Cancer is characterised by the abnormal growth of body tissue cells, causing the tissue not to function properly. To prevent cancer cells from developing malignantly, several treatments can be done by cancer patients, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or drugs. Cancer treatment can also be done by utilising several types of tropical plants that are known to have anti-cancer properties.

In the previous article, it was discussed that Madagascar periwinkle has vinblastine compounds that can help fight cancer. The latest study conducted by the National University of Singapore also found that there are five tropical plants that also have anti-cancer properties. This result was obtained after a 3-year research.

The researchers observed 7 types of tropical plants, namely Bandicoot Berry (Leeaindica), Sabah Snake Grass (Clinacanthus nutans), Fool's Curry Leaf (Clausenalansium), Seven Star Needle (Pereskiableo), Black Face General (Strobilanthescrispus), South African Leaf (Vernonia amygdalina), and Simpleleaf Chastetree (Vitex trifolia). In their study, the team tested the effectiveness of leaf extract from the seven plants on several types of cancer such as breast, ovary, uterus, cervix, leukaemia, liver and large intestine.

The result showed that of the seven types of plants, only five of them were found to have anti-cancer properties. Bandicoot Berry, South African Leaf, and Simpleleaf Chastetree were found to help fight all types of cancer, and Fool's Curry Leaf and Black Face General were found to only fight certain types of cancer. These properties were not found in the Sabah Snake Grass and Seven Star Needle plants. This discovery certainly can be used as an alternative for cancer patients. Besides being more affordable, the use of herbal ingredients is far safer than chemical drugs.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photo from Google Search Images

Source(s):

• Yin-Yin, S., Hui-Chuing, Y., and Soek-Ying, N. (2019). Evaluation of anti-proliferative activity of medicinal plants used in Asian Traditional Medicine to treat cancer. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.12.040.
• Medical News Today - provide 5 anticancer benefits (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325273.php, 29 May 2019.