Study: Flaxseed and Ginseng Show Promise in Fighting Cancer

According to Newsday, an American Society of Clinical Oncology conference was held in Chicago on Saturday, where research studies and tests conducted on alternative medical products and natural remedies were presented, with some noteworthy results.

The largest study on the three substances tested was done on shark cartilage. Interestingly, the shark cartilage study was done because the U.S. government ordered it, according to Newsday. There had been some small studies done in the past that indicated shark cartilage might be helpful to some lung cancer patients. However, Newsday reports, this more recent, and much larger, study left doctors recommending that patients forego wasting their money on shark cartilage because it was proved by the studies to be worthless in offering any positive benefits to lung cancer patients.

Newsday reports that the small and preliminary studies done on flaxseed suggest this edible seed may be helpful in slowing the growth of some prostate tumors. Flaxseed is a common product frequently used in breads and cereals and as a remedy for constipation and other maladies that benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. In the case of flaxseed as a cancer fighter, reports Newsday, the studies found that the lignan in the seed can affect hormone levels, which then possibly dampens their cancer-promoting effects.

It's important to note that the flaxseed study focused on actually fighting prostate cancer, not just treating side effects.

The ginseng study, according to Newsday, was aimed at side effects - lessening cancer fatigue - rather than fighting the disease itself. It is also important to note that the ginseng studied was of the American variety, versus Asian ginseng. Specifically, the ginseng was powdered, four-year-old Wisconsin ginseng root, Newsday learned from Debra Barton, a research nurse at the Mayo Clinic, who tested the ginseng used. Barton also told Newsday that although the study results are promising, it is still too early for doctors to recommend their patients start buying ginseng. According to Newsday, Barton said there is only one sure treatment shown so far to help extreme cancer fatigue, and that is exercise.

According to Newsday, the ginseng and flaxseed studies are small and preliminary, and specialists warn against cancer patients relying on them to make treatment decisions. Further, it was noted that the flaxseed and ginseng tested are not the same as the flaxseed and ginseng consumers find on store shelves.

However, according to Newsday, there is significance to these study outcomes: one day in the not too distant future, natural remedies may be found that do offer effective cancer treatment, as well as treatment of cancer side effects.