Critical Times

Psycho-Social Interventions for Cancer. by P Henry 21Mar26

Throughout the world since ancient times, foods, spices and herbs were used singularly or combined as treatments for cancer[1]. Egyptian papyrus and earlier Sanskrit and Chinese texts record these case studies[2], treatments that were prescribed by experienced practitioners[3]. 

In the west much of this tested therapeutic wisdom directing the administered plant quantity/quality has been seen as unorthodox, dismissed or just practiced by a few marginalised herbalists[4]. Many of these herbal specialists, often women, were dismissed, intimidated, called quacks, or accused of magic and malpractice[5].  Pharmaceutic companies sometimes recreate[6] supplements as profitable drugs[7].

The pharmaceutic industry details the chemical combinations for its medicines in laboratories. Then regulates their use by their own measuring tests. Their gold standard test, the RCT (Random Controlled Trial) can be manipulated and biased, making discrepancies in drugs’ outcomes beyond their side effects[8]. This research is often limited by the company’s trial & error methods rather than using a comprehensive human-based approach[9].

It seems treatments with pharmaceutics are better at urgent work and supplements at prevention or maintenance.

Natural supplements, locally resourced, are less expensive than pharmaceutics and rarely have side effects[10]. The standardisation problem, as plants vary regionally and individually, can be adjusted by a qualified herbalist. Supplements’ measurements are often qualitative and cumulative.

While unbiased and detailed use of medicines is important to outcomes, all treatments need to be adjusted to what an individual requires[11]. Cancers are dynamic and manifest heterogeneity. They vary with individuals, so specific treatments are required[12]. Pharmaceutics or supplements need tailoring, combined with individualised needs, accounting for a person’s state of mind and health [13], while dealing with essential biological requirements such as mitochondria activity[14].

Many supplements[15] are applied to different cancer types. Some are found in your kitchen such as black pepper, garlic, red chilli, and ginger. Using these natural supplements for cancer treatment should be done through skilled practitioners aware of their specific applications[16]. The purposes of supplements are also to reduce anxiety, increase QoL as well as modulate biochemical actions, lessen adverse side effects of pharmaceutics, enhance the immune system and reduce toxicity while inducing appropriate apoptosis.

The anti-carcinogen treatments with herb & spice supplements vary according to the requirements. Some enhance the immune system, reduce inflammation, affect signalling pathways[17], have antioxidant effects, antiangiogenic properties or are anti-proliferative[18].  

Cancers are multifactorial, having environmental variations, heterogeneous presentation, and a complex interaction of biochemical and psychophysical elements. Some cancers respond to issues of early life nutrition, developmental phases or possible epigenetic issues[19], requiring further assessment.

Amongst commonly used[20] supplements are turmeric, green tea, ginger[21], garlic[22], rosemary[23], black cumin, Indian ginseng/Ashwagandha[24]. We shall briefly review the first two. For cancer treatment superior quality supplements should be used[25].

Curcumin is the major constituent in turmeric, regularly used in food in India and S E Asia, where the overall cancer incidence is less than 1/3 of the USA[26]. Research[27] shows curcumin is useful in various cancers, slowing its progress, increasing apoptosis and survival ratings[28]. Its selectivity induces apoptosis at a phase of the cancer cell cycle leaving normal cells untouched[29]. It has been able to inhibit proliferation of various cancers through modifications of molecular and multiple cellular pathways[30].

Its intake is safe and can have applications to haematological, colon, oral, and hepatic cancers[31]. The NCR(USA) continues research showing curcumin’s preventative qualities and how it improves conditions post radiotherapy and chemotherapy[32].  Curcumin’s low bioavailability and its solubility problem are remedied by adding black pepper[33].

Increased credibility is that cancer charities[34] have promoted further research[35].

Green tea, with its active ingredient EGCG, has been found to reduce the risk of cancer[36]. Its preventative effects have been studied for over 40 years[37]. Ten of its polyphenol compounds are active against cancer activities and “significantly induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase and cell apoptosis”[38]. With oral cancer its use inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and reduces migration[39]. Green tea elements have “significant anti-tumor effects in preclinical models of female hormone-dependent cancers”, having variations on subspecies responses[40]. Cancer related angiogenesis is reduced by EGCG[41].

Tumour microenvironment maintenance, often connected to cancer progression and relapse[42], may be better suited by certain supplements, which are non-toxic and have no side effects, thus offering better compliance[43].

