’s urine and bacterial strains. The research indicates that the urine of non-smokers caused far fewer DNA mutations, possibly because they have fewer toxic mutagenic compounds running through their system thus also not higher toxins concentrated pee. They tested nonsmokers against smokers both eating turmeric for 1 (one) month and saw no significant difference in the tested nonsmokers over time but in the smoking and turmeric consuming group they saw an increasingly more significant drop of mutagenic compounds in the urine with each consecutive teaspoon a day (but even eating turmeric for 1 (one) month, the mutagenesis of smoker pee exceeded that of nonsmokers) of just regular store-bought turmeric (so not some concentrated curcumin supplement) consumption, which indicates that dietary turmeric is an effective antimutagen. Thus, regular turmeric curcumin intake appears to significantly lower the DNA mutating ability of cancer-causing substances [18]. The pre-programmed planned suicidal “for the greater good of the rest of the body” cell death by self-destruction process for unhealthy cells to die naturally to make way for fresh cells called apoptosis (meaning falling away from as “ptosis” means “falling” and “apo” means “away from”) could be corrupted by cancer cells disabling this function causing them not to die when they are by your body planned supposed to, possibly by somehow turning off to this process related genes and thus compounds such as certain proteins expressed by these genes to perform that function causing these cancerous cells to continue to thrive and divide with potential of forming tumors and potentially spread throughout the body. Turmeric could be helpful as nutrition for treatment of cancer by regulating the reprogramming of and thus reactivating the self-destruct mechanism back into these apoptosis-corrupted cancer cells which could have disabled their own death receptors or when uncorrupted activating it in cancer cells by use of curcumin because it upregulates so-called death receptors in cancer cells that trigger the activation of the self-destruction sequence [19] as has been demonstrated as such that it may be helpful for human cells as nutrition for treatment of kidney cancer [21], as nutrition for treatment of skin cancer, as nutrition for treatment of nose cancer and as well as to be helpful as nutrition for treatment of throat cancer [22]. This could possibly take place via the so-called death receptor protein FAS which activates the FAS-associated death domain, along with other death receptors after which FADD then activates caspase-8, which in turn could ignite the previously corrupted self-death process or activate it in non-corrupted cancer cells killing the cells [20]. But via a certain process pathway it can also activate the (corrupted or non-corrupted) self-death process relatively more directly as has been shown such that it may be helpful as nutrition for treatment of lung cancer [24] and helpful as nutrition for treatment of colon cancer [23] possibly via activating so-called executioner enzyme caspases that, when activated, destroy the cancer cell from within by chopping up internal proteins left and right [25] also called a death by a thousand cuts [26]. There are also a lot of other possible ways curcumin can affect apoptosis because within this review paper listed different types of cancer cells curcumin can potentially kill showing that curcumin can kill a wide variety of tumor cell types through diverse mechanisms [19]. It is because curcumin can affect numerous mechanisms of cell death simultaneously (i.e., at the same time) making it potentially harder for cancer cells to avoid destruction making it is possible that cancer cells may not so easily develop resistance to a by curcumin-induced cell death like they could do to most chemotherapy against which cancer cells can develop resistance over time. Furthermore, it is also mentioned that curcumin seems to tend to leave normal non-cancerous beneficial cells to the human body alone for reasons that are according to the paper writing not yet fully understood but nonetheless making it an attractive candidate as nutrition for treatment of cancer [19].
It may help as nutrition for the immune system as nutrition for prevention against carcinogenesis (cancer development) and treatment of cancer as preventative for and as treatment against previous heavy metal exposure such as arsenic (e.g., as contamination of drinking water [40] of which as many as 1/10 (one in ten) in some parts of the country mentioned in the study will now go on to die from cancers caused by the arsenic exposure) which is considered a carcinogenic heavy metal thus being able to possibly induce cancer that possibly happens because it induces accumulation of free radicals that can damage our cells by damaging their DNA (having the ability of damaging DNA may also be called a bad form of being mutagenic) and it may also disrupt our body’s ability to repair our DNA once it is damaged next to also being able to kill our cells [38]. If the damage is caused by free radicals, we could probably diminish the damage by eating foods that eliminate free radicals such as the spice turmeric which contains the antioxidant pigment curcumin which could possibly help with both scavenging of free radicals as well as chelation of, i.e., binding up, heavy metals [39]. After the disastrous exposure of a large part of the population as mentioned in source [40] a study was launched of which 50 [%] of volunteers were randomly selected and prescribed curcumin capsules blended with a little black pepper while the other half were given a placebo and in addition a third group was added as control non-exposed to the heavy metal arsenic which control group amount of DNA damage does not change much remaining the same throughout the study remaining stable to use as a baseline and they also established a baseline for the arsenic-exposed groups by waiting for 3 (three) months before starting to induce the supplemental change in the study [41]. Then, for 3 (three) months, they proceeded to give them either curcumin and black pepper or (exclusive or) the placebo. Within the first month, you could see the curcumin working and by the third month the DNA damage in the curcumin-treated arsenic group was no worse than in those who had not been exposed to arsenic at all thus an extremely significant improvement, certainly as the arsenic-exposed placebo group stayed charted with about a little lower than the same amounts of DNA damage at the start of the study which could be explained by a very much slower filtering of the body of arsenic as compared to when turmeric curcumin is consumed. Thus, turmeric curcumin can regress DNA damage of heavy metal arsenic exposure and importantly they also undid the arsenic crippling of our DNA repair enzymes thus both help with preventing the damage and facilitating repair in the case of DNA damage already occurred [41].
It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer as it may help with prostate cancer since in a study of 199 men with prostate cancer in which they three times a day got either a placebo or a tablet containing 100 [mg] of whole powdered pomegranate (i.e. the whole fruit just with the water taken out) that comes out to be about 6 (six) pomegranate seeds’ worth a day which is about 1/100 of a pomegranate a day in which study they were trying to use synergistical effects (using the axiom “when you have two people eating the same number of servings of healthy foods then the one eating a greater variety probably eats healthier” which comes about the same as the axiom “smaller amounts of many phytochemicals may have a greater potential to exert beneficial effects on your body than larger amounts of fewer phytochemicals” which was used to maximize their chances of beating back the cancer in terms of protecting their DNA from free radical damage using introduced diversity by the supplement for two groups of people normally eating approximately the same amount of fruits and vegetables) by adding some powdered broccoli too, some powdered turmeric, and some powdered green tea concentrate in the supplement (which made the supplement like a fruit, a vegetable, spice and leaf all in once but in tiny amounts, about 1 (one) floret of broccoli a day, less than 1/8 (an eighth) teaspoon a day of turmeric, and about 1/6 (one-sixth) of a tea bag worth of green tea) which study showed that of the men with early-stage prostate cancer trying to avoid surgery the levels of prostate-specific antigens in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test rose nearly 50 [%] in the placebo group indicating the cancer continued to flourish, whereas in the pomegranate+broccoli+turmeric+green tea food supplement group the PSA levels did not rise anymore at all. And for those with more advanced disease (i.e., those that already had surgery or radiation, and trying to avoid chemotherapy) an about 70 [%] greater rise in the placebo group as compared to the supplement group which was enough to significantly delay some of the more toxic treatment meaning significant short-term (6 (six) months) favorable effects. The study concluded only short-term favorable effects because they only had enough money to run the study for 6 (six) months, because it was a non-commercial endeavor funded by charity meaning that long-term favorable effects could also exist but that the study stopped prematurely to possibly determine those possible long-term effects. This was also not a study by a supplement company, in fact, there was no supplement until the investigators made it up from scratch to test the chemical phytonutrient compounds for treatment of the disease in this study. Of course, now there is a supplement given the study’s extraordinary results, but the only reason the researchers put the foods in pill form was to match it with a placebo. This study thus tells us that a cancer patient, in this case a prostate cancer patient, is better off when eating curried broccoli whereafter fruit for dessert and a sip of some green tea [59]. Also is known that a completely plant-based diet may even shrink the tumor not just slow it down [60].
It may help as nutrition for treatment of cancer especially pancreatic cancer (which is among the most aggressive forms of human cancer with a very high mortality rate with a 5-year survival rate of only 3 [%] and an average survival of less than 6 (six) months, representing the fourth leading cause of cancer death in United States of America with an annual mortality of 32’000 dead) as turmeric was tested for treatment as there is desperate need for new treatment options as there are only a few FDA-approved therapies for it such as the use of gemcitabine and erlotinib which only produce some objective responses in less than 10 [%] of patients while also causing severe negative effects in the majority of patients [61].
