Traditional Chinese Medicine

Archive for the ‘Herbs’ Category

Traditional Chinese Herb Slows Tumor Growth in Laboratory Testing
Cordyceps mushrooms have proven to reduce radiation and chemotherapy side effects. Now research indicates this Chinese herb can prevent some types of cancer cell growth.

Dong Chong Xia Cao, or Cordyceps sinensis, is Traditional Chinese Medicine used in patients with kidney and lung diseases, as well as to ameliorate the effects of radiation and chemotherapy. A recently published study has shown that an extract of the cordyceps mushroom interferes with the growth of some types of tumor cells. Clinical trials are still needed to determine how best to use this herb in cancer treatment. more
The Use of Cordyceps Sinensis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dong Chong Xia Cao, as Cordyceps sinensis is known in TCM, is primarily a kidney yang tonic, warming the body and having anti-aging effects. It is also a lung yin tonic used for respiratory disorders such as coughing, wheezing and bronchitis if the Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern indicates it to be appropriate. Because it is both a yin and yang tonic, it is considered to be one of the safer Chinese herbs, not causing imbalance in the patient. In Western terms, this Chinese herb can be considered an immune stimulant and adaptogen.
How Cordycepin Fight Tumor Growth
Research at the University of Nottingham has shown that the active ingredient, cordycepin, acts on the cellular level to slow the growth of cancer cells. This effect happens at two levels, depending on the dose of the Cordyceps sinensis extract given.
At lower doses, cordycepin interferes with mRNA, which instructs the cancer cell on building proteins. At higher doses the mushroom extract directly impacts the production of protein by the cells. Although these two effects are technically different, both occur because cordycepin interferes with protein production in the cells.
Other Ways These Chinese Mushrooms Are Used in Cancer Treatment
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s review of Cordyceps sinensis includes information on its use as an anti–tumor agent. It cites a study in which the mushroom extract ameliorated chemotherapy and radiation side effects in lung cancer patients, enabling them to complete treatment. Other studies showed positive results when using Cordyceps sinensis in treating leucopenia, or low white blood cell counts.
In accordance with its Traditional Chinese Medicine use, patients with respiratory symptoms improved when given Dong Chong Xia Cao. There was also some preliminary evidence for the mushroom extract reducing renal toxicity in kidney transplant and chronic renal failure patients.
Potential Concerns When Considering the Use of Dong Chong Xia Cao
Although there were no reported adverse reactions, it is important to know that certain conditions may be exacerbated by the use of this mushroom extract. As an immune-stimulant, Cordyceps sinensis would be contraindicated for patients with auto-immune diseases.
Cordyceps sinensis may also lower blood sugar levels. Patients taking insulin would be advised not to take this mushroom extract without physician supervision. Similarly, the ability of Dong Chong Xia Cao to stimulate red blood cell production means it may not be appropriate for cancers originating in the bone marrow.
As with other Chinese herbs used in cancer treatment, Dong Chong Xia Cao may be most effective when used in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medical precepts, as has been borne out by recent scientific findings. Used in this way Cordyceps sinensis may prove useful in the treating both tumors and the side effects of the radiation and chemotherapy used to combat them.

Black Pepper May Enhance Curcumin Based Cancer Stem Cell Treatment
Two kitchen spices, long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas, work in synergy against breast cancer in initial laboratory testing. Clinical trials needed
Turmeric, yu jin in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and black pepper, TCM’s hu jiao, are found in formulas dating back thousands of years. Western medical research has been attempting to find the active ingredients in Chinese herbs such as these but this process ignores the value of synergistic actions between herbs. The results of a recent study reinforce the importance of the TCM concept of combining appropriate herbs for more effective treatment. more
How Hu Jiao and Yu Jin Are Used in Chinese Medicine
Yu Jin (Curcuma longa, tuber) is a cool Blood Invigorating herb in TCM. It has been used to reduce the pain of traumatic injury and reduce healing time. Western style studies of yu jin have shown it to alleviate jaundice and pain, as well as reducing enlarged livers in viral hepatitis cases.
Hu jiao (Piperis nigri, fruit) is considered a Warm the Interior and Expel Cold Herb. Herbs in this category are used for those who have a tendency to feel cold, have poor digestion and slow pulses. It has been used effectively in treating chronic diarrhea in children and in some types of chronic nephritis. Both are used in Chinese herbal formulas for some types of cancer.
Turmeric and Black Pepper Medicinal Properties in Western Terms
Curcumin from turmeric has been shown inhibit some types of inflammation, slow breast cancer cell production of telomerase,an enzyme important to continued cell growth and division, and to stimulate apoptosis or natural cell death. It also slows angiogenesis, the production of blood vessels which supply the tumor. And turmeric appears to have a protective effect during chemotherapy and radiation treatments
Black pepper’s role in cancer treatment is two fold. First, it increases the bioavailability of other spices such as turmeric. Black pepper also inhibits some of the inflammatory cytokines produced by the tumor cells, which has a secondary effect of slowing tumor progression.

The University of Michigan Breast Cancer Stem Cell Study
The initial study has shown that the combination of curcumin, from turmeric and piperine from black pepper work synergistically to decrease breast cancer stem cells while not negatively affecting normal cells. This study was done using cell cultures so results are preliminary. The Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan is now planning its first clinical trials to see whether the effects are the same in women taking the curcumin – piperine combination orally.
Potential Concerns About the Use of Yu Jin and Hu Jiao to Treat Breast Cancer
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are evaluated for their individual properties and for their interaction with other herbs. Some are synergistic, as has been seen in the breast cancer stem cell study and this may be used to advantage in cancer therapy.
But the TCM properties of the herbs may make them less effective for different people. Both hu jiao and yu jin are contraindicated in some types of Yin Deficiency, a common deficiency in menopausal women.
If the clinical trials indicate these spices are useful in treating breast cancer, women who have a reaction to them due to Yin Deficiency issues will have the option of consulting a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner for a personalized formula to further support the body during cancer treatment.