Introduction

In addition to conventional oncology treatments, many patients turn to natural botanicals for their potential supportive benefits. While these plant-based therapies are not prescription medications, they may help enhance quality of life, ease treatment-related side effects, and in some cases, interact with cancer-related pathways.

Below is an overview of widely discussed botanicals, including their mechanisms, potential uses, and the general level of evidence behind them.

Key Botanicals in Integrative Cancer Care

1. Curcumin (Turmeric Extract)

• Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory (NF-κB inhibition), antioxidant, pro-apoptotic.

• Use: Supports inflammation control, enhances chemo/radiotherapy response.

• Evidence: Moderate — preclinical and some clinical trials support benefits, though bioavailability remains a limitation.

2. Green Tea Extract (EGCG)

• Mechanism: Inhibits angiogenesis, modulates signaling pathways (EGFR, HER2, VEGF).

• Use: Used in prostate and breast cancer adjunctive care.

• Evidence: Moderate to strong — epidemiological data plus clinical interest, though high-dose safety concerns exist.

3. Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP)

• Mechanism: Inhibits galectin-3, a protein involved in metastasis and tumor progression.

• Use: Studied for reducing cancer spread and supporting survivorship.

• Evidence: Moderate — early clinical trials suggest benefit in prostate cancer and metastasis reduction.

4. Medicinal Mushrooms (Reishi, Turkey Tail, Maitake, Shiitake)

• Mechanism: Immunomodulation through beta-glucans; NK cell activation.

• Use: Support immune resilience during cancer care.

• Evidence: Strong — multiple human studies, particularly with turkey tail (PSK, PSP).

5. Resveratrol (from Grapes, Japanese Knotweed)

• Mechanism: Modulates estrogen receptors, SIRT1 activation, anti-proliferative.

• Use: Breast and prostate cancer interest.

• Evidence: Early stage — mostly lab-based studies.

6. Ginger Extracts (Gingerols & Shogaols)

• Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory (COX-2, NF-κB inhibition), antioxidant, induces apoptosis, and modulates cell cycle regulation. Shogaols, in particular, show stronger cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects than gingerols in preclinical models.

• Use: Studied for supportive care in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea, as well as potential direct anti-cancer activity in gastrointestinal, breast, and ovarian cancer cell lines.

• Evidence: Early to moderate — clinical data strongly supports use for nausea/vomiting control; preclinical evidence suggests anti-tumor potential, but human cancer trials remain limited.

  
  

7. Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C) & DIM (from Cruciferous Vegetables)

• Mechanism: Shift estrogen metabolism toward protective pathways.

• Use: Relevant in estrogen-sensitive breast cancers.

• Evidence: Moderate — preclinical plus early clinical trials.

8. Boswellia Extracts (Boswellic Acids)

• Mechanism: Inhibits inflammation, induces apoptosis, causes cell-cycle arrest, and suppresses angiogenesis and metastasis.

• Use: Studied as an adjunct in glioblastoma (edema reduction, anti-invasive effects) and investigated for anti-cancer activity in colorectal, prostate, breast, pancreatic, and leukemia models.

• Evidence: Moderate — strong preclinical evidence across multiple tumor types; limited but growing clinical data (notably in brain tumors). Safe in human use at supplement doses.

9. Se-Methylselenocysteine (Se-MSC)

• Mechanism: An organic form of selenium that has been studied in cancer supportive therapy. It is a prodrug which gets converted to methylselenol; induces apoptosis, arrests cell cycle, inhibits angiogenesis, reduces DNA damage from chemotherapy.

• Use: Primarily studied as an adjunct to conventional therapy (chemotherapy/radiation) to enhance efficacy, reduce side effects, and potentially overcome treatment resistance. Research focuses on breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

• Evidence: Preclinical evidence is strong; human data is promising but limited to early-phase trials and adjunctive studies. Not a standalone treatment, but a well-characterized, high-potency selenium form for targeted nutritional support in oncology.

  
  

10.Artemisinin (from Artemisia annua)

• Mechanism: Generates reactive oxygen species in cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis; may target rapidly dividing cells selectively.

• Use: Investigated as adjunctive therapy in various cancers including breast and colorectal.

• Evidence: Early stage — in vitro and some in vivo studies show selective cytotoxicity; limited human clinical data available.

Hormonal Manipulation in Cancer Support

Some botanicals gently influence hormone pathways, which may be relevant in hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast and prostate:

• Phytoestrogens (Soy Isoflavones, Red Clover): May modulate estrogen receptors and metabolism. Evidence: moderate — some studies show reduced recurrence risk in breast cancer survivors.

• DIM & Indole-3-Carbinol: Support protective estrogen metabolism. Evidence: moderate — emerging clinical support.

• Resveratrol: Acts as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like compound. Evidence: early stage.

At Leicester Ozone Clinic, we offer a carefully selected range of these products from leading manufacturers, many formulated with advanced technology to optimise absorption where needed. These are available for purchase directly through our clinic store.

Also, check our Integrative Supportive Therapies by clicking the button below