Clinical research to test new treatments are split up into phases. Turmeric curcumin has passed a number of phase I trials just to make sure the treatment is safe by seeing how much you can give someone before it could become toxic. In fact, there was so little toxicity, the dosing was limited only by the number of pills that patients were willing to swallow [62]. Turmeric curcumin has also passed a phase II trial which is to see if it actually has any effect, which it did in 2 (two) of the 21 patients that were evaluated in which 1 (one) of whom had a 73 [%] tumor reduction [63]. Unfortunately for this person the effect was short-lived since that first lesion remained small but apparently a curcumin-resistant tumor close emerged, whereas the other patient showed slow improvement over a year with a stable disease situation for over 18 months. In fact, the only time their cancer markers bumped up was during a brief 3 (three) week stint where the curcumin supplementation was stopped, concluding that it does seem to help some patients with pancreatic cancer, and most importantly no negative effectual downsides of curcumin-related toxic effects up to doses of 8 (eight) grams a day as compared to the downsides that are present in the use of the medicinal drugs such as gemcitabine and erlotinib mentioned earlier [61]. Curcumin does have some negative effects in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below. We however do not know what happens after eight grams of turmeric curcumin a day because no one was willing to take that many pills while they were willing to undergo on one of the nastiest chemotherapy regimens on the planet, they did not want to be inconvenienced with swallowing a lot of turmeric curcumin capsules [62].
As of now the only sure way to beat pancreatic cancer is to avoid it by preventing it in the first place. A historical large 2010 study found that dietary fat of animal origin was associated with increased pancreatic cancer risk, but it was not known yet which animal fat is the worst for possibly helping to induce pancreatic cancer [64]. A study in 2013 could help with answering that question finding that poultry was the worst with a 72 [%] increased risk of pancreatic cancer for every 50 [g] of daily poultry consumption which is just like ¼ (a quarter) of a chicken breast [65]. The reason white meat came out worse than red meat may be because of the cooked meat carcinogens in chicken such as the heterocyclic amines that build up in grilled and baked chicken which mutagenic carcinogenic chemicals have been associated with doubling pancreatic cancer risk [66].
Other recent studies include one out of San Francisco, implicating the standard American diet and one out of Italy, concluding high consumption of meat and other animal products, as well as of refined carbs was associated with pancreatic cancer risk, whereas a diet rich in fruit and vegetables appeared to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer [67]. Eating meat may increase risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas eating fake meat has been found associated with significantly less risk. Those who eat plant-based meats like veggie burgers or veggie dogs three times or more a week have less than half the risk of fatal pancreatic cancer. Also legumes and dried fruit were found to be protective [68].
>It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer with cancer of the antibody-producing plasma cells also called multiple myeloma MM which is a disease almost always preceded by the asymptomatic (someone does not even know they have it until a doctor finds it incidentally, e.g. during routine blood work) precursor disease called monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance MGUS which MGUS is about one of the most common premalignant disorders with a prevalence of about 3 [%] in the older white general population [73] and about 2 to 3 (two to three) times that in African-American populations [74], which when progresses into to multiple myeloma means that you then have about 4 (four) years to live [73] which is why we need to find ways to treat MGUS early, before it turns into cancer. But no such treatment exists yet, rather, patients are just kind of placed in a holding pattern, with frequent checkups. Thus, if all you are going to do is watch and wait you might as well try out some dietary changes such as adding turmeric curcumin to your diet since it is relatively safe considering that it has been consumed as a dietary spice for centuries and it kills multiple myeloma cells since in a study was shown that when measuring the progression of the disease that is characterized by the rise in blood levels of paraprotein, which is made by MGUS and myeloma cells, about 1 in 3 (one in three) of the patients’ bodies positively responded to the curcumin dropping paraprotein levels whereas this was not the case in the placebo group [75]. These positive findings prompted them to commence a double-blind randomized control trial study in which they saw the same kind of positive biomarker response in both MGUS patients as well as those with so-called “smoldering” multiple myeloma, with which is meant an early stage of the disease multiple myeloma. These findings suggest that curcumin might have the potential to slow the disease process in patients delaying or preventing the progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma [76] but we do not know until longer larger studies are done.
The best way to deal with multiple myeloma is to not get it in the first place. In 2010 a study suggests that vegetarians have just ¼ (a quarter) the risk, i.e., 75 [%] less risk, of multiple myeloma compared to meat-eaters [77]. Even just working with chicken meat (e.g., in a chicken meat production facility) may double one’s risk of multiple myeloma, the underlying thinking being that cancers like leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloma may be induced by viral agents in both cattle as well as chickens which are so-called zoonotic (i.e., animal-to-human) oncogenic (i.e., cancer-causing) viruses. Beef, however, was not associated with multiple myeloma [78]. There are however some vegetarian foods we may want to avoid. Harvard reported a controversial link between diet soda and multiple myeloma implicating aspartame [79]. French fries and potato chips should not be the way we get our vegetables because there is also a link over there [80], nor should we probably pickle them because while the intake of shallots, garlic, soy foods, and green tea was significantly associated with a reduced risk of multiple myeloma, intake of pickled vegetables three times a week or more was associated with increased risk of multiple myeloma [81].
>It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer with treatment of colon cancer because it was shown in a study that those with high risk of colon cancer and those with colon cancer could reverse the progression of their disease by taking curcumin.
In a last-ditch attempt to save the lives of 15 (fifteen) patients with advanced colorectal cancer that did not respond to any of the standard chemotherapy agents and radiation, they started giving them a turmeric extract for 4 (four) months that appeared to help stall the disease in 1/3 (a third) of the patients, i.e. five out of fifteen, from the second month onwards of treatment suggesting turmeric may cause clinical benefit in at least some patients with advanced refractory colorectal cancer [82]. Now, if we were talking about some new kind of chemotherapy, and it only helped 1/3 (one in three) you would have to weigh that against negative chemotherapy effects such as losing your hair, sloughing of your gut, intractable vomiting, and maybe being bedridden. So, in a drug scenario a 1/3 (one-in-three) benefit may not sound particularly appealing, but when we are talking about a plant extract proven to be remarkably safe, even if it just helped 1/100 (one in a hundred), it would be worth considering. With no serious downsides, a 1/3 (one-in-three) benefit for end-stage cancer is pretty exciting.
Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic and Hopkins tested five years later two phytochemicals, i.e., curcumin (from turmeric) and quercetin (found in red onions and red wine), to see if colon cancer could be prevented in people with familial adenomatous polyposis which is a disease that runs in families in which you develop hundreds of polyps which will eventually turn into cancer (colon cancer forms from polyps) unless they have their colon prophylactically removed. So, they took 5 (five) such patients who already had their colons removed but still either had their rectum and/or a little intestinal pouch which were still packed with polyps, the patients started out between 5 (five) and 45 polyps each. And after 6 (six) months of curcumin and quercetin supplements they on average ended up with fewer than half the polyps, and the ones that they had shrunk half in size. In the study was also one patient, i.e., the patient called patient 1, who got rid of all their polyps by month three but then they seemed to come back which possibly happened because it turned out the patient stopped taking the supplements. So, they put them back on the phytonutrient supplements for another three months, and the polyps came back down all with virtually no adverse events and no blood test result abnormalities. Thus, by studying people at high risk for colon cancer, they were able to show noticeable positive effects within just months. But polyposis is a rare disease because of which they were only able to recruit 5 (five) people for the study [83].
Another five years later, researchers put 44 smokers on turmeric curcumin supplements alone for a month and measured changes in their colorectal aberrant crypt foci, which are things that may act like precursors to polyps which polyps may be the precursors to causing cancer. The study shows that after just one month there was a significant drop in the number of these aberrant crypt foci in the high-dose supplement group but no change in the low-dose group, without dose-limiting side effects other than that the stools in some participants did turn a bit yellow [84]. Curcumin does have some negative effects however in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below.
