9 - Materia Media for Managing Cancer: The Cytotoxic Herbs Flashcards
What is the main principle behind using cytotoxic herbs in cancer treatment?
Big disease takes big medicine
Why is it important to have qualified practitioners access cytotoxic herbs?
They can kill both cancer cells and healthy cells, requiring specific dosing and monitoring
What is the recommended duration for using cytotoxic herbs?
For the shortest duration possible, with monitoring to determine when to stop
What should be done if cancer is controlled but not cured?
Consider a low-dose cytotoxic rotation for a longer duration
What is the first guideline for prescribing cytotoxic herbs?
Start low and go slow
What should be anticipated when prescribing cytotoxic herbs?
Side effects
What is one of the specific tissue targets for Artemisia annua?
Broadly active against various types of cancer
What mechanism does Asimina triloba use to assist in cancer treatment?
Inhibits multidrug resistance pumping and helps keep chemotherapy in target cells
What are the notable effects of Camptotheca acuminata?
Inhibition of topoisomerase I and induction of apoptosis
Which alkaloids does Chelidonium majus contain that are significant in cancer treatment?
Isoquinoline alkaloids
What is the primary action of Larrea divaricata in cancer management?
Induces apoptosis and inhibits glycolysis
What are the specific uses for Phytolacca spp.?
Active against various types of cancer, particularly breast and throat
What does Podophyllum peltatum inhibit to prevent cancer cell mitosis?
DNA topoisomerase II and tubulin polymerization
What effects do Sanguinaria canadensis alkaloids have?
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects
What is the mechanism of Taxus brevifolia in cancer treatment?
Overstabilizes tubulin and inhibits mitosis
What is the proapoptotic mechanism of Thuja occidentalis?
Induction of ROS and p53 activation
What role does Viscum album play in cancer treatment?
Inhibits cell replication and upregulates NK cells
What is the common name for Artemisia annua?
Annual wormwood
Fill in the blank: The molecular structure of artemisinin shows the _______.
endoperoxide bridge
What is the recommended dosing approach for Artemisia?
Pulse dosing in alternating weeks
What are some synergists for Artemisia?
- Grapefruit juice
- Vitamin C
- Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA)
- Iron
- Proteolytic enzymes
- Lymphatic and hepatic support
- Butyrate
What is the common name for Asimina triloba?
Pawpaw
What is a significant concern regarding Camptotheca acuminata?
It is considered endangered due to overharvesting
What is the common name for Chelidonium majus?
Greater celandine
What are the actions of Larrea divaricata?
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiallergy
- Hypolipidemic
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Hepatic stimulant
- Anticancer
What are the specific indications for Phytolacca decandra?
- Pallid mucous membranes with ulceration
- Sore mouth with small blisters
- Hard, painful, enlarged glands
- Mastitis
- Orchitis
What is the common name for olacca decandra?
Pokeroot
Which plant family does Pokeroot belong to?
Phytolaccaceae
What part of the Pokeroot plant is used?
Root
What are the specific indications for Pokeroot?
- Pallid mucous membranes with ulceration
- Sore mouth with small blisters
- Sore lips with epidermis separation
- Enlarged glands
- Mastitis
- Orchitis
- Parotitis
- Aphthae
- Sore mammary glands
- Faucial, tonsillar, or pharyngeal ulceration
- Pallid sore throat with cough
- White glaze secretions in mouth
- White pultaceous sloughs
- Diphtheritic deposits
What is Pokeweed mitogen?
A lectin that activates the acquired immune system
What therapeutic action does Pokeroot have for laryngitis and tonsillitis?
Leukocytic action
What is Pokeroot used for in the context of lymph nodes?
Lymph node and lymphocyte activator
What is one of the anti-inflammatory uses of Pokeroot?
For autoimmune inflammations such as rheumatoid arthritis
What is the common name for Podophyllum peltatum?
Mayapple
Which plant family does Mayapple belong to?
Berberidaceae
What part of the Mayapple plant is used?
Root
What is the common name for Sanguinaria canadensis?
Bloodroot
What parts of the Bloodroot plant are used?
Root, rhizome
What historical use did Bloodroot have in topical applications?
For skin ulcers and sores
What is Black Salve?
A product combining Bloodroot and zinc chloride, used historically but not recommended today
What is a major risk associated with Black Salve?
Causes tissue damage and risk of infection
What is the common name for Taxus brevifolia?
Pacific yew
What plant family does the yew belong to?
Taxaceae
What is the symbolic meaning of the yew tree?
Death and rebirth
How does the yew tree demonstrate a form of immortality?
Branches grow down to root and rise as cloned trunks
What is the common name for Thuja occidentalis?
Eastern arborvitae
What parts of the Thuja tree are used?
Young leaves and growing tips
What therapeutic actions does Thuja have?
- Astringent/cicatrant
- Stimulating expectorant
- Diuretic
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Antineoplastic/antimitotic
What is one of the modern research findings about Thuja?
Anti-inflammatory effects
What is the common name for Viscum album?
Mistletoe
What parts of the Mistletoe plant are used?
Leaf, stem, flowers
What traditional clinical applications is Mistletoe indicated for?
- Hypertension
- Nervous tachycardia
- Cardiac hypertrophy
- Seizure disorders
- Anxiety and hysteria
What is one of the anticancer actions of Mistletoe?
Increase numbers of leukocytes
True or False: Bloodroot is recommended for modern use.
False
Fill in the blank: The yew tree’s branches grow out and then down to _______ themselves.
root
