Can Aloe Vera Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer?

The latest  buzz is that aloe vera can help prevent and treat skin cancer. Is this true or rumor? What does research say about aloe vera?

HISTORY OF ALOE VERA
Aloe vera can be traced back to ancient Egyptian times. The leaves contain a clear gel that can be used as an ointment and the green part of the leaf can be used to create a juice or a dried product that can be ingested orally.  Throughout history, it has been used topically to heal wounds, soothe skin conditions, and to aid in constipation when ingested orally as a laxative.  Aloe vera has also been ingested for a variety of other conditions including diabetes symptoms, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis.  It’s been used as a cream to heal and relieve osteoarthritis pain, burns, sunburns, and psoriasis and can be found in over-the-counter skin products.  But what does scientific research say about aloe vera?

USING ALOE VERA TO HEAL THE SKIN
Multiple studies have been conducted, primarily with mice, on the effects of aloe vera on healing the skin such as a study by V. Thamlikitkul  and others, published in the 1991 Siriraj Hosp Gazzette,  showing that aloe vera is effective as an ointment in relieving and soothing pain and inflammation.

Reuter and other researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial compared the anti-inflammatory effect of 97.5% pure aloe vera gel to 1% hydrocortisone and a placebo gel. They concluded that the if the aloe vera gel, was applied under an occlusive bandage for 2 days following UV exposure, it significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo gel or 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel, but was less effective than 1% hydrocortisone cream. The authors suggest that aloe vera gel might be useful for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions.

Choonhakarn and others conducted a randomized, double-blind clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of a prepared 70% aloe vera gel for the treatment of oral lichen planus infections compared to the base gel alone and reported a significant improvement of symptoms in the aloe vera group.

ALOE VERA AND CANCER
A few studies have been conducted on the effects of aloe vera and cancer. Many studies have been used with human skin cells in a laboratory or mice,  such as the 2007 study led by M. Saini, “Anti-tumor activity of Aloe vera against DMBA/croton oil-induced skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice,”  from the Journal of Environmental Pathology Toxology and Oncology.  This study showed that aloe vera might be helpful in reducing or treating cancer in mice but the researchers concluded that more studies are needed.

Researcher Popadic,  and others, from the University of Belgrade School of Medicine found that Aloe vera and its constituents inhibit the process of skin cell production that accompanies skin cancer in a laboratory study. The researchers tested Aloe-emodin, (a part of Aloe), with human skin cells – keratinocytes – after being treated with radiation. Once radiated, keratinocytes will typically develop in the form skin tumors.  The researchers found that the Aloe-emodin was significantly beneficial in stopping the progression of tumor formation after radiation by the sun. Further research is needed.  No clinical research using human beings has been conducted.

Chen, and other researchers from the China Medical University found anticancer effect was greater with Emodin, as compared with Aloe-emodin and Rhein. But Aloe-emodin was observed having stronger cell repair abilities with the cells that hadn’t  yet become cancerous. The researchers found that Aloe Emodin and Rhein stopped tumor progression and caused cancer cell death.

There is early evidence that oral aloe vera may reduce the risk of developing lung cancer. Further research is needed in this area to clarify whether it is aloe itself or other factors that may cause this benefit.  One study conducted in Italy in 2009, tested 240 patients using aloe vera with chemotherapy for people for lung cancer, bowel cancer, or stomach cancer. Half the patients took liquid aloe vera three times a day in combination with standard chemotherapy treatment. In this study the cancer was controlled or shrank for a time in 67% of patients who had the combined aloe and chemotherapy treatment and in 50% of patients who had chemotherapy alone. Researchers said that patients using aloe vera had a better quality of life and that they had fewer chemotherapy side effects such as numb fingers and fatigue.  More research is needed under more controlled settings.

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS OF ALOE VERA? 
Does ingesting aloe vera have negative side effects?  No studies have shown negative effects of using aloe vera on the skin.   However, aloe vera, when digested, has a laxative effect and is effective for relieving constipation, but it can be the cause of diarrhea.

Some countries approve of injecting aloe vera. Injecting aloe vera is illegal in the USA an UK and can have serious side effects.

A two-year National Toxicology Program (NTP) study on oral ingestion of non-decolorized whole leaf extract of aloe vera found clear evidence of carcinogenic activity in male and female rats, based on tumors of the large intestine.   According to the NTP, from what is known, they cannot predict that these findings are relevant to humans. The researchers concluded that more research and information is needed, including to determine how individuals use different types of aloe vera products, and the potential risks to humans.