>It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer cutting down on precancerous lesions, and even pre-precancerous lesions such as with treatment of bladder cancer and early-stage squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer (caused by arsenic exposure) and early-stage cervical cancer and precancerous lesions in the mouth and precancerous lesions in the stomach because it was shown in a study that people who just had bladder cancer taken out, or who have early-stage squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer (caused by arsenic exposure), or early-stage cervical cancer, or precancerous lesions in the mouth or precancerous lesions the stomach that in about ¼ (a quarter) of the patients the lesions started to get better as in ½ (one out of the two) bladder cancer survivors, 2/7 (two out of seven) precancerous mouth lesions, 1/6 (one out of six) precancerous stomach lesions, ¼ (one out of the four) early-stage cervical cancer cases, and 2/6 (two out of six) early-stage skin cancer, this by all of them without any noticeable negative effects [85].
>It may also help as nutrition for treatment of cancer of skin accessible cancers as topical agent since in a study in which researchers took turmeric from the store, subsequently made a tincture out of it whereafter drying it and putting it in vaseline, and then had cancer patients rub it on their cancer three times a day showed that in cancers such as in the mouth, breast (topical breast cancer since advanced breast cancer can ulcerate right through the skin), skin, and vulva in people with recurrent ulcerating tumors (in which surgery, radiation and chemotherapy did not work) that rubbing with a turmeric ointment produced a remarkable relief (as open cancers can stink, itch and ooze), with reduced exudate (exudate meaning a mass of cells and fluid that has seeped out of blood vessels or an organ, especially in inflammation) oozing, and with a reduction in smell in 90 [%] of the cases (even in extensively ulcerated cases of breast cancer), and a reduction in itching in almost all cases as well. For example, it relieved the “severe itching” in 2 (two) of the vulva cancer patients. Most of the lesions dried up, and in many cases this relief lasted for months all from just rubbing on some harmless spice turmeric [86].
>It may also help as nutrition for the immune system as prevention of cancer as turmeric was shown in vitro to be effective at reducing radiation damage thus being protective against radiation induced damage [87], but this study is all just on cells in vitro in a test tube not tested in vivo in actual human beings yet. You can find people who are voluntarily exposed to radiation you can test stuff on such as pilots [88], and also hospital workers that run the X-ray machines who have been found to suffer inordinate radiation exposure, leading to chromosomal damage as a result as compared to other hospital staff [89] and leading to higher levels of oxidative stress within their body [90]. Although X-rays can damage DNA directly, much of the damage is caused by the free radicals generated by the radiation [90] which is why for a study the researchers asked radiation staff to drink 2 (two) cups a day of lemon balm (an herbal tea known to have high levels of antioxidants) tea for a month resulting in the level of antioxidant enzymes in their bloodstream to go up, and the level of free radical damage going down which both lead in this research to the conclusion that oral administration of effective antioxidant foods such as lemon balm tea may be helpful for the protection of the radiology staff against radiation-induced oxidative stress improving the antioxidant defense system, especially enzymatic defense due to its antioxidant properties [92]. And if that is the reason then practically any plant should fit the bill, especially plants with high antioxidant molecules such as turmeric has curcumin which then also fits in this picture [91].
It may also be helpful for nutrition for treatment of cancer especially breast cancer since turmeric, like soy, may also suppress human fat cells and not only have an antiproliferative effect on cancer [94], but may prevent cancer metastases by inhibiting cancer cell invasion [95]. The main turmeric compound is even being considered as a leading treatment for multidrug-resistant breast cancer [96].
It may also be helpful as nutrition for the immune system as turmeric curcumin may help as an anti-inflammatory antioxidant which could be why it may also be helpful as nutrition for the gastro-intestinal tract as turmeric may help with the debilitating condition called inflammatory bowel disease (also called “IBD”) such as ulcerative colitis (also called “UC”, “CU”, “colitis ulcerosa” and “IBD-UC”), because a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial study found that when that when giving persons with this condition either turmeric curcumin along with their already used conventional anti-inflammatory drugs or (exclusive or) taking a placebo and their drugs, that in the placebo group 8 (eight) out of 39 relapsed (meaning their disease flared back up, one of the disease characteristics of this disease is that intensity of disease changes over time dependent on people’s lifestyles which why the relapse is happening the people, physicians and doctors themselves currently often poorly understand only signifying that it could relapse thus meaning it comes and goes, stopping the thought-process there), i.e. about 20 [%], while in the curcumin group statistically significant relatively fewer amount of only 2 (two) out of 43, i.e. about 5 (five) [%] relapsed as compared to the 20 [%] in the placebo-group. Furthermore, when relapsed or not, the overall conditional pleasantness of experiencing life because of their bodily health condition in the placebo group got increasingly worse over time while in the curcumin group the trending line got increasingly better over time, which was also more objectively, via a higher objective versus subjective measurement fraction, endoscopically found by visualizing the insides of their colons which gave a statistically significant improvement in the endoscopic index as well. The difference between 5 (five) [%] and 20 [%] was so big that the researchers wondered if something in the study went wrong such as e.g., even though patients were randomized to each group, maybe it was through some coincidence that the curcumin group just ended up being much healthier thus it being a different factor than curcumin that accounted for the results. Therefore, to filter out this potential effect they extended the study another 6 (six) months, but then put everyone in the placebo group stopping curcumin supplementation to everyone to see if the persons previously assigned the curcumin then started relapsing more too becoming just as bad as the placebo-group, which is exactly what happened which is that upon withdrawal of curcumin the relapse rate quickly paralleled that of patients treated initially with only a placebo concluding that curcumin seems to help for maintaining remission in patients with relatively quiescent ulcerative colitis [27]. This all the while turmeric does not induce the negative effects persons with ulcerative commonly suffer from by the in the majority of cases use of drugs every day for the rest of their lives (such as drugs that are commonly used for inflammatory bowel disease are e.g. sulfasalazine (SZ), mesalamine, corticosteroids, immunomodulators and remicade) which can add to disease complications such as most commonly nausea, vomiting, headaches, rash, fever, and inflammation of the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. As well as crippling their immune system and reducing or even eliminating fertility [28]. Curcumin does have some negative effects in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below.
It may also be helpful as nutrition for the brain as preventative means against neurodegenerative diseases since anti-inflammatory agents may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease without the negative effects anti-inflammatory drug agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have which could induce toxicity of the stomach, liver and kidney [33]. People populations who eat a lot of the spice turmeric may have the lowest reported prevalence, i.e., how many people with the disease are reported to be walking around, of dementia and Alzheimer’s such as is the case in rural India [34]. But this information may only be incorrectly indicative because in such a relatively impoverished area the people living there might not live very long which makes that you need to know more than just the prevalence but also the incidence of the disease, i.e., how many people are newly diagnosed with it every year, which reflects the true rate of disease occurrence. In rural Pennsylvania the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s disease for people over age 65 is such that 19 (nineteen) people in a thousand develop Alzheimer’s disease every year while in rural India, using the same diagnostic criteria, that same rate is 3 (three) in a thousand, confirming that they have among the lowest reported Alzheimer’s disease rates in the world [34]. According to the researchers the lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s in India is generally attributed to the turmeric consumption as a part of curry, and it is assumed that people who use turmeric regularly have a lower incidence of the disease [34]. Not assuming anything a study showed that of a thousand people tested those who consumed curry at least occasionally did do better on simple cognitive tests than those who did not, meaning those that often ate curry had only about ½ (half) the odds of showing cognitive impairment after adjusting for a wide variety of potential confounding factors suggesting that curry consumption may be associated with better cognitive performance [35]. Of course, it probably matters what is being curried (e.g., are we talking about chicken masala, or chana masala, i.e. with chickpeas instead of chicken), therefore it may be no coincidence that the country with among the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s disease has among the lowest rates of meat consumption with a significant percentage of Indians eating meat-free and egg-free diets [36] which is correlated with Alzheimer’s disease since those who eat meat (red meat and/or white meat) appear between about 2 (two) to 3 (three) times more likely to become demented as compared to vegetarians with the longer one eats meat-free the lower the associated risk of getting dementia [37].