While many cancers respond to increased immunocompetence[44], there are individual variations and different impacts on several cancers[45]. Amongst the 20% of cancer patients who use herb & spices as supplements, there is a slight possibility of pharmaceutic interaction[46]. Some hospital pharmacists counter-indicate some supplements as they carry the same biochemical role and may amplify or distort chemotherapies.  

There remains the question which cancers respond best to which supplement applications. Supporting this quest, various charities[47], with other studies[48], have positively pointed to curcumin, and other supplements, as useful treatments.

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[1] Ancient and Traditional Foods, Plants, Herbs and Spices used in Cancer. (2023) eds R Rajendram et al. CRC Press LLC. Also the Mayo Clinic has an extensive listing of supplements application: Drugs and Supplements – Mayo Clinic

[2] Traditional Herbal Remedies in Modern Medicine: A Scientific Appraisal of Ethnopharmacological Practices. (2025) Benjamin Yusuf. J of Pharma and Ther Res9(1). 

[3] Medicinal Plants and Traditional Uses and Modern Applications. (Mar 2025) M Manisha, et al. J of Neonatal Surgery 14(3).

[4] While 16 century doctors represented non-conformism they pushed out the herbalists/medicine man. Healers and Healing in the First Age of Party: Medicine, Politics and Dissent. (28Sept23) P Elmer. Med in Age of Rev.  The evolution of herbal medicine as an unorthodox branch of British medicine…. (Nov2011) E MacLennan et al.  J Herbal Med.

[5] Healers and midwives accused of witchcraft (1563–1736)…. (Feb24) N A. Ring et al. Nurse Ed Today 133.  They weren’t witches; they were women…. (6Sept24) Open Access Govt.  The Cure Within. (2008) Anne Harrington. The wellness industry: the marginalisation of naturopathy and western herbal medicine. (1Sept22) G. Connolly, et al.  Austr J of Herbal.  The evolution of herbal medicine as an unorthodox branch of British medicine. (Nov2011) E MacLennan. J Herbal Med.

[6] Bridging the Gap Between Herbs and Pharmaceutics…. (7July25) A Saddiqa et al.  Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.  and (29Apr25) The Evolution of Pharmacology: From Ancient Herbs to Biopharma – Biology Insights. 

[7] Big Pharma vs. Natural Health: Are Profits Dictating Our Care? (20Nov25) Dr A Greenland. Greenland Medical, London.  How profits from big pharma’s use of genetic information could revolutionise nature conservation. (12Oct24) E J Milner-Gulland et al. The Conversation.  Also  Botanical and Plant-Derived Drug Market Projected to Hit $58.1 Billion  and (Dec2025) Global Botanical and Plant-derived Drugs Market Share 2030

[8] There is often limited samples, missing data, flawed trials, marketing manipulation and selected references. Chapter 8: Assessing risk of bias in a randomized trial | Cochrane,  Evaluating risk of bias in randomised controlled trials. (2022) A M Moseley et al. J of Physiology 68(2). Risk of bias: why measure it, and how? (30Sept21) M R Phillips et al. Eye (Lond). 36(2). Catalogue of Bias – Publication Bias. (2018) Oxford Univ.  Empirical Evidence of Study Design Biases in Randomized Trials….  (2016) M R Phillips et al.  PLoS ONE 11. The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial: Gold standard or golden calf? (2001) T J Kaptchuk. J. Clin. Epidemiol. 54. and https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:20ff5949-f07b-4ab8-934a-cdaf4714a617/download_file?safe_filename=DeVito_and_Goldacre_2018_catalogue_of_bias_publication_bias.pdf&type_of_work=Journal+article. Bad Pharma (2012) Dr Ben Goldacre.

[9] Rethinking Pharmaceutical Industry with Quality by Design…. (20May25) J Galvão Duarte et al. Am Assoc Pharma Sci J.   Question-based review for pharmaceutical development… (Feb24) A Simões et al. Euro J  Pharma & Biopharma.

[10] Therapeutic efficacy and cost effectiveness of herbal drugs. (Mar24) M Singh et al. Pharma Res. (2). Herbal Medicine and Sustainable Development Challenges…. (2024) A Pathak et al.  in Herb Med Phytochemistry.

[11] The state of the art: clinical implications for cancer patients. (2002) A J Cunningham in The Psychoimmunology of cancer.

