When you or someone in your family is first diagnosed with cancer, you face an overwhelming number of decisions. The choice of a treatment option alone may be literally a matter of life and death. Take some time to familiarize yourself with some of the treatments you may be offered. There are "classic" treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are also new, groundbreaking treatments, such as cancer vaccines, immunotherapy and others.
| Herb |
Claims |
Potential Dangers, Side Effects and Drug interactions |
What the Experts Say |
| Shark cartilage |
May kill cancer cells directly. Stimulates the immune system. |
People with a history of allergies to shark cartilage, chondroitin and glucosamine should not take this supplement. Shark cartilage may cause irregular heartbeats, lower blood sugar and slow the healing of wounds. Possible drug interactions include diuretics, some diabetes medications and some types of chemotherapy. The most common side effect is a change in taste. Cartilage may cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, bloating, high blood sugar, constipation, weakness and liver inflammation. |
Few human studies have been done as a treatment for cancer and the results are inconclusive. The National Cancer Institute reports that clinical trials of cartilage as a treatment for cancer are being done. |
| Coenzyme Q10 |
Because low levels of coenzyme Q10 have been found in people with certain types of cancer, it is believed by some that this supplement might help treat some cancers. The body uses this naturally occurring compound as an antioxidant. Co-enzyme Q10 may also protect the heart during chemotherapy treatments. |
May increase the risk of blood clots and bleeding. May interact with anticoagulants (blood thinners) or cholesterol-lowering drugs. Possible side effects are stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, headache and sensitivity to light. |
Studies in humans are very small and poorly designed. Research is ongoing. |
| Probiotics (live bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus) |
Cures cancer. |
Generally well-tolerated. There may be gas and stomach discomfort with initial use, but these generally go away. May be difficult to tolerate in people who have allergies to dairy products. |
Priobotics do not cure cancer, but may help with the digestive tract, although this has not been proven. The natural bacteria in your digestive tract may not need outside help. Don't use supplements. Chances are the live bacteria cannot survive in this form. Your best bet is getting probiotics in yogurt, soy milk or other foods. |
| Milk thistle and its extract, silymarin |
Prevents and treats cancer. |
May cause allergic reactions in people who have allergies to the aster family or common thistle. May interfere with how the liver processes some drugs. It may lower blood sugar levels and interact with diabetes medications. Persons with diabetes should not take this. Stomach upset. Rare reports of rashes, headaches, heartburn and joint pain. |
There are no published clinical studies about milk thistle's effect on cancer. Some studies indicate that it may have some effect. Experts say you are better off not taking it. |
| Colostrum, bovine |
Treats cancer. |
This is secreted by all breastfeeding animals. When it is produced in cows, colostrum is good only for newborn calves and not for humans. May cause bloating. |
There has been little or no research on these supplements. You cannot be sure you are really getting colostrum in these supplements. |
| Garlic |
May reduce the risk of developing cancers, particularly of the stomach, prostate or colon. |
People with allergies to plants in the Liliaceae family should not take garlic. May cause asthmatic reactions. Internal bleeding may develop if you are taking garlic as a supplement or eating large amounts of garlic. Bad breath and body odor may occur. May also cause stomach disorders and diarrhea, as well as problems with sperm production. |
Some research suggests that garlic may have some cancer prevention effect. The link is stronger for prevention of cancer of the stomach and prostate. However, large studies are needed to give more conclusive evidence. Other cancers being studied include breast, lung, and head and neck. |
| Evening primrose oil |
Prevention and treatment of cancer. |
Contains omega-6 fatty acids, which may be the active ingredient. Don't take this if you are allergic to plants in the Onagraceae family. Don't take this if you have seizures. Be careful if you take medications for mental illness, such as chlorpromazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine or fluphenazine. Side effects include headache, abdominal pain, lowered blood pressure and nausea. |
There is very little evidence that evening primrose oil has any affect on cancer. According to one small study, it may slow the growth of breast cancer in animals. Two fatty acids found in primrose oil play a role in good health, but larger clinical studies are needed. Talk to your doctor before taking this. |