It may also be helpful as nutrition for the brain for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as the psychological behavioral symptoms of dementia in persons with Alzheimer’s disease AD as a case series study with 3 (three) Alzheimer’s patients were treated with a teaspoon of turmeric a day, which comes out to a few dollar cent or euro cents, which statistically significantly improved their symptoms declining the negative symptoms along with the burden on their caregivers [29]. Case number 1 (one) is an 83-year-old woman which started losing her memory getting disoriented after which she started having problems taking care of herself, wandering aimlessly, and becoming incontinent. After the turmeric consumption adage to her diet though, her agitation, apathy, anxiety, and irritability were relieved, and she had less accidents. Furthermore, she began to laugh, sing, and knit again. After taking turmeric for more than a year she came to recognize her family again and now lives a peaceful life without any significant behavioral psychological symptom of dementia [29]. Case number 2 (two) was similar, but with hallucinations, delusions and depression, which appeared to be relieved by turmeric consumption. She began to recognize her family again and now lives in a peacefully serene manner. And the third case was similar as well, including an improvement in cognition [29].
However, using turmeric curcumin supplements rather than turmeric itself does not seem to work as 2 (two) trials failed to show a benefit [30, 31]. Concentrated into pill form at up to 40 times the dose, no evidence of efficacy was found. This could be because curcumin is just one of the hundreds of phytochemicals which are found in turmeric [32]. We do not get to see the results we saw in the 3 (three) case reports because either those cases studies were not scientifically valid enough or (exclusive or) because of the curcumin not working as an isolated dosage at all meaning that other components in turmeric other than curcumin are responsible for the effect which could be tested by isolating other components or (exclusive or) it could be a combination meaning that synergy might be at play meaning the whole food is greater than the sum of its parts and thus that a synergism significant effect of bioactive compounds is only noticeable when more compounds than the one compound curcumin is present and thus isolating different compounds is not going to give the desired effect thus a study is needed in which the whole turmeric is used. But it will be a while for such a study because it will be hard to find someone to finance such as study because you cannot governmentally monopolize the product with a patent for the spice meaning that you are not going to be able to charge more than the few dollar cents or euro cents a day as discussed previously, thus we are waiting on a philanthropical person and/or researchers to start such a study.
It may help as nutrition for surgery recovery and as nutrition against pain because it may help speed recovery after surgery since in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled study of 50 human persons the efficacy of turmeric curcumin was tested in pain and postoperative fatigue (since turmeric has traditionally been used as a remedy for traumatic pain and fatigue) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (which can take you out of going about your normal life for over a month), i.e. people getting their gallbladder removed, showing that of the fifty people that were cut into and given curcumin or (exclusive or) an identical looking placebo, in both cases alongside with so-called rescue analgesics, i.e. actual pain killers, to take if the pain became unbearable, that in the weeks following surgery, a very significant high possible value for drop in pain and fatigue measure scores (“probable” because it is hard to come up with objective measures of pain and fatigue) in the curcumin group was observed, with drug-wise the curcumin group was still in so much pain they were pain-induced forced to take 7 (seven) of the rescue painkillers while in the same time period, though the control group had to take 39 of the rescue painkillers thus can be concluded that curcumin is significantly successful for reducing pain [42].
It may help as nutrition for the immune system as treatment for inflammatory conditions such as eye inflammation and thus as nutrition for the eyes such as in the case of conjunctivitis (also called “pink eye”) since ophthalmologists in India found that eyedrops made from the spice turmeric seemed to work just as well as antibiotic eyedrops as the disease in all of the 25 persons who received the turmeric eye drops started subsiding from the third day onward and the disease in all the persons was beaten on the sixth day except the 2 (two) cases of kandu that remained even after the sixth day, compared to the 25 cases who received the drug soframycine which subsided from fourth day and complete relief took seven days, except in two cases for which the duration took 9 (nine) days [43].
In a different study in which researchers decided to give oral supplements of turmeric curcumin a try as nutrition for the eyes against more serious inflammatory eye diseases like to uveitis sufferers (often an autoimmune or infectious inflammation of the central structures in the eye), which disease blinds tens of thousands of Americans every year [47], for which lots of steroid drugs are used that knock down people’s immune systems also having a lot of negative effects on your body. The conditions of all the eighteen persons suffering from uveitis given turmeric curcumin alone improved leading the researchers to call its efficacy comparable to corticosteroid therapy, but without any of the negative effects [48].
A larger follow-up study was similarly encouraging showing that out of the 106 patients, all of which had a uveitis relapse in the year before starting curcumin, a year after using curcumin only 19 of them did. Altogether, the 106 patients (some with multiple relapses) relapsed 275 times in the year before curcumin treatment, but in the year on curcumin only a total of just 36 relapses happened [49].
It was also tested as nutrition for the eyes as treatment against idiopathic inflammatory orbital pseudo-tumors (idiopathic from the Greek “idios” as in “idiot” means the doctors at the time had no idea what caused it and “pathic” meaning disease so a disease which doctors do not know the cause of yet; “inflammatory” as in inflammation in the area; “orbital” is referring to the bony cavity that houses our eyeball; and pseudo-tumor as in not really a tumor but looking like what a tumor would probably have looked like; which disease called idiopathic inflammatory orbital pseudo-tumors is now generally attributed to low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma so it does actually appear to be a form of cancer thus turmeric curcumin also in this case possibly helping as nutrition for treatment of cancer [51]) which is a really serious eye inflammation condition [50]. In the study they decided to look at spice compounds such as turmeric curcumin because the available treatments such as steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy are so toxic resulting in harming the body. Initially all the patients in the study were put on steroids but had to stop them because they either did not work or (exclusive or) had to be withdrawn because of complications and the researchers also did not want to use radiation because they did not want to blind anyone. All the patients had such swelling that they could not move their eye as they normally would have been able to, so they tried the relatively cheap, relatively simple and relatively safe possibly solution of using turmeric curcumin with 4/5 (four out of the five), i.e. 80 [%], of the persons with the disease who completed the study having a full response meaning a complete recovery with no residual signs nor symptoms of the disease since complete regression of the eye dislocation (also called proptosis) and complete regression of the swelling occurred in all 5/5 (five out of five), 100 [%], of the patients, though one of the patients continued to suffer some residual effects [50].
Summarizing these studies, turmeric curcumin drops seem to work as treatment for mild, and serious and very serious eye inflammation conditions.
>It may help as nutrition for the cardiovascular system as improving the function of the inner lining of our blood vessels called the endothelium which functioning is sensitive to induced inflammation e.g., by oxidation (as in the operational definition sense) or free radicals which could lead to increased endothelial dysfunction which may set us up for cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease or a brain stroke. Researchers in Japan compared the endothelial benefits of 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise a day to those consuming turmeric curcumin of about 1 (one) teaspoon a day for 8 (eight) weeks also adding a control group to the study that did neither of both. The group that did neither experienced no benefit, but the exercise group significantly boosted their endothelial function, and so did the curcumin group. The magnitude of the improvement achieved by curcumin treatment was comparably about the same to that obtained with the up to an hour a day of aerobic exercise, significantly improving endothelial function. Therefore, regular ingestion of curcumin could be a preventive measure against cardiovascular disease as in the study it was seemed effective in postmenopausal women thus effective as nutrition for the reproductive system. Furthermore, the results suggest that curcumin may be a potential alternative treatment for patients who are unable to exercise [52].
But ideally, we would do both because the combination of curcumin and exercise both may work even better than either alone since in a study was looked at central arterial hemodynamics (which if our endothelium is impaired stiffens our arteries making it harder for our heart to pump) comparing a placebo-group with a turmeric curcumin group, an exercise group and a group that consumed turmeric curcumin and exercised resulting in that blood pressure can be dropped down with either turmeric curcumin or (exclusive) exercise, but if you combine both your endothelial function works even better. They conclude that these findings suggest that regular endurance exercise combined with daily curcumin ingestion may reduce the pressure against which your heart has to fight to a greater extent than one or the other, so healthy eating and exertion for an improvement in function of our endothelium [53].
There is also this randomized controlled crossover trial looking at postprandial endothelial function in human animal males after turmeric curcumin via curry-dish consumption which significantly ameliorates postprandial flow-mediated dilation FMD and thus improves cardiovascular health through an improvement in endothelial function [54].