[12] Heterogeneity in Cancer. (28Jan25)W J MacDonald et al. Cancers 2025, 17(3).  Tumour heterogeneity and resistance to cancer therapies. (8Nov17) I Dagogo-Jack et al. Clin Oncol.  .

[13] Radical Remissions. (2014) K Turner. Shows a wide variety of adaptive and curative techniques by initiated by different sufferers.

[14] Assessing the unmet needs of patients with advanced cancer treated by biological and precision therapies. (4May23) L Crowe et al. BMJ Open. The Role of Mitochondria in Cancer …. (4Nov14)) D D Zeviar et al. JOM  29.

[15] Including turmeric (curcumin), red chilli (capsaicin), cloves (eugenol), ginger (zerumbone), fennel (anethole), kokum (gambogic acid), fenugreek (diosgenin), black cumin (thymoquinone), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), coriander (Corriandrum sativum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and black pepper (Piper nigrum), have been noted for cancer prevention. Sloan- Kettering extensive list of benefits and counterindications: About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center . Ancient and Traditional Foods, Plants, Herbs and Spices used in Cancer (11Oct23) Eds. Rajkumar Rajendram et al.  Cancer cell signaling pathways targeted by spice-derived nutraceuticals. (2012) Bokyung Sung et al. Nutri Cancer 54(2). Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. (2011) C M. Kaefer et al. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. Potential of spice-derived phytochemicals for cancer prevention. (Oct2008) B B Aggarwal et al. Planta Med. 74(13). See also Drugs and Supplements – Mayo Clinic

[16] Power Cance-Fighting Herbs and Spices. (Mar2023) Dr J Connor.

[17] Cancer cell signaling pathways targeted by spice-derived nutraceuticals. (2012) Bokyung Sung et al. Nutr Cancer 54(2). Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. (2011) C M. Kaefer et al. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. Potential of spice-derived phytochemicals for cancer prevention. (Oct2008) B B Aggarwal et al. Planta Med. 74(13).

[18] Revisiting Curcumin in Cancer Therapy: Recent Insights into Molecular Mechanisms, Nanoformulations, and Synergistic Combinations. (2Sept25) Khadija Akter et al. Current Issues in Molecular Biology.47(9)

[19] Early Life Stress and the Onset of Obesity: Proof of MicroRNAs’ Involvement Through Modulation of Serotonin and Dopamine Systems’ Homeostasis. (28Jul20) Gabriel Araujo Tavares et al. Front Physiol11). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1044579X19302135 [14].

[20] Power Cance-Fighting Herbs and Spices. (Mar2023) Dr J Connor

[21] Therapeutic potential of ginger bio-active compounds in gastrointestinal cancer therapy…. (3Aug22) S Mathur et al. Nutrire 47 (15). Ginger and its active compounds in cancer therapy…. (Feb21) M.F. Mahomoodally et al. Sem in Can Bio. 69.

[22] Comprehensive therapeutic potential of garlic…. (Allium sativum…. (May26) Ai Rajpoot et al. Food Bioscience 79. Anticancer potential of garlic and its bioactive constituents…. (Aug21) D De Greef et al. Seminars in Can Bio.

[23] Anti-proliferative effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. … against human breast and liver carcinoma cells. (Mar25) R Darra et al. Food Bioscience 65.  Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L…. (10June20) A Allegra et al. Nutrients.12(6).

[24] Biodiversity, Biochemical Profiling, and Pharmaco-Commercial Applications of Withania somnifera… (26Jan23). Harshita Gaurav et al.  Molecules. 28(3).  Ancient medicine, modern use: Withania somnifera and its potential role in integrative oncology. (Dec2006) M Winters. Altern Med Rev 11(4).

[25] …Pesticide residues and their impact on human health. (Sept23) I de Andrade Arruda Fernandes et al. Food and Chemical Toxicology 179. Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health…. (Jan23) M T El-Saadony et al. Front Nutr.9. Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease …. (24Feb23) T M Panknin et al. Int J Mol Sci. 24(5). Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea Polyphenol (‒)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG) in Relation to Molecular Pathways Controlling Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis. (25Dec22) D Mokra et al. Int J Mol Sci. 24(1). Teas: https://puregreentea.blog/green-tea-highest-egcg/. Pesticides: Hidden Ingredients in Chinese Tea. (2012) Greenpeace Science Unit, Exeter.

