List of Herbal Remedies That Could Potentially Treat Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer (ovarian) stages 1, 2, and 3 can be cured by surgical removal of cancer cells, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. Not only that, but scientists are also researching the potential of natural ingredients in treating cancer, including ovarian cancer. So, what herbal remedies show potential as an ovarian cancer drug?Herbal remedies that have the potential to treat ovarian cancer
Cancer is on the list of diseases that can cause death if
left untreated. These include ovarian cancer, which attacks the glands
producing sex hormones and eggs in women. Generally, the condition is treated
with surgery and combined treatment of other ovarian cancer in therapy.
In addition to
following the doctor's treatment, there are several extracts, spices, and
supplements that, according to studies, have the potential to fight ovarian
cancer, including:
1. Green tea and black tea
Tea is included
in herbal remedies for ovarian cancer. Not all, only a few types of tea are
studied for potential in ovarian cancer, such as black tea(black tea)and
green tea (green tea).
Previously, tea
was known as one type of food to help prevent ovarian cancer. According to the National
Cancer Institute, green tea and black tea have intense antioxidant activity due to their polyphenol,
theaflavin, and thearubigin content.
These active
compounds can reduce free radicals, thereby protecting cells from damage,
inhibiting tumour cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis.
Proliferation is the ability of cells to multiply, while apoptosis is
programmed cell death.
In animal-based
studies, catechins in tea have been shown to inhibit the spread of tumour
cells. In addition, detoxification enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase
and quinone reductase, help boost the immune system in fighting tumours.
The potential of
green tea as a traditional remedy for epithelial tumour-type ovarian cancer is
also summarized in the study published in Gynecologic Oncology. This animal-based
study concluded that green tea has been shown to lower the regulation of
proteins involved in inflammation and increase the potency of cisplatin drugs in chemotherapy.
Researchers are
still making further observations to see the effectiveness of tea as a herbal
remedy for ovarian cancer in humans.
2. Ginger
A study published in Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin
looked at the effects of ginger extract on SKOV-3. SKOV-3 is a line of ovarian
cancer cells present in Caucasian women with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma.
SKOV-3 cells were
incrusted with ginger extract for 72 hours, and cell toxicity tests were
conducted. As a result, ginger extract's cytotoxicity effect on SKOV-3 cells
through the p53 pathway can make the cell die. Even so, researchers still need
further observations about the potential of ginger as a herbal remedy for ovarian
cancer in humans.
3. Vitamin D and calcium supplements
The results, showing
that 1,25(OH)2D3 or calcitriol, an active form of vitamin D distributed in the
liver and kidneys, may improve the efficacy of antitumor properties in
chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, docetaxel or paclitaxel.
The primary
source of vitamin D does come from sunlight, and a small portion is in foods,
such as fortified milk. It can also be met through vitamin D supplements.
Controlled trials show that giving vitamin D and calcium to women after
menopause can reduce cancer incidence compared to vitamin D alone.
Researchers are
currently exploring more observations about the potential for vitamin D
supplements that might improve effective cancer treatment.
Tips before using herbal remedies for ovarian cancer
Although it shows
potential in ovarian cancer, the above herbal medicines should not be used
without the supervision of a doctor. Moreover, consumed in excess under the
pretext of getting more benefits.
You need to know
that folk remedies and doctor's care may make the treatment
ineffective. In fact, it causes other side effects that harm and harm the body.
Because the content of herbal medicines can interact with medications prescribed by doctors. So, before using these drugs, consult first with an oncologist who handles your condition.