Antrodia cinnamomea, also known as camphor fungus, is a parasitic fungus that thrives in the inner cavity of Cinnamomum kanehirae, a tree endemic to Taiwan. It is considered a medicinal mushroom and is used by Taiwanese people to treat liver disease, in particular, liver injury caused by excessive alcohol drinking. In a recent study, researchers from National Taiwan … Continue reading Medicinal mushroom used in traditional Taiwanese medicine protects the liver from inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer
A component of ginseng found to have anti-tumor effects against liver cancer
Ginseng, referred to by some as the “king of all herbs,” is a widely used herbal medicine and health supplement. Numerous benefits are associated with the use of ginseng, most notably the enhancement of male reproductive function, the improvement of general well-being, and the prevention of cancer. While different varieties of ginseng exist, each variety contains … Continue reading A component of ginseng found to have anti-tumor effects against liver cancer
Ginseng phytonutrient Ginsenoside Rg3 effective against hepatocellular carcinoma
Researchers from Sichuan University and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College evaluated the bioactive compound ginsenoside Rg3, a component of ginseng, and its potential against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Their study was published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. The sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) plays a key role in the growth and development of HCC. It … Continue reading Ginseng phytonutrient Ginsenoside Rg3 effective against hepatocellular carcinoma
Huge finding: Japanese knotweed can inhibit growth of (and destroy) liver cancer stem cells
Japanese knotweed or Polygonum cuspidatum is a perennial plant that belongs to the buckwheat family. While it is considered to be an aggressive weed by many, it is also edible — at a certain time of the year. Japanese knotweed also contains vitamins and minerals and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In a study published in … Continue reading Huge finding: Japanese knotweed can inhibit growth of (and destroy) liver cancer stem cells
Wormwood, most known for its use in absinthe, found to be highly beneficial in preventing liver cancer
Most people know wormwood as the key ingredient of absinthe, the controversial aperitif that, until recently, was banned in many countries (including the U.S.) because of its reported hallucinogenic effects. However, scientists from Inha University, Seoul National University, and Kyung Hee University in South Korea have found that Artemisia capillaris, one of the plants in the Artemesia genus known as wormwood, can be … Continue reading Wormwood, most known for its use in absinthe, found to be highly beneficial in preventing liver cancer
Dr. Eddy Bettermann MD 