[26] Global cancer statistics (Mar-Apr 2005) D M Parkin et al. CA Cancer J Clin.55(2). GLOBOCAN 2000: Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence Worldwide …. (2001) F J Bray et al. Estimating the World Cancer Burden…. (2001) D M Parkin et al.  Int J of Cancer 94

[27] Recent developments in curcumin and curcumin ….. (Nov2015) K Mahmood et al. Int J of Bio Macromolecules 81. Curcumin, a golden spice with a low bioavailability. (Jun2015) A Siviero et al. J of Herbal Med 5(2).

[28] Exploring the Contribution of Curcumin to Cancer Therapy…. (19Apr23). T Choudhuri et al. J of Bio Chem 280(20). 

[29] Curcumin Selectively Induces Apoptosis …. (20May05) Chiara de Waure et al.  Pharmaceutics 15(4).

[30] Curcumin as a novel therapeutic candidate for cancer…. (23Oct24) Shadiya Fawzul Ameer et al. Front Oncol 14.

[31] Curcumin (Curcuma, Turmeric) and Cancer (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. (13May2025)) Nat Can Inst.(USA).  Curcumin Biomarkers (7Feb2013) Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill   NCT01333917.  Maintenance Therapy for B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. (Jan 2011) S O’Brien and N E Kay.  Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology  9(1)

[32] Curcumin (Curcuma, Turmeric) and Cancer …. (13May2025) Nat Can Inst. (USA).

[33] Curcumin, a golden spice with a low bioavailability. (Jun2015) A Siviero et al. Jo of Herbal Med 5(2).

[34] Cancer Research UK.  A study looking at curcumin to help prevent bowel cancer or stop it coming back. Turmeric | Complementary and alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK.

[35] …. Turmeric with the Pharmacological Benefits of Curcuminoids Components …. (2024) M H Shahrajabian et al. Curr Org Synth 21(5).  Curcumin Combination Chemotherapy: The Implication and Efficacy in Cancer, (Jul2019) Bee Ling Tan et al. Molecules 24(14).

[36] Green Tea and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) for Cancer Prevention…. (2025) Yang Zhang et al. Meta-Analysis Am J Chin Med.53(6).    Inhibition of carcinogenesis by tea. (2002) C Yang C, et al. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol.42. Green tea and cancer. (2010) I T Johnson. Lancet Oncology 11(6).

[37] Cancer Prevention with Green Tea and Its Principal Constituent, EGCG…. (Feb18) Hirota Fujiki et al.   Molecules and Cells 41(2).

[38] Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Is the Most Effective Cancer Chemopreventive Polyphenol in Green Tea. (8Nov12) Guang-Jian Du et al. Nutrients. 4(11)

[39] Therapeutic potential of green tea’s epigallocatechin-3-gallate in oral cancer…. (2025) Saranya Ramsridhar et al. Discov Onc.16. 

[40] A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of green tea extracts and polyphenols in female hormone-dependent cancers …. (22Seept25) Jin-jing He et al. Front. Oncol.15

[41] Angiogenesis inhibited by drinking tea. (1999) Cao et al. Nature 398.

[42] Tumor Microenvironment: A Complex Landscape of Cancer Development and Drug Resistance. (11Apr25) S Fatima. Cureus 17(4)

[43] Maintenance Therapy for B-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. (Jan 2011) S O’Brien, MD, and N E Kay.  Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology  9(1).

[44] ibid. B B Aggarwal. also Cancer Ireland . https://cancerireland.ie/cancer-survival-tips/herbs-and-herbal-remedies/

[45] Herbal Therapies for Cancer Treatment…. (2024) A Jenča et al. Biologics: Targets and Therapy 18. Survival correlation of immune response in human cancers. (2019) Y Liu et al. Oncotarget. 19.Herbs and Spices in Cancer Prevention and Treatment. (2011) C M. Kaefer et al. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects.

[46] Complementary medicine use during cancer treatment and potential herb-drug interactions…. (2019) J M, Dubois et al.. Sci Rep.9.

[47] Turmeric | Complementary and alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK. Green tea | Complementary and alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK. EGCG in Green Tea – Supplements A Powerful Ally in the Fight Against Cancer.

[48] …. Turmeric with the Pharmacological Benefits of Curcuminoids Components …. (2024) M H Shahrajabian et al. Curr Org Synth 21(5).  Curcumin Combination Chemotherapy: The Implication and Efficacy in Cancer. (Jul2019) Bee Ling Tan et al. Molecules 24(14).