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Learn MoreHelleborus is a type of perennial plants in the family Ranunculaceae, with subtype Helleborus Niger (black hellebore) being of primary interest in both traditional and modern medicinal research. Historically, Helleborus has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including as a purgative for its purported ability to support certain cancers. More recently, extracts from Helleborus have gained attention in integrative medicine, with emerging research investigating the potential role in cancer care.
Although Helleborus therapy is not yet widely accepted or well-studied in conventional oncology, it is gaining interest due to its possible anti-cancer properties. Much of the current scientific exploration of Helleborus is based on its bioactive compounds, which may exert anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and even cytotoxic effects against cancer cells.
Mechanism of Action in Cancer
The potential anti-cancer effects of Helleborus are attributed to several key bioactive compounds found in various species of the category. These include saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have been shown to possess anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-metastatic properties. However, it is important to note that much of the current understanding of Helleborus anti-cancer effects is derived from preclinical research (cell line studies and animal models).
Benefits of Helleborus IV Infusion Therapy
Induction of Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death): Helleborus extracts have been shown to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, essentially triggering cell death in malignant cells while bypassing normal, healthy tissues.
Inhibition of Tumour Growth: Some studies suggest that Helleborus extracts can suppress tumour growth by interfering with various cellular pathways that cancer cells use to proliferate. These compounds may inhibit enzymes involved in cell division and reduce the expression of growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is responsible for angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) that feeds tumour growth.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for many types of cancer. Helleborus contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation in the tumour microenvironment. This may prevent tumour promotion and progression.
Inhibition of Metastasis: The ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade surrounding tissues is a critical step in metastasis. Research has shown Helleborus possess the ability to inhibit cell migration and reduce the ability of cancer cells to invade new tissues. This effect is particularly relevant in cancers prone to metastasis, such as breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
Immunomodulation: Helleborus extracts may stimulate the immune system by enhancing the activity of immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). These immune cells play a central role in recognizing and destroying cancer cells.
Antioxidant Effects: Cancer cells often have elevated levels of oxidative stress, which can contribute to their growth and survival. Helleborus compounds possess antioxidant properties that may help neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting healthy cells from damage and promoting overall cellular health.
Potential Application in Cancer Care
While research is still in the early stages, Helleborus therapy may offer the following potential applications in cancer care:
Adjunctive Cancer Treatment: Given the growing interest in integrative oncology, Helleborus may serve as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Helleborus could potentially sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapy or radiation and improving their effectiveness.
Supportive Care in Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy often causes a range of side effects, including nausea, fatigue, and immune suppression. Helleborus with its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, could potentially help reduce side effects associated with chemotherapy and improve the patient overall quality of life during cancer treatment.
Targeted Treatment for Specific Cancer Types: Early preclinical studies have suggested that Helleborus may be effective against a variety of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. It may be used specifically in supporting hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., hormone receptor-positive breast cancer) or chemo resistant cancers, where conventional therapies are less effective.
Palliative Care for Advanced Cancer: In patients with advanced-stage cancers, where curative treatment is no longer possible, Helleborus therapy may help manage symptoms and improve palliative care outcomes. Its potential ability to modulate pain, inflammation, and tumour growth could improve comfort in patients with late-stage cancers.
While Helleborus therapy holds potential as an adjunctive or supportive treatment in cancer care, its application remains in study at this stage. The available preclinical evidence suggests that Helleborus may have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-metastatic, and immune-modulating properties that could complement traditional cancer treatments.
Research
1. “Bufadienolides and ecdysteroids from the whole plants of Helleborus niger and their cytotoxicity.” Yokosuka A, et al. J Nat Med. 2021 Mar;75(2):393-402. doi: 10.1007/s11418-021-01481-6. Epub 2021 Jan 27
2. “Comparative Evaluation of the Potential Antitumor of Helleborus purpurascens in Skin and Breast Cancer.” Pilut C et al; Plants (Basel). 2022 Jan 12;11(2):194. doi: 10.3390/plants11020194
3. “Two new bufadienolides from the rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus with inhibitory activities against prostate cancer cells.” Cheng W et al; Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(12):901-8. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.891200. Epub 2014 Apr 4
4. “Minor regression and long-time survival (56 months) in a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma under Viscum album and Helleborus niger extracts-a case report.” Werthmann PG et al; J Thorac Dis. 2017 Dec;9(12):E1064-E1070. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2017.11.56
5. “Study of potent cytotoxic activity of Helleborus cyclophyllus Boiss against a human adenocarcinoma cell line.” Yfanti P et al; Cytotechnology. 2020 Oct 9;72(6):819-31. doi: 10.1007/s10616-020-00425-4
2. “Comparative Evaluation of the Potential Antitumor of Helleborus purpurascens in Skin and Breast Cancer.” Pilut C et al; Plants (Basel). 2022 Jan 12;11(2):194. doi: 10.3390/plants11020194
3. “Two new bufadienolides from the rhizomes of Helleborus thibetanus with inhibitory activities against prostate cancer cells.” Cheng W et al; Nat Prod Res. 2014;28(12):901-8. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2014.891200. Epub 2014 Apr 4
4. “Minor regression and long-time survival (56 months) in a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma under Viscum album and Helleborus niger extracts-a case report.” Werthmann PG et al; J Thorac Dis. 2017 Dec;9(12):E1064-E1070. doi: 10.21037/jtd.2017.11.56
5. “Study of potent cytotoxic activity of Helleborus cyclophyllus Boiss against a human adenocarcinoma cell line.” Yfanti P et al; Cytotechnology. 2020 Oct 9;72(6):819-31. doi: 10.1007/s10616-020-00425-4
Why Choose Wellbeing Medical Group?
At Wellbeing Medical Group, we have specifically designed our therapies with the health of our patients in mind. We work alongside our patients to tailor your dosage to meet your unique medical needs and provide you with consistent support from start to finish.
Your comfort is our top priority, and we pride ourselves on having a calming environment during your therapy. We will support your cancer journey using a range of complementary therapies administered by our expert medical team.
Contact our team today to find out more about how our helleborus iv infusion therapy can help you and to book a consultation with our integrative oncology care team.
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