Cancer represents a hallmark human disorder of the 21st century. The disease has been around for so long and yet its early diagnosis, let alone its definitive therapy has remained elusive. While humanity could identify and cure the Covid-19 pandemic within a couple of years; such a proposition for cancer is not feasible. This is because the disease is highly heterogeneous and relies on the body’s own cells going rogue, rather than an external infectious agent.
Along with allopathic treatments, researchers are now focusing on the natural Himalayan medicinal plants for developing a possible cure. It is important to consider here that medicinal plants can be used to treat human disorders since they possess unique metabolites that are otherwise absent from the animal kingdom. Plants use these chemicals for their own defence, and for centuries, humanity has been using plants for curing ailments and for better health in general.
Scientific research has now demonstrated that Himalayan medicinal plants are sources of unique anti-cancer components. A recent clinical study on a new drug derived from the Himalayan fungus Cordyceps sinensis demonstrated 40 times greater potency for killing cancer cells than its parent compound, with limited toxic side effects. This is an example of how plants are utilized as sources of drug development in modern science. Himalayan herbs are of particular interest since plants surviving in harsher conditions are more likely to possess unique compounds with the ability to confer protection to human cells. Long utilized in traditional medicine, herbs like Arnebia euchroma, Hippophae rhamnoides, Swertia chirayita, Hypericum perforatum, Rheum emodi, Taxus wallichiana, and Podophyllum hexandrum (Himalayan Mayapple) are currently being researched for their potential anti-cancer effects.
- Arnebia euchroma: It is known as ‘‘Gaozaban’’ of Laddakh. It is known for its naphthoquinone pigments like shikonin, which have demonstrated anticancer activities. Shikonin and its derivatives compounds induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. They inhibit DNA topoisomerase I and II, enzymes crucial for DNA replication and cell division, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation.
- Hippophae rhamnoides: It is more commonly known as sea buckthorn (SBT), contains compounds like catechin and isorhamnetin, which have shown cancer chemopreventive activity. These polyphenols exhibit antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
- Swertia chirayita: Flavonoids and xanthones, which are abundant in this plant, have anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative qualities. By preventing tumor growth and addressing oxidative stress, research suggests that it may be able to fight cancer.
- Hypericum perforatum: It is more commonly known as St John’s wort (SJW) is a well-known medicinal plant and a roadside weed known as Klamath weed. It contains hypericin and hyperforin, which have been found to possess cancer chemopreventive activities.
- Rheum emodi: It is prevalently known as buckwheat or rhubarb family that contains anthraquinones like emodin and rhein, which have shown anticancer activities. These anthraquinones induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation.
- Podophyllum hexandrum: A precursor to a number of semi-synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs, including teniposide and etoposide, is abundant in this herb. These substances work against a variety of cancers, including testicular and lung tumors, by blocking topoisomerase II, which stops the growth of cancer cells.
- Taxus wallichiana: This herb, also known as Himalayan yew, well-known for producing paclitaxel (Taxol), has transformed the way that lung, breast, and ovarian malignancies are treated. The bioactive compounds derived from these herbs are not only potent but often exhibit lower toxicity compared to synthetic drugs, making them attractive candidates for cancer therapies.
The exploration of Himalayan medicinal plants offers immense promise in the fight against cancer. This synergy of traditional knowledge and modern science holds the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