Although aloe vera appears to be a promising alternative treatment for a variety of ailments, researchers agree that more controlled studies are needed to determine its effectiveness, both as a topical ointment or when ingested. The majority of research has been with skin cells and with laboratory animals, and therefore, researchers cannot accurately predict its effectiveness on human beings.

REFERENCES

Chen YY, Chiang SY, Lin JG, Yang JS, Ma YS, Liao CL, Lai TY, Tang NY, Chung JG. Emodin, aloe-emodin and rhein induced DNA damage and inhibited DNA repair gene expression in SCC-4 human tongue cancer cells. Anticancer Res. 2010 Mar;30(3):945-51.

Choonhakarn C, Busaracome P, Sripanidkulchai B, Sarakarn P. The efficacy of aloe vera gel in the treatment of oral lichen planus: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2008;158(3):573-77.

Popadic D, Savic E, Ramic Z, Djordjevic V, Trajkovic V, Medenica L, Popadic S. Aloe-emodin inhibits proliferation of adult human keratinocytes in vitro. J Cosmet Sci. 2012 Sep-Oct;63(5):297-302.

Reuter J, Jocher A, Stump J, Grossjohann B, Franke G, Schempp CM. Investigation of the anti-inflammatory potential of Aloe vera gel (97.5%) in the ultraviolet erythema test. Skin Pharmacol Physiol.2008;21(2):106-10.

Saini M, Goyal PK, Chaudhary G. Anti-tumor activity of Aloe vera against DMBA/croton oil-induced skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2010;29(2):127-35.

Thamlikitkul V, Bunyapraphatsara N, Riewpaiboon W, Theerapong S, Chantrakul C, Thanaveerasuwan T. Clinical trial of aloe vera Linn. for treatment of minor burns. Siriraj Hosp Gaz.1991;43(5):313-316.
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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.  Images used in this article are free public domain from Pixabay.com or Publicdomainpictures.net

Disclaimer: The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.

20 Cancer-Fighting Foods

Kia ora, health and wellness friends!

FOOD IS A POWERFUL MEDICINE
Cancer research has recently focused on cancer-fighting foods.

Research has recently shown these foods to be effective in fighting cancer. Fill at least two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.

According to the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR), a change in diet is helpful in reducing cancer risk, yet  no single food or food component can protect you against cancer by itself.  Strong evidence does show that a diet filled with a wide variety of healthy vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans helps lower risk for many cancers.

AICR recommends filling at least two-thirds of your plate with vegetables, fruit, whole grains and beans.  Always check with your doctor or trusted health care provider or practitioner before making a change in your diet.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POWERFUL CANCER-FIGHTING FOODS?

ORANGES and LEMONS can be helpful in fighting cancer cells.  Citrus fruits, help protect against DNA-damaging free radicals that can cause cellular damage, alter the DNA and  increase the risk of cancer.  Citrus fruits contain hundreds of bioactive compounds with anti-cancer properties. Citrus fruits contain flavonoids and monoterpenes.  Foods high in vitamin C, can protect against cancer of the esophagus, and foods high in fiber can help to decrease  colorectal cancer risk.

BLUEBERRIES and STRAWBERRIES have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Blueberries are among the highest antioxidant fruits, having many phytochemicals.  Strawberries also contain a wide variety of phytochemicals, called flavonoids. AICR has evidence that berries high in vitamin C and fiber protect against cancer. Laboratory studies show that phytochemicals seem to have have anti-cancer properties and that they are effective in preventing cancers of the bladder, lung, breast, skin, and esophagus.

GRAPES contain a plant chemical called resveratrol, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, hidden in grape skins – especially purple and red ones.  Studies from the AICR have shown that resveratrol keep cancer cells from growing and inhibit tumors. Laboratory research has shown resveratrol’s ability to slow cancer cell growth and the forming of tumors in stomach, liver, breast and lymph cells. Resveratrol has also shown to be effective in destroying colon and leukemic cancer tumors.

KALE, SWISS CHARD, other dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce,  and chicory  are high in fiber, folate and carotenoidssuch as lutein and zeaxanthin, and also saponins and flavonoids.AICR’s s report, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity, and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, stated that foods containing carotenoids probably protect against cancers of the larynx, pharynx and mouth.

BROCCOLI is probably the best known cruciferous vegetable. Broccoli, CABBAGE (green),  cauliflower, brussels sprouts, rapini,  and turnips (white), it forms a “head.” Others known as the “headless crucifers” are the dark green leafy vegetables like kale and collard greens. Research has shown that cruciferous vegetables can aid in preventing cancers.

