Herbs, vitamins and diets have all been historically used in alternative types of skin cancer treatments but they are also increasingly more commonly used even in traditional medical treatment plans. They way in which the herbs and vitamins are used can include both in the immediate treatment of skin cancer as well as in the protection of the skin to prevent further cancers from developing. Diet is seen as a lifestyle change as opposed to a specific course of food consumption that is designed to last only during treatment.
The importance of herbs in treating a variety of health conditions is not a new concept. Using botanical medicines, including herbs and plant parts, dates back to the earliest practice of medicine. Hippocrates used herbal treatments for a variety of medical conditions from depression through to blood disorders. In addition
Eastern cultures have historically used herbal treatments for thousands of years both as a treatment for a specific health issue as well as a way to keep the body system in balance. Systems in balance are more effective at fighting off infections and disease, such as skin cancer, and promote a healthy, harmonious life.
Chinese Herbal Medicines 
In a recent study positive results for retarding metastasis and enhancing the effects of chemotherapy were found when specific components of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs where examined as anti-cancer components. The research showed that the herbs contained high levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, sponins, terpenes and quinones, which are used in conventional therapeutic drug combinations with skin cancer patients, has positive results in skin cancer treatment. The results of the tests upheld the use of these traditional Chinese herbal ingredients as potentially very powerful anti-cancer drugs. The specific components of the Chinese herbal medicines tested included:1
- Emodin –anti-tumor compound that works against human cancer cells to prevent proliferation
- Ginseng – anti-proliferation compound that also helps with mitotic inhabitation, DNA replication and overall cellular repair and growth
- Donglingcao – decreases tumors and swelling, relieves pain and decreases toxins at the cellular level
- Zicao – anti-tumor and cell growth inhibition properties, contains high amounts of potassium for healthy cell growth
- Nu Zhen – causes death in specific types of cancerous cells and is also linked to boosting the immune system
- Leigongteng – limits tumor growth and has strong anti-inflammatory properties
Other more generalized research has also shown that the extracts from a variety of different types of plants, herbs and spices can be very influential in limiting and combating cancerous cell growth. This also includes the effects of boosting the natural protective properties of the immune system and surrounding tissue.
The specific action of the herbal compounds tends to target all the cells in the body, creating a detoxifying and immune system boosting synergy in addition to anti-inflammatory properties that reduce surrounding tissue damage.2
Vitamins In Skin Cancer Treatment
Vitamins can be used both in the treatment of existing skin cancers as well as in prevention of future skin cancers. Most research focuses in on the use of vitamin C and E, often used in combination. In addition the use of carotenoids, selenium and other types of trace minerals and compounds are also commonly used in supplements.
Research indicates mixed results on the use of these compounds alone in the treatment of current cancers and the prevention of future skin cancers. Restoring the antioxidant level is important in allowing the immune system to function effectively and fight off cancerous cells. This is often completed using a combination of vitamins and antioxidants rather than one specific compound.3
There is some concern, however, about high use of various types of antioxidants and supplements containing enhanced levels of these combinations. Researchers in some studies have indicated that women taking antioxidant supplements that contained vitamins C, E and beta carotene may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer of 68%, with a four times greater risk of developing melanoma. It is important to note that the higher levels were all in adult women that had not previously taken antioxidants, leading researchers to tentatively conclude that it was the prior cell damage combined with high levels of antioxidants that caused the risk, not the antioxidants on their own. Similar research with younger women did not have the same negative results.4
Diets
Diets have long been used in both traditional and alternative treatments for a variety of cancers and the after effects of chemo and radiation treatments. These diets can include the “anti-cancer” diet or the macrobiotics diet or any variety of the same eating plans.5 In general these diets all work to reduce protein intake and the intake of fats and processed foods. Instead patients following the diets eat a variety of different types of whole grains in natural forms, raw and cooked vegetables, fruits and some fish and lean poultry as protein sources.
These anti-cancer diets typically limit the amount of dairy products, including low fat or non-fat options, remove caffeine and stimulants and all types of natural and artificial sweeteners from the diet. Red meats are avoided except for very small portions of very lean meats consumed only infrequently.
Typically spicy or acidic foods are also avoided and dieters tend to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables that are grown organically. In many ways this diet is similar to the popular health diets that focus on high fiber, low fat and low carbohydrate diet options.
References
1 Tan, W. (n.d.). 1 Anti-cancer Natural Products Isolated From Chinese Medicinal Herbs. Chinese Medicine , 27-29
2 Aravindaram, K. (2010). Anti-inflammatory plant natural products for cancer therapy. Planta Medica , 1103-1117.
3 Greul, Anna-Katrin, et al. (2002). Photoprotection of UV-Irradiated Human Skin: An Antioxidative Combination of Vitamins E and C, Carotenoids, Selenium and Proanthocyanidins. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology , 307-315.
4 Could Daily Vitamin Pill Cause Skin Cancer? Scientists Fear It Could Speed Up Tumour Growth. (2010, September 28). Retrieved from MailOnline:
5 Black, Homer S. et al. (1995). Evidence That A Low-Fat Diet Reduces The Occurrence of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer. International Journal of Cancer , 165-169.
______________________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER:
The content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. Our content is not medical advice you should seek a licensed physician or health professional regarding all health issues. SKIN-CANCER.ORG takes no responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, or application of medication which results from reading this site.
