Powerful Botanical Formulas: New Weapons Against Cancer

SANTA ROSA, Calif., Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the battle against cancer, some of the most remarkable weapons are proving to be specialized botanical supplements. Recently, a significant and growing body of scientific data was presented to over 200 oncologists and doctors, demonstrating the anti-cancer benefits of three unique botanical supplements: A breast formula; a prostate formula, and a preparation called modified citrus pectin (MCP) derived from citrus peels. Researchers investigating these specialized supplements have found they suppress cancer invasiveness, modulate the expression of cancer cell cycle genes and decrease metastasis – without leading to toxic side effects. Daniel Sliva, Ph.D., associate professor at the Indiana University School of Medicine shared these findings during this year's Meeting of the Society for Integrative Oncology, in Albuquerque, NM.

Study after study shows these formulas fight cancer and metastasis

This evolving body of peer-reviewed evidence continues to further substantiate the powerful anti-cancer effects of these health formulas. Significantly, original in vitro results on the breast and prostate formulas were later confirmed in vivo, demonstrating through each phase of research that these formulas work through multiple mechanisms of action on the cellular and genomic levels.

"The more we investigate these specific supplements, the more we understand their abilities to thwart cancer via different pharmacological mechanisms," says Dr. Sliva, lead author on many of these studies.

"Importantly, these formulas have had positive results against some of the most difficult cancers to treat, such as triple-negative breast cancer and hormone-refractory prostate cancer."

The most recent 2012 in vivo study published in the journal Oncology Reports, showed the breast formula substantially decreased tumor growth and breast-to-lung metastasis in aggressive, triple negative breast cancer. Gene analysis confirmed that the breast formula down-regulated genes associated with breast cancer proliferation and metastasis, such as PLAU (urokinase plasminogen activator, uPA) and CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor-4). As mentioned, similar results were also observed in previous in vitro studies on this formula. (visit BreastHealthFormula.ORG for supplement details)

This breast formula combines eight potent herbal extracts and active nutrients: quercetin; bio-enhanced curcumin (turmeric rhizome extract) (BCM-95®); a proprietary extract of Scutellaria barbata herb; Astragalus membranaceus root extract; three medicinal mushrooms species grown on a blend immune-boosting herbs; and 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM).

The botanical prostate formula also demonstrated significant results against aggressive, androgen-independent, (i.e. hormone refractory) prostate cancer in multiple published studies. This formula contains 33 botanical extracts and active nutrients, including: quercetin; saw palmetto berry; pomegranate; stinging nettle; bio-enhanced curcumin (turmeric rhizome extract) (BCM-95®); a blend of three botanically enhanced medicinal mushrooms; and other prostate-specific nutrients and herbs. (visit ProstateHealthFormula.ORG for supplement details).

The latest 2012 in vivo study on this formula, published in The International Journal of Oncology showed that it suppressed androgen-independent prostate tumor growth, with no toxicity. Results show the formula also decreased the expression of specific genes implicated in prostate cancer and metastasis, such as IGF2, NRNF2 and PLAU (uPA). It was also shown to increase the expression of CDKN1A (p21), a gene that inhibits prostate cancer. Again, these in vivo results confirm previous in vitro data published on this formula, underscoring its mechanisms of action against aggressive prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis.

"That these formulas can control cancer on the genetic and cellular level is significant," says integrative medicine pioneer Isaac Eliaz, M.D., study co-author. "By controlling the genetic mechanisms of cancer, we inhibit its activity at the most fundamental level."

Formulas show synergy with modified citrus pectin

Perhaps the most startling results came from a 2012 synergy study pairing the two formulas with MCP, a form of citrus pectin modified to increase bioactivity systemically throughout the body. Since 1995, Modified Citrus Pectin has been extensively researched in pre-clinical and clinical studies and is shown to inhibit cancer proliferation and metastasis; safely chelate heavy metals; boost immunity and provide support against a number of health concerns related to inflammation and fibrosis.  

This synergy study, published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, showed that the combination of MCP with the breast and prostate formulas synergistically inhibited aggressive cancer cell behavior significantly. The combinations also further suppressed the metastatic characteristic of human breast and prostate cancer cells, in significant values. Data from this study highlights the importance of synergy in combination therapies. Results demonstrate that when MCP was used together with the breast and prostate formulas, the anti-cancer efficacy of all three supplements was increased beyond a normal additive effect.

Research continues

"I was delighted for the opportunity to have this research and work presented at the important SIO conference," says Dr. Eliaz. "These are sophisticated formulas shown to fight cancer while supporting overall health.  As research continues to show their effectiveness against breast and prostate cancers, we look forward to human clinical trials and bringing these benefits to more patients seeking safe and effective natural cancer adjunct therapy."

Better Health Publishing (BHP) focuses on the publication of key works promoting health and wellness. BHP believes that education and accessible information are the core components of a healthy and sustainable society.

SOURCE Better Health Publishing