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Sunday 29 May 2016

Review of various herbal supplements as complementary treatments for oral cancer

Volume 13, Issue 5, 2 September 2016, Pages 538-550

Review

Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States 

Abstract

In the United States, nearly 44,000 people are diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer annually. The life expectancy for those who are diagnosed have a survival rate of 57% after five years. Among them, oral cancer can be classified as benign or malignant tumors and is diagnosed at several stages in the development: premalignant conditions, premalignant lesions, and malignant cancer. The early signs of oral cancer often go unnoticed by the individual and are often discovered during routine dental examinations. Early detection and treatment may help to increase patient survival rates. The most widely used treatments for oral cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy - alone or in combination. Preclinical and clinical evidence for the use of green tea, raspberry, asparagus, and cannabis extracts is discussed in this review. Diet changes, supplementation with antioxidants, high-dose vitamin C therapy, and cannabinoid use have been suggested to decrease cancer cell replication and increase chance of remission. Early detection and lifestyle changes, including the use of dietary supplements in at-risk populations, are critical steps in preventing and successfully treating oral cancer. The main evidence for supplement use is currently in cancer prevention rather than treatment. Further research, determination, and mechanism of action for bioactive compounds such as epigallocatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, and Bowman-Birk inhibitor concentrate, through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials need to be completed to support the use of natural products and their effectiveness in preventative care and supporting therapeutic approaches. © 2016 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Author keywords

antioxidant; herbal supplements; oral cancer
ISSN: 19390211Source Type: Journal Original language: English
DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2015.1122693Document Type: Review
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

  Godsey, J.; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 1345 Center Drive, United States; email:jessielgodsey@gmail.com
© Copyright 2016 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.