The case for using aspirin to prevent cancer continues to build, particularly if people are at increased risk of the disease.

Three new studies, published in the medical journal The Lancet and in The Lancet Oncology, led by by Professor Peter Rothwell of the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and colleagues at Oxford University also raise the possibility that a daily low dose of the drug could be effective, not just as a preventative measure, but as an additional treatment for those with cancer. It follows the finding that aspirin can reduce the chances of tumors spreading to other parts of the body.

Professor Rothwell says: ‘We are not at the stage of recommending aspirin use in everybody, but the guidelines on use of aspirin in the healthy middle-aged population certainly need to be updated in order to take into account the effects on the risk and outcome of cancer as well as on the risk of heart attacks and strokes.’

Previous studies by this team have established that aspirin reduces the long-term risk of dying from cancer, but that these effects don’t appear until about 8-10 years after starting taking a daily low dose of the drug. The short-term effects of aspirin were less certain.

‘What we have now shown is that aspirin also has short-term effects, which are manifest after only 2-3 years,’ says Professor Rothwell.

‘In particular, we show that aspirin reduces the likelihood that cancers will spread to distant organs by about 40-50%. This is important because it is this process of spread of cancer, or “metastasis”, which most commonly kills people with cancer.’

This reduction in the risk of a cancer spreading suggests that starting taking aspirin after being diagnosed could be beneficial – assuming that the cancer has not already spread.

Professor Rothwell says: ‘No drug has been shown before to prevent distant metastasis and so these findings should focus future research on this crucial aspect of treatment of patients with cancer that hasn’t already spread.

‘We argue in our papers that new trials are still required to confirm the benefit – but that such trials should be done urgently.’

Professor Rothwell explains which types of cancer see the biggest effect: “In terms of preventing spread of cancer, the data suggest that the effect is largest in adenocarcinomas. These include cancers of the gut, particularly colorectal cancer, some cancers of the lung and most cancers of the breast and prostate. In terms of preventing the longer-term development of new cancers, the largest reductions are seen in risk of colorectal cancer and oesophageal cancer, with smaller effects on several other common cancers.”

Read the complete article from University of Oxford

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Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for the body’s normal growth and development and have been widely researched for their health benefits. Because the body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, they have to be consumed in foods such as oily fish.

When nerves are damaged because of an accident or injury, patients experience pain, weakness and muscle paralysis which can leave them disabled, and recovery rates are poor.  A new research published in the Journal of Neuroscience found  that omega-3 fatty acids, have the potential to protect nerves from injury and help them to regenerate.

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Fo-ti, Polygonum multiflorum,  is a plant native to China. The Chinese name of this herb is He Shou Wu, which means “balck-haired Mr. He”.  The story comes from the legend about an old villager who took Fo-ti to restore his dark hair, youth and vitality.

Fo-Ti is usually valued for its reddish brown bitter roots.  It is the root of Fo-Ti that is used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, it is boiled with black beans to make a preparation known as red fo-ti. The unprocessed root is known as white fo-ti. Red and white fo-ti are used in different ways and have different curing effects.

The unprocessed (white) fo-ti  is used to relax the bowels and detoxify the blood. It is also used to treat skin conditions such as acne, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, razor burn, and scrapes due to its anti-bacterial and anti-fugal properties.

The processed root is used to strengthen the blood, invigorate the liver and kidneys, and supplement vital energy, called Qi by Chinese.

Processed fo-ti is one of the more widely used tonics in traditional Chinese medicine, and is used to enhance longevity, increase vigor, and promote fertility. It is also an ingredient in TCM formulas for premature gray hair, low back pain, angina pectoris, low energy, and other conditions.

Some animal studies show that fo-ti can reduce cholesterol in the blood. Fo ti contains lectins. In studies it has been shown that lectins may prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver and may also prevent the retention of fat in the blood. Animal experiments have also shown that fo ti can assist in reducing the formation of fat deposits and plaque on arterial walls. Fo ti can also reduce the growth of bacteria, and has been shown to increase the ability of laboratory animals to adapt to cold conditions. It also promotes the production of red blood cells. Fo ti has also been shown to have an anti-tumor effect and acts as an antioxidant. A number of scientific studies carried out in China show that processed fo ti may be helpful in treating heart conditions, high cholesterol and chronic bronchitis.

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The Isatis plant, a source of indigo dye, originated in China and India. The Isatis Root (Ban Lang Gen), derived from the root of the isatis plant, has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. Isatis root cools the blood and treats damp-heat jaundice conditions. It is used in combination with other herbs to treat the common cold, sore throat, mumps, respiratory aliments, other febrile diseases and malignant tumors.

Isatis root became a well known household name during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) breakout due to its supposed toxin-killing capabilities in combating the disease. Respiratory infections such as mild tonsillitis, bronchitis, and sinitis don’t stand a chance when confronted with isatis root. Containing tryptanthrim (bacteria killer), banlangen fights inflammation and reduces fever, but its effectiveness depends on timing: “The secret is to use banlangen at the first sign of a tickly throat,” says Stefan Brinkop, a Beijing-based TCM practitioner. In Traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that Ban Lang Gen acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and alleviates infections of the intestinal tract, kidney and bladder. Herbs such as Ban Lang Gen, chamomile and dandelion are well known kidney enhancers.

Ban Lang Gen (Isatis root) is available in powder/crystal form. Dried and cut isatis root is also available at many Asian supermarkets.

Depending on the condition being treated, a typical dosage of isatis root is 10-30 grams. There are no known drug interactions with isatis root. Only large dosages or long term usage can be toxic to the kidneys. Always consult with your physician before taking Ban Lang Gen (Isatis root) or any other herbal supplement.

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