It may help as nutrition for the cardiovascular system as it may help persons with the condition called being prediabetic since a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial study with people diagnosed with prediabetes was published in the “Journal of the American Diabetes Association” in which prediabetic persons were followed for 9 (nine) months giving half of them supplements of curcumin and the other half an identical looking placebo to see who ended up with diabetes showing that after those months’ time period that the turmeric curcumin extract may work as preventative means of type-2 diabetes since 16 [%] of subjects in the placebo group went on to get full-blown diabetes while in the curcumin group, taking equivalently about ¼ cup (which is about 37.5 grams) of turmeric a day, none got diabetes. Furthermore, the curcumin group saw a significant improvement in fasting blood sugars, glucose tolerance, hemoglobin A1C, insulin sensitivity, pancreatic insulin-producing beta-cell function (measured two different ways), and insulin sensitivity [55]. It is important to recognize that prediabetes is a disease in itself increasing the risk of death, cancer, heart disease, and vision loss meaning that it is not enough to just prevent progression to full-blown diabetes, but that prediabetes may be cured completely with a healthy plant-based diet [57, 58].
Another study showed that it may help as nutrition for the cardiovascular system as it may help persons already having diabetes mellitus since they got the same beneficial effects as in the previously mentioned prediabetic study but then with at a fraction of the dose not using of about ¼ cup (which is about 37.5 grams) of turmeric a day but using only about 1 (a) teaspoon’s worth of turmeric (which is about 5 grams) a day which is doable through diet rather than using supplements. This study also suggests a purported mechanism of action which is that fat in the bloodstream may play an important role in the development of insulin resistance and thus ultimately the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fatty acids may build up inside your muscle cells and gums up the workings thus limiting function by interfering with insulin signaling. The curcumin that these turmeric spice compounds may have is an anti-diabetic effect by decreasing fat levels in the bloodstream [56].
It may help as nutrition for the reproductive system for treatment of uterine fibroids UF (which fibroids are continually volumetrically growing increasing tissue size that could be a consequence of chronic inflammation within the body also since women with fibroids are more likely to eat more beef and ham and fewer fruits and green vegetables [69] and when the amount of free radicals exceeds the protective effects of (the conceptually defined definition of) antioxidants, oxidative damage will occur which has been implicated in a variety of disease states including gynecological conditions, such as fibroids of which is also known that if you collect fresh fibroids as well as normal uterine tissue from hysterectomy surgeries the fibroid cells have significantly fewer antioxidant enzymes for which could be concluded that more antioxidant rich foods might help with treatment of the condition [70]) as a randomized controlled clinical in vivo study introducing more antioxidants in the diet, albeit not turmeric curcumin in this study, which persons with this disease condition were randomized to green tea extract or a placebo for 4 (four) months of which in the placebo group fibroid volume increased 24 [%], however, those randomized to the green tea group showed a greatly significant reduction in total fibroid volume which fibroids shrunk almost 1/3 (a third) while the women also felt much better by a great decrease in symptom severity with consistent improvement and thus lessening of symptoms each month feeling better than the last as well while in the placebo group nothing much happened month after month [71]. Of the treatment group their blood counts got better too while the blood levels kept decreasing in the placebo group with all that continued excess blood loss every month, thus reversed blood counts in the green tea group significantly improving anemia because average blood flow significantly diminished also leading to a better period experience and this all without adverse effects [71]. So, not only results comparable in effect to those for the drugs that are commonly used without the negative effects but also comparable results to uterine artery embolization UFE too, which is where they try to cut the blood supply to the fibroid, while uterine artery embolization could lead to accidently cutting the blood supply to the rest of the uterus causing uterine necrosis which is one of many reported major complications, which also include death, not only of the fibroid but of the patient and other potential complications that may arise from accidently clogging off non-target arteries [72]. Concluding, that the relatively simple, relatively inexpensive, and relatively safe treatment of using high antioxidant rich foods consumption such as green tea and potentially turmeric curcumin without the negative side effects of the more invasive procedures such as surgery is potentially a better treatment option. Curcumin does have some negative effects however in people with specific conditions but more about that I have written below.
It may also helpful for nutrition of the gastro-intestinal tract as preventative against gallbladder pain in people with gallstones (and possibly gallbladder cancer, see below) as preventative against gallstones by acting as a cholecystokinetic agent meaning it facilitates the pumping action of the gallbladder to keep the bile from stagnating as in this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study they gave people a small dose of curcumin of about the amount found in ¼ (a quarter) teaspoon of turmeric, following the use of ultrasound with which they were able to visualize the gallbladder squeezing down in response with an average change in volume of about 29 [%] [100]. More optimally, you would want to squeeze it in half which is why they repeated the experiment with different doses [101] resulting in knowing that it took about 40 [milligrams] to get a 50 [%] contraction which is every day about 1/3 (a third) of a teaspoon turmeric. But if you already have a gallbladder obstruction such as a gall stone blocking your bile duct and you eat turmeric it makes your gallbladder squeeze down harder which could hurt a lot and this is probably the mechanism behind where the notification of the study possibly came from that said it could potentially trigger gallbladder pain in people with gallstones [97]. So, patients with biliary tract obstruction should be careful about consuming curcumin [30] but for everyone else these results suggest that curcumin can effectively induce the gallbladder to empty, and thereby reduce the risk of gallstone formation in the first place and ultimately perhaps even reducing the risk of gallbladder cancer [101].
It may also help as nutrition for the liver as it protects liver function [104].
Looking at safety, a safety note would be that it would be great if the turmeric itself is not contaminated with heavy metals such as lead as has happened in Bangladesh [44] and furthermore nearly ¼ (a quarter) of spices purchased in Boston were also contaminated with the same amount of the compound lead in them which makes it not just a matter of buying U.S. versus foreign brands as the lead levels were not found to be statistically significantly different [45]. This heavy metal exposure is something we care about because we care about the thereby possibly induced DNA damage, and we care about DNA damage (i.e., bad mutagenesis) because we care about cancer. If the beta-carotene levels in people are measured (beta-carotene is usable as a proxy for a healthier diet because of more fruit and vegetable intake being the way that you can get high levels of it in your blood thus by eating lots of healthy foods like greens and sweet potatoes) and then look at which persons exposed to arsenic who went on to develop cancer as compared to those who got exposed to the same amount of arsenic but did not get cancer results show that compared to those with low levels those with high levels of beta carotene in their blood had 99 [%], which is about a hundred times, lower odds of getting arsenic-induced cancer [46].
Another safety note for use would be that during chemotherapy there could potentially be a complication if turmeric is taken because chemotherapy works by inducing free radicals using those free radicals to kill cancer cells while turmeric contains antioxidants such as curcumins that have the antioxidant effect of eliminating free radicals. It is therefore not clear yet (at least for me) whether the treatment and therefore your body benefits if turmeric is consumed during chemotherapy treatment as it could potentially reduce the efficacy of the treatment as well [93].
A different safety note would be that you should not fall into the trap of “if it is so good for you why not take a lot of it?” meaning the more the better which is not actually the case even when not consuming some extract (but actually the whole food turmeric but just in large doses such as three grams) because unfortunately it turns out turmeric has too much oxalate to take that kind of daily dose which would increase our risk of kidney stones which means that we should be fine if we keep it under a teaspoon of turmeric a day which is way less than what would be the safety limit of cinnamon which is far less and maybe a negligible concern because more than 90 [%] of the turmeric oxalates are soluble versus less than 10 [%] of those from cinnamon [97]. Too much turmeric may increase the risk of kidney stones as turmeric is high in soluble oxalates which can bind to calcium and form insoluble calcium oxalate which is responsible for approximately 3/4 (three-quarters), i.e., 75 [%], of all kidney stones making that the consumption of even moderate amounts of turmeric would not be recommended for people with a tendency to form kidney stones. These persons should restrict the consumption of total dietary oxalate to less than 40 to 50 [mg/day] which means no more than at most 1 (a) teaspoon of turmeric [102]. Those e.g., with the arthritis disease gout are often at high risk for kidney stones and thus if their doctor wanted to treat gout inflammation with high-dose turmeric then that is where curcumin supplements might come into play because to reach high levels of curcumin in turmeric form would incur too much of an oxalate load risking the formation of kidney stones [103]. If one is prescribed a supplement the latest review recommends possible purchasing from Western suppliers that follow better recommended Good Manufacturing Practices, which may decrease the likelihood of buying an adulterated product [99].
Also, it should be noted that it is better to stick to the root and not some extract as if you combine both high-dose curcumin extract [99] with the earlier mentioned black pepper for that 2’000 [%] bioavailability boost that could be like consuming the equivalent of 29 cups of turmeric a day which kind of intake could bring peak blood levels up to around where you start seeing some significant DNA damage, in vitro at least [98]. So, just incorporating turmeric into our cooking may be better than taking curcumin supplements, especially stay off turmeric extracts during pregnancy as it is not yet enough understood what such extract high doses will do in both those humans during pregnancy (at least by me) [99].
