Drugs used in IVF and IUI’s found to increase ovarian cancer risk
A new study published in Fertility and Sterility found an increased risk of ovarian cancer associated with some medications commonly used in IVF and IUI (especially hCG and Clomid). The study followed women over 30 years, having undergone these procedures in the 1960’s and 70’s. One should note that the techniques and drugs used today […]
Certain berries strongly inhibit the growth of cancers
Researchers found that certain berries such as raspberries, cranberries, low bush blueberries (but not highbush – they are a different species of blueberries), black and white currants, gooseberries and sea buckthorn strongly inhibited stomach, breast, prostate and colon cancers. Note that strawberries and blackberries had no protective effects. These can be easily incorporated into morning […]
Acupuncture improves melatonin output
A recent study looking at acupuncture’s effects on insomnia found that stimulating Ht7 increased melatonin output and improved sleep in people with insomnia. Interesting, melatonin also has protective effects on cancers such as breast cancer and it may have important ramifications for fertility, pregnancy, heart disease, and many other factors. Minerva Med. 2008 Dec;99(6):539-47.
Marijuana inhibits breast cancer progression
As we have previously reported, researchers have shown that marijuanna can significantly inhibit many types of cancers (though it is not good for liver cancer), and breast cancer is another one. Researchers in this study showed that THC modulates a transcription factor called JunD that inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation. Again, I want to emphasize […]
Chinese herb blocks a pathway for cancer growth considered “undruggable”
A natural compound from magnolia (called “honokiol”) blocks a pathway for cancer growth that was previously considered “undruggable,” researchers have found. It also appears to be particularly effective against breast cancer. In one study, treatment of different human breast cancer cell lines with honokiol resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent growth inhibition in both estrogen […]
Resveratrol may greatly decrease breast cancer risk
Public release date: 7-Jul-2008 Initial stages of laboratory research has shown that resveratrol, even at fairly low concentrations, suppresses the abnormal cell formation that leads to most types of breast cancer, suggesting a potential role for the agent in breast cancer prevention. Resveratrol is a natural substance found in red grapes. It is also […]
Black Cohosh and Breast Cancer Revisited
An earlier blog entry commented on a study assessing the safety of Black Cohosh in cancer patients. Previously it was thought that Black Cohosh exhibited estrogenic activity, but further research has found that Black Cohosh exerts its hormone regulating effects by modulating luteinising hormone. A population based study done in Philadelphia strengthens the case for […]
Inhibition of Aromatase by Red Clover
Red clover is one of the herbs that commonly stirs up controversy regarding it’s safety with patients that have hormonally driven tumors. Some practitioners routinely avoid isoflavone containing herbs and foods because of the possibility of antagonizing estrogen receptor positive tumor cells. An overview of the data shows that although there are some studies showing […]
Chinese Herbs and Cancer
A recent German article notes the cytotoxic properties of constituents of two Chinese herbs, one commonly used as an anti-parasitic herb, the other as a circulatory tonic and regulator. Although it seems like we pay a lot of attention to the potential cell kill factor of alkaloids present in herbs, there are many more application […]
Cancer and Obesity
We know the obvious correlation between obesity and common diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but not as commonly with degenerative diseases such as cancer with the exception of perhaps colon or breast cancer. A recent meta-analysis of 141 articles in the British medical journal The Lancet shows that increased body mass index (BMI) […]