Melissa Perry

Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements, such as herbal tea, acai berry, turmeric, cumin, and long-
term use of garlic, are believed to be beneficial to your health. According to the
American Society of Clinical Oncology, these herbal supplements might actually have a
negative impact on chemotherapy treatment instead of a beneficial one. t is believed that
popular supplements may !ea"en or intensify the chemotherapy drugs effect on the body
and in some cases could even lead to a to#ic or lethal reaction. Herbal supplements are
typically used for therapeutic purposes, but they have the ability to interact and interfere
!ith the metabolism of the chemotherapy drugs. nterference !ill ma"e the drugs less
effective !hile other herbs used in small $uantities are generally safe. Consuming large
amounts of herbal supplements, such as garlic, may increase the ris" of bleeding during
surgery. Herbal supplements may have a negative effect on the body and it is urged to
stop ta"ing them !hile undergoing chemotherapy treatment. %&'
On the other hand, it is recommended by other sources to use herbal supplements
to fight cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the (nited States
and there have been several researches conducted regarding prostate cancer. )reen tea,
turmeric, and tomato and broccoli combined !ere identified as the top *superfoods+ to
fight off prostate cancer. ,et!een -../ and -..0, three independent researches !ere
conducted and sho!ed substantial evidence regarding these *superfoods.+ 1o detect
prostate cancer, the most clinically used mar"er is the level of prostate-specific antigens
%PSA'. 1he polyphenols in green tea are considered to be capable of decreasing the PSA
levels in human prostate cancer cells. 1he natural carotenoid and polyphenol in turmeric,
called curcumin, is a great booster for the immune system and a great anti-o#idant. t !as
Melissa Perry
also found that by combining tomato and broccoli together produces a synergistic effect,
!hich helps combat prostate cancer. Science and research is sho!ing the emphasis of the
po!er of food plants to fight against prostate cancer and fight for good health. %-'
REFERENCES
1. 2orth!estern Memorial Hospital. Popular Herbal Supplements May Adversely Affect
Chemotherapy 1reatment. Available at http344!!!.nmh.org4nm4herbal-supplements-
affect-chemotherapy. Accessed 5ecember &6, -.&7.
2. 2atural2e!s. 2atural superfoods fight prostate cancer. Available at
http344!!!.naturalne!s.com4./&8-/9superfoods9prostate9cancer9alternative9medicine.
html:. Accessed 5ecember &6, -.&7.