GARLIC can be effective in stopping the growth of cancer tumors.  According to AICR’s report, garlic and others belonging to the family of vegetables called Allium (which also includes scallions, onions, , chives and leeks) can protect against stomach cancer and colorectal cancer and to slow or stop the growth of tumors in bladder, stomach, prostate, and colon.

GREEN TEA contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which are strong antioxidants. Tea is the best source of catechins in the human diet, and green tea contains about three times the amount of catechins found in black tea.  Catechins have been recently studied for their anti-cancer properties.  Green tea has been shown to slow and/or prevent the development of cancer cells in liver, breast, prostate, and colon in laboratory studies.

TOMATOES can be powerful cancer-fighting foods. The red color comes primarily from lycopene.  AICR’s report shows convincing evidence that foods containing the phytochemical lycopene probably protect against prostate cancer.  Lycopene and its related compounds tend to concentrate in tissues of the prostate. Researcher’s have been studying the tomato in the laboratory, and tomato components have stopped the forming of cancer cells including endometrial, breast,and  lung.

LENTILS and beans are legumes. They are also an excellent source of folate, a B vitamin. Foods containing folate most likely help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer because of folate’s role in healthy cell division and repair of damaged cells.

CHILI PEPPERS contain a plant compound known as capsaicin. Recent research with laboratory animals suggests that capsaicin may represent a potential treatment for colon cancer.  A study in Taiwan in Taiwan exposed human colon cancer cells to capsaicin and suggested that capsaicin may effectively block tumor growth in colon cancer patients. The results of this research appeared in the December 2010 issue of the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.”

AVOCADOS may be helpful in stopping cell growth in prostate cancer. Avocados contain the highest amount of the carotenoid luteinutein of all common fruit. They also contain related carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene, and significant amounts of vitamin E.   A very recent study showed that an extract of avocado containing these carotenoids and tocopherols inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells.

GINGER has been shown to halt cancer cell growth. Scientists at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center studied the effect of ginger in ovarian cancer cells. Ginger selectively killed the ovarian cancer cells that resisted standard cancer therapy treatment.

TURMERIC is a spice produced from the rhizomes Curcuma longa. Curcumin gives turmeric most of its medicinal benefits. Researchers at the University of California-San Francisco and  Jane Higdon, a cancer researcher at Oregon State University examined the possible reasons why turmeric provides protection against cancer and aids in apoptosis, the process where the body removes genetically damaged cells and unwanted cells.

FLAXSEED and its oil have been promoted since the 1950s as a food and dietary supplement with anti-cancer properties. Most of the evidence of its ability to prevent the growth or spread of cancer has come from studies in animals. Recently there has been some clinical evidence suggesting that flaxseed supplements may be useful in men with early-stage prostate cancer.

More research is being conducted every day. Always check with your trusted, chosen health practitioner and health-care provider when choosing a new diet or plan of treatment.

RESOURCES
American Cancer Society – “The Color of Prevention,”
American Cancer Society  – “ACS Guidelines on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention,”
American Institute for Cancer Research – “AICR’s Foods that Fight Cancer” 
American Institute for Cancer Research – “Carotenoids and Breast Cancer Prevention”
American Institute for Cancer Research – “Tomatoes Plus Soy May Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer”
American Institute for Cancer Research – “The Spices of Cancer Prevention”
Oncology Nutrition, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Cancer Fighting Foods”
Dyer, Diana. A Dietitian’s Cancer Story, www.cancerrd.com

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This article is written by Jean Voice Dart, M.S. Special Education from Illinois State University. Jean is a published author and has written hundreds of health articles as well as hosting a local television program, “Making Miracles Happen.” She is a Registered Music Therapist, Sound Therapist, and Master Level Energetic Teacher, and is the Executive Director, founder and Health and Wellness Educator of the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance. The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit health and wellness education organization. For more information about the Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance contact us or visit our website at www.montereybayholistic.com.

Disclaimer:  The Monterey Bay Holistic Alliance is a charitable, independent registered nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and does not endorse any particular products or practices. We exist as an educational organization dedicated to providing free access to health education resources, products and services. Claims and statements herein are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statements about organizations, practitioners, methods of treatment, and products listed on this website are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information is intended for educational purposes only. The MBHA strongly recommends that you seek out your trusted medical doctor or practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of any existing health condition.