Pheophorbide a, a Major Anti-tumour Component Purified from Scutellaria barbata, Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.
Scutellaria barbata has long been used as a Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver diseases such as hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the present study, a bioassay-guided method was used to isolate the most active components from Scutellaria barbata.
read moreTreatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Chinese Herbs
Objective: Until today,an optimal palliative treatment regimen has not been defined for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the effect on survival of Chinese herbs in advanced HCC.
read moreInflammation, Chinese Medicine and Breast Cancer
Evidence has emerged in the last two decades that at the molecular level most chronic diseases, including cancer, are caused by a dysregulated inflammatory response. The identification of transcription factors such as NF-κB, AP-1 and STAT3 and their gene products such as tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokines, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5 lipooxygenase (5-LOX), [...]
read moreIt has been demonstrated that the total saponins of Astragalus membranaceus (huang qi) possess potential anti-tumourigenic effects in human colon cancer cells and tumour xenografts.
In this study, the proapoptotic effects of Astragalus were investigated in native and cytokine-induced HT-29 cells to further unveil its mechanism of action. Growth-inhibitory action of Astragalus (60 microg/ml) was demonstrated in native HT-29 cells, which was exaggerated in tumour necrosis factor (TNF) (5 ng/ml)-induced cells.
read moreCancer Stem Cells and Chinese Herbal Medicine
The deepening of our understanding of normal biology has made it clear that stem cells have a critical role not only in the generation of complex multicellular organisms, but also in the development of tumours. Recent findings support the concept that cells with the properties of stem cells are integral to the development and perpetuation [...]
read moreSome Herbs and Compounds That Effect STAT 5 Activity in Cancer
Effect of matrine and oxymatrine on proliferation and expression of Stat3 and Stat5 in SMMC-7721 cell line Objective: To study the effect of matrine and oxymatrine on proliferation and the expression of Stat3, Stat5 mRNA in SMMC-7721 cell line. Matrine and oxymatrine are the two major alkaloid components found in sophora roots.
read moreWhich Herbs and/or Compounds Block CXCR1?
Recent evidence suggests that breast cancer and other solid tumours possess a rare population of cells capable of extensive self-renewal that contribute to metastasis and treatment resistance. We report here the development of a strategy to target these breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) through blockade of the IL-8 receptor CXCR1.
read moreShould Vitamin C Be Used as an Adjunctive Treatment in Cancer?
Should Vitamin C Be Used as an Adjunctive Treatment in Cancer? Researchers exposed leukaemia and lymphoma cells to several common chemotherapeutic drugs, specifically doxorubicin, cisplatin, vincristine, methotrexate, and imatinib, with and without pretreatment with vitamin C. In a related mouse experiment, in which the animals had transplanted lymphomas, vitamin C was given before doxorubicin treatment. [...]
read moreCAM and Cancer
CAM and Cancer Between 30 – 70% of cancer patients turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches for treatment and support (Goldstein et al 2008). Botanicals and herbal preparations are among the most common CAM approaches used by cancer patients both for cancer treatment and management of cancer symptoms. In a recent review of [...]
read moreSelenium and cancer
Selenium toxicity has long been known in animals, which is not surprising, given that it can act as a pro-oxidant at very high doses. Human selenium excess can take both acute and chronic forms. The chronic clinical syndrome is known as selenosis, with symptoms such as hair and nail loss, whilst acute toxicity can be [...]
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