The Bajakah plant from the interior forests of Kalimantan is currently being widely discussed because it is claimed to be able to cure cancer. This plant, which was once believed to have mystical value, has long been used by the ancestors of the Dayak tribe to treat cancer.
Official laboratory tests from Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, have claimed that Bajakah contains 40 types of cancer-healing compounds. In fact, apart from steel, there are many plants that are claimed to be cancer drugs.
Here are some plants that are believed to be natural cancer drugs:
1. Soursop leaves
Several studies claim that soursop leaves have anti-cancer properties. Research published in a paper published in the American Journal of Cancer Prevention, for example. Research claims that the acetogenins present in soursop leaves can inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Research from the University of Nebraska Medical Center also reported similar results. According to researchers, soursop leaf extract helps prevent the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Various other studies have also shown that soursop leaves have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Unfortunately, there is still a lack of scientific evidence about the benefits of soursop leaves for treating or preventing cancer. The results of this study are still preliminary, because they are only based on in vitro cell culture tests. So far, no research has applied treatment with soursop leaf extract to cancer patients undergoing treatment.
2. Rat taro leaves
This plant is believed to have many benefits, one of which is for the treatment of cancer. Based on the research of Professor Dr. Chris K. Teo from the Cancer Care Foundation, Penang, uses rat taro as a cancer drug by extracting it.
Rat taro has been used in therapy by healers in China since ancient times. This plant is claimed to contain flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids and sterols. Based on research, flavonoids and terpenoids are anti-cancer compounds. Meanwhile, flavonoids are also claimed to have properties in treating lung cancer.
Initially, this plant began to be used to treat cancer because of concerns about active chemotherapy or chemotherapy that can damage body tissues. Mouse tubers are able to prevent the spread and growth of cancer cells. The efficacy of this plant is anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant.
However, research conducted on three-month-old rats has proven that rat taro can actually inhibit cancer cells, but its therapeutic effect is not very great. In other words, this plant is only able to inhibit complete recovery.
3. Elephant trunk leaves
Elephant trunk leaf is an alternative cancer drug that works similarly to chemotherapy drugs thanks to its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. For many years, plant alkaloids have been a source of compounds used in modern chemotherapy. Exposure to free radicals is suspected to be one of the main carcinogens.
Elephant trunk leaves are known to have high antioxidant content, such as terpenoids, flavonoids, stimulants, saponins, phenolic acids and tannins. This antioxidant content is known to prevent free radicals in the body that cause cancer.
Elephant trunk leaves are also claimed to have antiproliferative properties that can help slow the spread and rate of spread of cancer cells. Unfortunately, scientific evidence to support the claims of the benefits of elephant trunk leaves in treating or preventing cancer is still not strong enough. These results are still preliminary, because they are based only on tests of cancer cell cultures in the laboratory.
4.Echinacea
Echinacea is an aromatic plant from the Asteraceae family that is found in eastern North America and Europe.
Flavonoids in echinacea are believed to boost the immune system and protect the body from the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Echinacea is also claimed to help extend the life expectancy of advanced cancer patients.
5. Garlic
Garlic is considered a cancer herbal remedy because it contains ajoene, a sulfur-binding substance that slows down the production of cancer cells. Garlic’s anti-carcinogenic properties are also largely due to its high levels of organic sulfides and polysulfides.
Scientists believe that substances in garlic can kill cancer cells and interfere with metabolic processes. Mature garlic extract can prevent the negative effects of carcinogens on DNA, support the immune system, help eliminate carcinogens, and increase the effectiveness of detoxification enzymes.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric contains high levels of the compound curcumin. These compounds are antioxidants and anticancer substances which are claimed to be effective in preventing the development and expansion of lung cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and stomach cancer.
Research reveals that curcumin can prevent cancer growth at every stage, including initiation, development, and expansion. Turmeric can also increase the levels of natural antioxidants in the body.
7. Green tea
Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds which play an important role as a herbal remedy for cancer. Various studies have proven that green tea is effective against tumors and genetic mutations. Epigallocatechin (EGGG), a polyphenol found in green tea, protects cells from DNA damage caused by reactive oxygen species.
Animal studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea not only prevent cancer cell division, but also damage and kill cancer cells. The effectiveness of green tea against tumors has also been observed in patients with colon and stomach cancer. Even though the benefits of this plant seem alluring, this type of herbal medicine is only as a supporting treatment and as a strengthening effort to maintain a healthy body. These herbs have yet to undergo actual clinical trials to confirm their viability as a treatment for a disease.