(NaturalHealth365)  The plants around us are more than mere greenery.  Traditional healers have recognized the powerful medicinal properties of various herbs and botanicals for centuries.  Now, modern science is catching up, revealing the profound potential of these natural remedies in combating one of our most difficult health challenges: cancer.

A new study published in Pharmaceuticals in April 2024 sheds light on how specific medicinal plants may help prevent and even treat various types of cancer.  From familiar herbs to exotic species, researchers have identified plant-based compounds with promising anti-tumorigenic properties.

Cultivating health: Medicinal plants with cancer-fighting potential

While not all these plants can be easily grown at home, understanding their benefits can inform your choices in herbal supplements and traditional remedies.  Here are some of the medicinal plants highlighted in the study for their potential to combat abnormal cell growth:

1.  Hibiscus

Hibiscus, a flowering plant, contains chemical components, including phenolic compounds.  The dried extract of hibiscus is packed with phenols and saponins that inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Hibiscus also contains anthocyanin, which helps decrease the growth of cervical cancer cells.  Aside from treating cancer, the plant also helps treat severe illness, neurological problems, and diabetes.

2.  Moringa oleifera

This plant’s leaves, flowers, and pods are consumed raw or cooked.  Moringa oleifera leaves contain minerals, vitamins, and essential amino acids.

The plant’s chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, niacin, and other components help prevent the formation and spread of cancerous tumors.

3. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana

Kalanchoes are colorful houseplants that make stunning additions to dinner tables while also playing an important role in improving human health.  Kalanchoe extract has cytotoxic potential that prevents the spread of ovarian cancer.

The flower’s extract stops the cancer cell cycle with an exceptionally potent ability to treat metastatic lung cancer.

4. Silybum marianum L.

This tree plant is commonly used as an herbal remedy in other parts of the world.  Derived from milk thistle, Silybum marianum L. is loaded with polyphenolic compounds and more that prevent the formation of cancerous tumors.

The plant’s components are potent against prostate cancer.

5.  Curcuma longa

This perennial plant hails from the same family as ginger.  Curcuma longa is chock-full of several hundreds of active components you’ve undoubtedly tasted in curcumin.

Curcumin triggers apoptosis, meaning the death of cancer cells.  Moreover, curcumin decreases the growth of tumor cells.

6.  Withania somnifera

This immunological superstar, also called Indian ginseng, hails from the rugged mountainous terrain of Punjab.  The plant’s derivative, Withaferin-A, helps defeat breast cancer.

This economical plant is also effective in the fight against a wide variety of oral cancers.

7.  Glycyrrhiza glabra

Also known as licorice, glycyrrhiza glabra is commonly used by those who practice Ayurvedic medicine.  This herbaceous plant contains hundreds of compounds, some of which prevent the expansion of carcinogenesis through cell cycle stimulation and additional processes.

Glycyrrhiza glabra is especially effective in the battle against breast cancer.

8.  Nerium oleander

As a member of the Apocynaceae family, Nerium oleander is an ornamental plant with surprising medicinal utility.  The plant has anticancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

The plant’s extract is particularly potent in preventing the expansion of cancer cells, thwarting the growth of nearly all tested forms of carcinomas.

9. Catharanthus roseus

Also known as Madagascar periwinkle, Catharanthus roseus contains chemical constituents ranging from alkaloids to flavonoids.  The plant also contains many other compounds that make it quite the potent cancer-prevention powerhouse.

To be more specific, the plant helps inhibit the spread of an inflammatory enzyme dubbed “sPLA2,” which is a common biomarker for breast cancer.

10.  Arum palaestinum

This lovely flowering plant is laden with flavonols, C-glycosides, alkaloids, and more.  Though often used for ornamental purposes in home gardens, the plant also provides utility for treating chronic illness, diabetes, stomach issues, and cancer.

The use of Arum palaestenium to treat hepatocellular carcinoma reveals the plant prevents cancerous cells from proliferating.

11.  Soursop

This tropical plant is used to treat cancer and other illnesses.  Soursop has bioactive substances, including phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and acetogenins, with inherent antioxidant properties that help in the battle against cancer.

12.  Burdock

Burdock, a nearly ubiquitous plant, has medicinal components within its leaves, roots, and seeds.  The plant contains B vitamins, minerals, amino acids, lignans, sterols, and phenols.

Burdock’s natural lignan lappaol F is a formidable cancer-fighting agent that thwarts the growth of cancerous tumor cells through the cessation of cell cycles.  In particular, burdock is valuable for its inherent ability to inhibit the advancement of tumors including cancerous pancreatic tumors.  Moreover, burdock has excelled in the battle against cancer cells that have resisted multiple drugs.

13.  Stinging Nettle

Nettle is a medicinal plant that tastes surprisingly good.  Add some homegrown nettles to your salad or soup, and you’ll receive an infusion of vitamins C, B, and A, along with beta-carotene, protein, magnesium, potassium, and iron that help fight cancer.

This medicinal plant’s anticancer qualities have proven effective against three cancer cell lines, including breast cancer.

14.  Dandelion

Commonly used for medicinal purposes by various cultures, dandelion is loaded with vitamins D, A, B, and C.  Moreover, dandelion’s zinc, manganese, magnesium and iron are also beneficial.

Data from Korean researchers reveals dandelion flavonoids and phenols help thwart the growth of cancer.  Dandelion extract has proven especially helpful in combating the spread of breast cancer.

Tap into nature’s medicine cabinet by including these plants in your diet

The medicinal plants highlighted in this study offer intriguing possibilities for enhancing health and reducing cancer risk.  While not all of these plants are common garden varieties or suitable for home cultivation, there are ways to incorporate their benefits into your life:

1. Explore traditional herbal remedies:  Many plants studied, such as Curcuma longa (turmeric) and Moringa oleifera, have long histories in traditional medicine.  Consider incorporating these into your diet or exploring herbal supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
2. Embrace culinary herbs:  Some cancer-fighting plants, like Curcuma longa (turmeric), can be easily included in your cooking.  These add both flavor and potential health benefits to your meals.
3. Seek out specialized products:  For plants like Annona muricata (soursop) or Catharanthus roseus (Madagascar periwinkle), look for teas, extracts, or supplements from reputable sources.
4. Grow what you can:  While not all medicinal plants are suitable for home gardens, some, like Hibiscus, can be grown in pots or gardens, adding beauty and potential health benefits to your space.

Remember, while these plants show promise in cancer research, they’re not a substitute for professional medical care.  Always consult with a holistic healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or starting new supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or are undergoing cancer treatment.

Sources for this article include:

MDPI.com
Planet-today.com