Another safety note will be that turmeric could potentially trigger gallbladder pain in people with gallstones [97]. Turmeric curcumin may help prevent gallstones by acting as a cholecystokinetic agent meaning it facilitates the pumping action of the gallbladder to keep the bile from stagnating as in this double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study, they gave people a small dose of curcumin, about the amount found in like ¼ (a quarter) teaspoon of turmeric, and using ultrasound were able to visualize the gallbladder squeezing down in response with an average change in volume of about 29 [%] [100]. Optimally, though, you would want to like squeeze it in which is why they repeated the experiment with different doses [101] resulting in knowing that it took about 40 [milligrams] to get a 50 [%] contraction which is about a third of a teaspoon of turmeric every day. But if you already have a gallbladder obstruction such as a gall stone blocking your bile duct and you eat turmeric it makes your gallbladder squeeze down hard which could hurt a lot as is probably the mechanism behind this notification of the study possibly came from that it could potentially trigger gallbladder pain in people with gallstones [97]. So, patients with biliary tract obstruction should be careful about consuming curcumin [30] but for everyone else these results suggest that curcumin can effectively induce the gallbladder to empty, and thereby reduce the chance and thus risk of gallstone formation in the first place and ultimately perhaps even gallbladder cancer [101].
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2. Plant-based medicines can also be used to relieve the symptoms of cancer or relieve the symptoms of cancer treatment (e.g. chemotherapy). Give three examples of this type of effect, and explain the proposed mechanism of action for each.
Example 1 for relieving the symptoms of chemotherapy would be the flowering perennial plants in the astragalus genus (including the species such as e.g. astrolagus membranaceus (also known as “huang qi”, “yellow leader”, “yellow ladder” which name comes from the plant's brightly-colored roots, and astrolagus propinquus) categorizable in the fabaceae bean family are possible usable for:
> traditional Chinese medicine as it is considered prominent in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> It is considered one of the 50 fundamental herbs in traditional Chinese medicine [1].
> Astragalus roots have being used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, similar to ginseng as a tonic for fatigue, lack of appetite, as an immunostimulant or adaptogen, a digestive, for cancer prevention, for longevity, and many other purposes [1].
> Astragalus roots are available as extracts, tea, capsules, and supplements [1].
> It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties [1].
> It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body [1].
> Recent studies show that giving Astragalus intravenously or using Chinese herbal mixture containing astragalus might reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy treatment such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it has helped cancer patients with weakened immune systems [1].
Considering mechanisms of action, the roots contain terpenoids and glycosides such as atragalocytes and flavonoids. It is recommended by herbalists especially for strengthening the body against viral infections of the respiratory track because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It also seems to improve the heart through stimulation of interferon production in the body.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 for relieving the symptoms of chemotherapy would be the ripe seeds of the in relatively temperate regions of the world flourishing annual or biennial herb milk thistle plant silybum marianum (also known as “carduus marianus”, and “Scotch thistle”) categorizable as a member of the asteraceae daisy plant family (the weblike pattern on the surfaces of the leaves distinguish milk thistle from its many thistle sister species) is possible usable for:
> it has qualities that may help prevent cancer [1].
> It's ripe seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains silymarin, a standardized complex extract mixture of polyphenolic bioactive molecules [1].
> Additionally, the roots and leaves can be used as food [1].
> In term of plant preparations, milk thistle seeds are made into powder, extract, tinctures, teas, and herbal supplements [1].
> It's used in cosmetics for its regenerative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and to alleviate the effects of skin rashes [1].
> In traditional medicine, milk thistle is used for liver disorders, including liver damage caused by chemicals, alcohol, chemotherapy, as well as liver damage caused my mushroom poisoning, chronic inflammatory liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and chronic hepatitis [1].
> Some people apply milk thistle typically for skin damage caused by radiation or use it as an anti-inflammatory, astringent, immunostimulant, antioxidant, to promote general good health, and for cancer prevention [1].
> Milk thistle seeds might protect liver cells from toxic chemicals and drugs [1].
> The ripe seeds also seem to have blood sugar lowering, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects [1].
Considering action mechanisms, the ripe seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and contains silymarin, a standardized complex extract mixture of polyphenolic bioactive molecules [1]. Silymarin probably works by neutralizing free radicals or other molecules that can cause DNA damage, and by activating important detoxifying enzymes.
Considering safety, when used topically and taken by mouth, milk thistle extract is likely safe for most people. In some cases, ingestion of milk thistle extracts has caused diarrhea, nausea, intestinal gas, and loss of appetite. Milk thistle interacts moderately with medications changed by the liver, estrogens, and medications used for lowering cholesterol, such as statins. People should be cautious with such combinations.
[Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
3, a different example, a example to relieve the symptoms of cancer and treatment would be the hemiparasitic (since it both produces its own food and also absorbs water and minerals from the tree that is growing on and it can grow on a variety of different trees) shrub European mistletoe plant viscum album categorizable in the santalaceae sandalwood family is possible usable for:
> Mistletoe is highly toxic, but its leaves and fruit contain elements that treat circulatory and respiratory problems [1].
> European mistletoe is highly poisonous to humans and accidentally eating its berry can cause death in human animals [1].
> It has been known since ancient times and was surrounded by many folk myths and legends symbolizing romance, fertility, and vitality [1].
> Mistletoe leaves are sometime used to flavor alcoholic beverages, and the berry, leaf, and stem also have been used for centuries to treat circulatory and respiratory problems [1].
> The use of mistletoe extract in the treatment of cancer originated with Rudolf Steiner [1]. Although laboratory and animal experiments have suggested a mistletoe extract may stimulate the immune system and kill some types of cancer cells, there is not enough evidence to validate its benefit to people with cancer [1].
> Preliminary studies in humans seems to show the mistletoe treatment may improve cancer symptoms and reduce side effects of cancer treatment [1].
> Several brand name of mistletoe extracts are available in Europe, often given by intravenous injection [1].
> In preclinical models, mistletoe has some anti-inflammation and anticancer effects [1].
> Mistletoe-induced immune stimulation may explain physical improvements that contribute to increased quality of life in cancer patients [1].
Considering mechanisms of action, it contains more than 20 different active compounds including flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids.
Considering safety, because of its high toxicity, its use can also be unsafe if not accurately monitored by a health care practitioner. European mistletoe is possibly safe when used by mouth in appropriate amounts, but likely unsafe when taken in larger doses. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, and liver damage. Pregnant women should not consume mistletoe due to its uterine stimulant activity. European mistletoe can interact moderately with medications for high blood pressure or immunosuppressants, so its use should be monitored when taken in combination with these medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
4, a plant used for cancer symptom treatment drug control would be the roots and underground stems (also called rhizomes) of the relatively low-growing herbaceous perennial native to woodlands American mandrake plant podophyllum peltatum (also called mayapple) categorizable in the berberidaceae barberry family is possible usable for:
> Their roots and underground stems, or rhizome, are being used to make medicine for centuries by the “Native Americans” [1].
>the “Native Americans” collected these roots in the fall to treat constipation, rheumatism, liver disorder, for wart removal, and as laxative [1].
> Mayapple is currently being studied for its possible treatment of leukemia and other types of cancer [1].
> Podophyllotoxin, also known as a podofilox, and two of it's semi-derivatives, etoposide and teniposide, have shown promise in treating some type of cancers and are also used in western medicine as antiviral, antimicrobial agent, anthelmintics, purgatives, and antitumor agents [1].
> Podofilox stops replication of both cellular and viral DNA by binding to specific enzymes and can also prevent cell division of highly proliferating cancerous cell [1].
> Clinical evidence suggests that a single application of 25 percent [%] podophyllum resin can help heal wounds caused by hairy leukoplakia, manifesting with white patches on the tongue in people with weakened immune system, a pathology common in patients going through chemotherapy [1]. In this sense, it is used as cancer symptoms control drug.
> The fruit of the mayapple is edible in small amounts, but only when ripened and yellow.
>the fruit is sometimes made into jelly but is poisonous if eaten in large amounts.
