Ginseng, Flaxseed May Help Cancer Patients

But another study dampens enthusiasm for the use of shark cartilage against lung tumors.

By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
Saturday, June 2, 2007; 12:00 AM

Copyright © 2007 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.

SATURDAY, June 2 (HealthDay News) -- Researchers are discovering glimmers of hope in alternative therapies for various cancers.

Two studies being presented Saturday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting in Chicago found some promise in ginseng in easing cancer-linked fatigue and flaxseed for the treatment of prostate cancer. A third study, however, seems to shut the door on shark cartilage as an antidote for lung cancer.

Flaxseed, when taken daily for 30 days, seemed to slow the growth of prostate tumors, researchers say.

In this study, 161 men scheduled to undergo prostatectomy were divided into four groups: one maintaining their regular diet; one taking 30 grams of flaxseed daily for a month prior to surgery; one in which men restricted their dietary fat; and one in which men took flaxseed and restricted their dietary fat.

Men who were taking flaxseed, in either the low-fat or normal diet group, had the slowest rate of tumor growth, reported researchers at Duke University.

The seed, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids and in lignans (an estrogen-like chemical), is thought to intervene in the processes that cause cells to multiply irregularly. It may also interrupt blood supply to a tumor.

Flaxseed is indigestible in its whole form but can be ground up and mixed in drinks or sprinkled on food.

The findings, said experts, were hopeful but still preliminary. Ultimately, though, flaxseed could have a significant benefit with little downside.

"I would buy flaxseed futures," said Dr. Richard Greenberg, chief of urologic oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. "I wouldn't, at this point, tell everyone to go out and start doing this, but I think this is a very promising early start."

Scientists still need to determine how much flaxseed a person should take and what the long-term effects might be.

In another promising early study, researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that the herb ginseng may help alleviate fatigue in cancer patients.

Close to 300 patients were randomized to receive 750 milligrams, 1,000 milligrams or 2,000 milligrams of ginseng a day or a placebo. Participants had different types of cancer and were either in treatment or had completed treatment and had a life expectancy of at least six months. All had a history of fatigue. The herb used in the study was Wisconsin ginseng.