Treatment for lung cancer
Treatment for lung cancer usually aims to remove the part of the affected lung or chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
A new study found that the natural substance berberine, found in plants like goldenseal and barberry, prevents lung cancer cells from growing in culture. It also lowers airway inflammation, and the harm tobacco smoke toxins do to healthy lung cells.
What is Berberine?
Goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric are among the plants that contain the chemical berberine, sometimes known as berberine hydrochloride.
According to research, berberine may effectively treat various illnesses, including inflammation, diabetes, and obesity. On the other hand, nausea and an upset stomach are potential adverse effects.
For thousands of years, berberine has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. It has a variety of effects on the body and has the power to alter the cells therein.
According to a review from 2014, berberine has a “harmonious dispersion” into several targets in the body, enabling it to combat some illnesses with little to no adverse effects.
According to numerous research, berberine may be used to treat several metabolic health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiac issues. In addition, it might enhance gut health.
Before taking berberine, even though it seems safe and has few negative effects, a person should consult a doctor.
According to research, berberine may be effective in treating the following disorders.
Bacterial illnesses
An effective antibacterial agent might be berberine. According to a laboratory study from 2016, berberine assisted in preventing Staphylococcus aureus from growing.
Staphylococcus aureus can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- skin disorders,
- meningitis,
- pneumonia, and
- sepsis
According to Trusted Source, berberine has the power to harm the DNA and proteins of specific bacteria.
Inflammation
Heart disease and diabetes are two illnesses where inflammation plays a significant role.
According to some 2014 research, berberine may have anti-inflammatory qualities, which means it may be used to treat diabetes and other illnesses linked to inflammation.
According to research on diabetes, berberine may be effective as a therapy. According to studies, it can be advantageous for:
- Triglycerides,
- blood sugar, and
- insulin
According to another research analysis, berberine lowers blood sugar levels more effectively than a placebo.
The same investigation discovered that berberine and blood-sugar-lowering medications work better together than separately.
Research from 2014 indicates that berberine has potential as a diabetes treatment, particularly for people who cannot take current diabetes medications because of heart disease, liver failure, or renal issues.
Another literature evaluation revealed that berberine and lifestyle modifications performed better together than separately to lower blood sugar levels.
The body’s blood sugar usage can be regulated by berberine, which stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase. Researchers think that by activating certain genes, diabetes and other linked conditions, including obesity and high cholesterol, may be treated.
To completely ascertain the safety and effectiveness of berberine, researchers will need to carry out more extensive, double-blind investigations.
High cholesterol.
High triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels may increase heart disease and stroke risk.
There is evidence that berberine may help reduce triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels. Studies in animals and humans suggest that berberine has cholesterol-lowering effects, claims one review.
It might assist in lowering LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol while raising HDL, or “good,” cholesterol.
According to a review of the research, berberine and lifestyle modifications perform better together than separately to treat high cholesterol.
Furthermore, a hamster study found that berberine aids in transporting extra cholesterol to the liver, where it may be processed and eliminated by the body. As a result, the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol are reduced.
Although berberine does not have the same adverse effects as medications that lower high cholesterol, researchers think its effects may be comparable.
What is lung cancer?
Lung cancer is the most common cancer-related cause of death worldwide, accounting for around 1.8 million recorded fatalities per year. Lung cancer and other illnesses, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are made more likely by persistent inflammation.
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer.
In its early stages, lung cancer often exhibits no signs or symptoms. Lung cancer signs and symptoms often appear when the condition is advanced.
Lung cancer symptoms and signs may include:
- a persistent cough that just started
- spitting out blood, even a little bit of it
- breathing difficulty
- chest pain
- hoarseness
- shedding pounds without trying
- bone aches
- headache
What are the benefits of Berberine in the treatment of lung cancer?
“Berberine has demonstrated therapeutic advantages for cardiovascular and diabetic conditions. Lead researcher Dr. Kamal Dua is a senior lecturer in pharmacy at the University of Technology Sydney. “We were eager to investigate its potential in suppressing lung cancer and lowering inflammation,” he adds (UTS).
An analysis of berberine’s effects on non-small cell lung cancer was recently published in the journal “Pharmaceutics.” It proves that berberine has potent anticancer properties by inhibiting the development of cancer cells in vitro.
The probable mechanism of action for anti-cancer efficacy was discovered by analyzing the mRNA levels of tumor-associated genes and protein expression levels. It showed that berberine controls genes known to slow tumor growth by downregulating proteins involved in cancer cell migration and proliferation.
The investigation is a continuation of Dr. Dua’s earlier work, which found that in lab-grown human healthy lung cells exposed to cigarette smoke extract, berberine may inhibit oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and slow cellular senescence. This research was recently published in the journal Antioxidants.
The research team included professors Brian Oliver, Bikash Manandhar, and Keshav Raj Paudel. International coworkers from the Phil Hansbro International Medical University in Malaysia and Qassim University in Saudi Arabia also collaborated.
Dr. Dua’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms behind the therapeutic potential of conventionally used medicinal herbs. He has a broad range of scientific experience, including expertise in immunology, microbiology, biomedical sciences, and drug delivery technologies.
Although berberine has a long history of usage in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, its therapeutic advantages have been constrained by its inability to dissolve in water, be absorbed in the gut, and be poisonous at larger doses.
Dr. Dua has created the usage of liquid crystalline nanoparticles. This cutting-edge drug delivery technology encapsulates berberine in minute soluble and biodegradable polymer balls to improve safety and effectiveness in overcoming these difficulties.
Inflammation of the airways brought on by cigarette smoke accelerates the development of diseases like cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma, according to decades of studies.
The scientists discovered that berberine inhibited the production of inflammatory molecules known as reactive oxygen species, which harm cells. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and early cell senescence-related genes were also altered.
To advance this research and find the optimal formulation and delivery method for these nanoparticles so they may be applied at the bedside, Dr. Dua is currently in discussions and working closely with Sydney-based businesses.
Naturopathic treatment for lung cancer by Dr. Tsan and associates.
Hi, my name is Dr. Tsan, and I’m the medical director of the Philadelphia Holistic Clinic.
My patients have asked me if they can avoid regular medical treatment for lung cancer by using herbal and Ayurvedic remedies. Based on the different studies, Berberine is beneficial for patients that are fighting lung cancer; however, my recommendations are:
- Stay with your lung oncologist and accept all recommended treatments.
- Consult with a naturopathic professional and discuss the pros and cons of herbal remedies in your particular case.
- Don’t expect that Berberine will resolve your problem.
- Discuss with your oncologist which medicinal herbs, if any, you can use along with the traditional treatment you are currently receiving.
If you need a professional holistic evaluation and treatment plan that will include naturopathic and herbal remedies, contact our clinic at (267) 403-3085, and schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to assist you without jeopardizing the effectiveness of traditional therapy.