Considering mechanisms of action, the main compound is Podophyllotoxin, which is a terpenoid lactone. Podophyllotoxin, also known as a podofilox, and two of it's semi-derivatives, etoposide and teniposide, have shown promise in treating some type of cancers and are also used in western medicine as antiviral, antimicrobial agent, anthelmintics, purgatives, and antitumor agents. Podofilox stops replication of both cellular and viral DNA by binding to specific enzymes and can also prevent cell division of highly proliferating cancerous cell.
> Podophyllotoxin, extracted from the mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum), may help to treat cancer by having the effect that it interferes with DNA replication in the cancer cells.
Considering safety, the leaves and rhizome are poisonous if ingested, and may cause nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, paralysis, coma, liver and kidney problems, and even death. Podophyllotoxin extracts and active compounds can be found as ingredients in topical medicine, but are highly toxic if taken internally, causing central nervous system depression, enteritis, organ failure, and death. Podophyllum should not be used for self-treatment and during pregnancy because it can harm an unborn baby. In terms of interaction with other medications, not much is known. Theoretically, mayapple extract could interact with antiviral and antimitotic medications.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
3. Give three examples of plant species used as the source of chemotherapeutic medicines to treat various types of cancers, and explain their mechanisms of action.
Example 1 would be the low-growing flowering plant madagascar periwinkle plant catharanthus roseus (also called rose periwinkle, rosy periwinkle, vinca, parwynke (old English name), joy of the ground, centocchio (italie) meaning hundred eyes, and in reference to its color and its use in magic it is also called “sorcerer's violet,” since it is used as favorite flower for making charms and love potions and to block evil spirits; and it is called “the flower of death” because of the ancient tradition of making it into garlands to place on the tombs of dead children; In Germany, it is the “flower of immortality”; In France, the periwinkle is considered an emblem of friendship) categorizable in the Apocynaceae dogbane family (which family also contains milkweed, oleander and many other plants with “toxic” and “medicinal” properties) is possible usable for:
> ornamentally and “medicinally” [1].
> The French also used it to treat menstrual problems [1].
> In the Caribbean, voodoo magic practitioners sew periwinkle leaves into the mattress to keep husband and wife forever in love and the home peaceful. They are sometimes combined with magnolia leaves, which also have a reputation for promoting faithfulness in love. The blue flowers of periwinkle are representative of spiritual peace and harmony [1].
> used as favorite flower for making charms and love potions and to block evil spirits [1].
> also used to make garlands [1].
> Compounds found in the Madagascar periwinkle have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as drugs involved in various forms of chemotherapy [1].
> It is grown both as an ornamental and as a medicinal plant [1].
> It's the source of the drugs vincristine and vinblastine, which are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and used in western medicine in chemotherapy against Hodgkin's disease, leukemia, malignant lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and other types of tumors [1].
> In addition, more than 70 different alkaloids have been isolated from the periwinkle [1].
> Usage can be traced back to Mesopotamia to 2600 before the common era, and all parts of the plant has been used as medicine [1].
> It was listed in the second century Roman Herbarium by Apuleius -in it, he stated that the herb was used against "devil sickness and demoniacal possession and against snakes and “wild beasts”" [1].
> Although it has serious safety concern for its toxicity, periwinkle has been used in traditional medicine all over the world for diabetes, cancer, as an immune stimulant [1].
> It is also used as a cough remedy, for ease in lung congestion, and as a diuretic [1].
> Some people apply periwinkle directly to the skin to stop bleeding, relive insect bites, wasp stings, for eye irritation, treat infections, and swelling or inflammation [1].
> Its usage dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, 2600 BCE. It was listed in the 2nd century
A.D. Roman Herbarium by Apuleius. In it, he stated that the herb was used against "devil sickness and demoniacal possessions and against snakes and wild beasts.” Apuleius also described the elaborate procedure necessary for harvesting the herb. The Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen recommend the periwinkle to be consumed mixed into wine against the fluctuations of the belly [1].
> In Ayurvedic medicine, the poisonous extracts of its roots and shoots are used against many illnesses [1].
> Its extracts have been used in traditional Chinese medicine against many diseases, including diabetes, malaria, cough, kidney problems, and Hodgkin's lymphoma [1].
> In Madagascar, the bitter and astringent leaves are used to induce vomiting, and the roots are used as a purgative, depurative, and as toothache remedy [1].
> In Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica, it is used as eyewash in infants [1].
> Periwinkle flowers are used to treat asthma in the Bahamas [1].
> In South Africa and the West Indies, it is used to cure diabetes [1].
> Traditional uses in the Philippines include inducing abortion and treating stomach cramps [1].
> The periwinkle is used in malaria treatment in Vietnam [1].
> In Indonesia and China, it is used for menstrual complaints and dysmenorrhea [1].
> Since the periwinkle is native to the island of Madagascar, it has been part of the native population’s traditional medicine for centuries [1].
> In the 1950s, researchers from Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals were led to the rosy periwinkle by shamans in Madagascar. The scientists identified two closely related drugs from the periwinkle extract, vincristine and vinblastine. The drugs were patented and used to treat leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and other types of cancers. In the 1990s, these two drugs combined generated sales of $100 million/year. Even though both the plant and the knowledge of its medicinal properties were obtained from Madagascar's people, Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals does not share the revenue generated by these drugs with them [1]. This is another example of biopiracy, the bioprospecting that exploits plants and traditional knowledge by claiming patents to restrict the plant's general use.
> It is currently on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List (EML) [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, vinblastine and vincristine, the two main alkaloids found in periwinkle extract, act as mitotic inhibitors. They prevent cells from undergoing mitosis or cell division, which causes mitotic arrest or cell deaths, preventing cancerous growth. Mitotic inhibitors are used in cancer treatment because cancer cells depend on rapid multiplication to be able to grow and then spread. Thus, cancer cells are more sensitive to inhibition of mitosis than normal cells. More than 70 bioactive alkaloids have been isolated from the Madagascar periwinkle.
> the anti-cancer compound vinblastine, extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle, does affect the cells in the manner that Vinblastine interferes with mitosis (cell division), stopping cancer cells from replicating.
Considering safety, the plant as a whole is toxic and must be used very carefully. Its leaves, aerial parts, and roots retain very high toxicity if consumed orally. Madagascar periwinkle is unsafe when taken by mouth due to the presence of the poisonous vinca alkaloids. Madagascar periwinkle can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, hearing loss, dizziness, bleeding, nerve problems, seizure, liver damage, or even death. It interacts with diuretics and coagulants and medicines used for diabetes, and its use should be strictly monitored by a health care professional.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 2 would be the evergreen short narrow needled coniferous shrub or (non-exclusive or) tree yew plant categorizable in the genus taxus (The name "taxus" comes from the Greek word toxon which mean poison; of which genus there are around 30 species that are spread mainly over the Northern Hemisphere of the earth of which taxus species known as the "tree of death" are some of the most deadly trees known since with the exception of the fresh of the aril (aril = an extra seed-covering, typically colored and hairy or fleshy, e.g., the red fleshy cup around a yew seed), the seed-covering part that looks like a berry, all parts of the tree are toxic) categorizable in the taxacaea plant family is possible usable for:
> It is highly toxic, but its needles are also used for medicine, says Professor Friso [1].
> Its uses as poison and as medicine were known since ancient times and was mentioned in written records from Ancient Greece and Rome and was a sacred tree to the Celtic druids [1].
> Despite serious safety concerns, yew tree was used in traditional medicine, for example, a tea brewed from yew or ingestion of the needle for treating various illnesses such as worm infections, seizure, muscle and joint pain, and liver conditions [1].
> Healers also prescribed it for starting menstruation or causing abortion [1].
> Paclitaxel was originally extracted from the bark of the Pacific yew, or Taxus brevifolia, and the Canadian yew, Taxus canadensis. However, the yield was very low and that resulted in the death of the tree, as it was harvest from the bark. This led to concern about the destruction of the ancient yew forests. Yew became an endangered species in the mid 1980s. Scientists were able to isolate a precursor molecule from the needle of other species of yew, European yew, for example, instead of in the bark, and the final synthesis can be done in a chemistry lab. Thus, paclitaxel is now a semi-synthetic product and a sustainable product as well, since the leaves can be harvested without killing the tree. Both paclitaxel, sold under the brand name of Taxol, and related taxanes have shown activity against solid cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma and leukemia and are used in chemotherapy for the treatment of these types of cancers [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active ingredient in yew are a mixture of terpenoids and alkaloids including paclitaxel (also called Taxol), an FDA approved drug used in chemotherapy. Taxol and other related taxanes inhibit mitosis, or cell division. Stopping a cell during division will generally result in the cell dying. Chemotherapeutic drugs are usually designed to target rapidly dividing cells because sustained proliferation is a common feature of cancers.
>Paclitaxel = The anti-cancer compound that was originally extracted from yew tree (Taxus spp.) is paclitaxel.
Considering safety, the compounds in yew can affect various parts of the body including the nerves, heart, and muscles. Yew is likely unsafe for people based on the known toxicity. There are no current clinical uses of the plant extracts, only the isolated compounds in chemotherapy. Crude preparation of yew needles or bark should not be used because of the cardiac toxicity caused by taxanes. Consumption of yew in even small amounts causes cardiac issues resulting in deaths. It's quickly acting, and no antidote exists. Yew extract can interact with many medications including heart medication, antimitotic drugs, and many more.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
Example 3 would be the Chinese happy tree (which gets its name from its beauty and many “medicinal” properties hence it is called the "tree of joy" because of its beauty and many “medicinal” properties) bionomially named Camptotheca acuminata categorizable in the Cornaceae dogwood family is possible usable for:
> The leaves, bark, and fruit all potentially have medicinal properties [1].
> The happy tree has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since antiquity to provide treatment for many illnesses including psoriasis, liver and stomach disorders, common cold, cancer, and leukemia [1].
> Although folk uses of Camptotheca have been traced back to many centuries, it was only in the early 1970's that the majority of Chinese doctors became to use his fruits, bark, and leaves to treat certain type of cancer and other diseases in hospitalized patients [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the active compounds are several alkaloids, such as camptothecin and this is derivatives. This led to scientific study to determine if there actually was an anticancer compound. Pharmaceutical companies now use camptothecin as a prescription drug used in chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer. As a chemotherapeutic agent, camptothecin acts on the cell replication cycle in a similar manner to other anticancer drugs we have examined. By interrupting cell division, the rapid growth of cancer cells is stopped. These result in suppression of various types of cancer. Camptothecin has also been used as a template to develop semisynthetic derivatives, such as topotecan and irinotecan, which retain anticancer activity but have less severe side effects. These new compounds have also been approved by the FDA and are used to treat a variety of cancer, particularly those of colorectal and gynecological origin.
>Camptothecin, which was first identified in the Chinese happy tree (Camptotheca acuminata, which is now used to treat certain types of cancers is an alkaloid.
Considering safety, the Chinese happy tree is likely unsafe and poisonous for people to use. Crude preparations of this plant are not recommended. Poisoning is likely and may include tiredness, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and death, in severe cases. Camptotheca extracts can interact with many medications including heart medication, antimitotic drugs, and many more.
Source references
[1] CALS156_course-transcript 2021
4. You are working at the pediatric department of the emergency room. A six-year-old child comes in with symptoms of tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and seizures. The parent found the child chewing on leaves from a plant in the backyard. What plant do you suspect that they consumed, and why?
The plant that I suspect is the Chinese happy tree since the symptoms of the child are
tiredness, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and seizures
And the symptoms described characterizable to this tree by doctor Friso are
Tiredness, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and death, in severe cases
So, tiredness does overlap, vomiting and nausea too and only seizures not but that might be what causes death in severe cases.
It is also the only plant in this whole module and in the additional plants tool that is according to doctor Friso able to induce tiredness sensations.
5. Select one plant species from the ‘Additional Plants That May Treat or Prevent Cancer’ tool that could help relieve the symptoms of the treatment for an individual undergoing cancer treatment, for example the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Explain why you would recommend that particular plant, including the major safety considerations that the individual should be aware of and the mode of action of the compounds that have the beneficial effects. You should refer back to the ‘Resources for Evaluating Herbal Supplements’ tool from the first course in this series to find more information about the plants.
A plant species from the ‘Additional Plants That May Treat or Prevent Cancer’ tool that could help relieve the symptoms of the treatment for an individual undergoing cancer treatment, for example the effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy would be
Example 1, the roots of the small woody shrub siberian ginseng bionominally named eleutherococcus senticosus (and also called devil's bush) which is by their character categorizable in the araliaceae plant family (which thus is in the same family as “true ginseng”) is possible usable for:
>it is described as 'adaptogenic' plant, meaning they are believed to help the body deal with stress, fatigue, and depression [1].
>Siberian ginseng is primarily used in traditional medicine as adaptogen, and as a stimulant, increasing central nervous system function [1].
>Herbalists recommend the use of Siberian ginseng primarily as an adaptogen; a stimulant; an immune booster; an anti-inflammatory; to boost cognitive function; to help with diabetes; to boost athletic performance; reduce anxiety, stress, and fatigue; and for many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence supporting most of these claims [1].
>It might also contain chemicals that have activity against some bacteria and viruses [1].
Considering the mechanism of action, the main active compounds are phenolics, flavonoids, and triterpene glycosides. It contains many chemicals that affect the brain, immune system, and certain hormones which chemicals is what is believed to create the adaptogenic benefits.
Considering safety, rare side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and rash. In high doses it might cause nervousness and anxiety. Interactions are reported with alcohol, digoxin, lithium, medications changed by the liver, medications for diabetes, anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, and sedatives. Its use should be avoided or closely monitored in combination with these compounds.
Example 2, the woody climbing vines with cat's claw-shaped (also called kattenklauw and katteklauw) thorns plants in the genus uncaria in the rubiaceae family (also called coffee family) include about 40 species of which the species uncaria tomentosa which are used as treatment to help regulate blood pressure [1].
>does not appear to be toxic, but it can cause gastrointestinal effects if taken improperly [1].
> used for regulating blood pressure [1].
> It has many active compounds including alkaloids, glycoside, terpenoids, sterols and saponines [1].
> The bark of the vine and/or the roots have been used in for centuries to treat hypertension, inflammation, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorder, as an immunostimulant and as antimicrobial. Furthermore, it has been marketed as a dietary supplement to treat chronic fatigue, parasite, hay fever, asthma, and cancer, as well as reducing the side effects of cancer treatment, improve liver function, and improve wound healing. However, most of these claims have not been validated by solid scientific data [1].
Although cat's claw contains chemicals that might stimulate the immune system and fight viruses and cancer, there is very little data to support this [1].
> When it comes to treating gastrointestinal disorders, laboratory studies suggest that cat's claw may reduce inflammation, but this has not been studied in humans [1].
>A study suggests that cat's claw may protect against abnormally low counts of white blood cell in patients receiving certain cancer treatments, improving the quality of life in those with advanced cancer [1].
>Cat's claw is possibly safe for most people when taken by mouth for the short-term. However, it can cause headache, dizziness, vomiting, and allergies in some people [1].
>It interacts with anticoagulants, antiretrovirals, medications for high blood pressure, immunosuppressants, and possibly other medications, so it should not be used in combination with these drugs [1].
Source references:
[1] CALS154_course-transcript 2021
However, I do not know in which extend they work in terms of antioxidant activity mechanisms on lessening the symptoms of cancer which could be a crucial component for considering using or (exclusive or) NOT using a certain type of plant.
Like I have written in the extensive article about turmeric which I have also placed above:
Turmeric curcumin curcuma longa Linnaeus continual meta-analysis
Eindhoven
Publication date first version: 17 January 2022
Publication date last version: 19 January 2022
Author: Rody Mens - r.w.mens@student.tue.nl
Citation: Mens RW. 17 January 2022. Turmeric curcumin curcuma longa Linnaeus continual meta-analysis; https://www.nutritionfactsnederlands.nl/videoscript/2022/1/17/kurkuma-alomvattend-artikel ; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357914622_Kurkuma_Dutch; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357914530_turmeric_ENG
It becomes clear that for use during chemotherapy and radiotherapy there could potentially be a complication if the plant, e.g., in this case turmeric, is taken because chemotherapy works by inducing free radicals using those free radicals to kill cancer cells while turmeric contains antioxidants such as curcumins that have the antioxidant effect of eliminating free radicals. It is therefore not clear yet (at least for me) whether the treatment and therefore your body benefits if turmeric is consumed during chemotherapy treatment as it could potentially reduce the efficacy of the treatment as well [93].
And this statement I just made should be taken into account for all plants that one might ever consider during anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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