Summary
On the base biomedical properties and computerized analyses
of traditional and non-traditional plants we determine the effectiveness
of action of medical plants to the symptoms, syndromes and different kind
of oncological diseases in general. The best results in the treatment of
oncological patients we reached with usage of necessarily surgery, with accompany
chemotherapy and radiation therapy and with combination of phytotherapy.
Treatment by this schema with usage of our new formulas enhanced the average
of survivals the first year after treatment from 39% (official data of Russian
Health Ministry) to 90%, in our case. More than 50% of our patient
treated by this way lived more than 5 years. According to our new approach
cancer is chronic disease, with weakness of immune system. So, it should
be treated as a chronic disease with monitoring of immune system. To
be sure that recurrence of malignant is not appears any more it was created
special formula, which can be used during the whole lifetime.
The aim of cancer therapy is the destruction of the tumor and
to preserve function and lengthen survival time. The main therapies are surgery,
chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, they may negatively impact quality
of life. Because only maximum dosages can eliminate all malignant cells and
cytotoxic substances not only damage the tumor cells, they also affect all
other bodily systems. Medical Plants can help minimize side effect of conventional
treatment. Recent studies demonstrate that, even after maximum therapy (surgery,
radiation, and chemotherapy) still about 0.1% of rest tumor cells have survived
(Joachim Fluhrer 1995). Only the immune system is then capable of achieving
a cure. Usually immune system can destroy these remaining malignant cells,
but the tumor-destructive therapies have damaged the immune system quite
extensively. Therefore a high risk of recurrence and metastases will exist.
Phytotherapy can be used to optimize the endocrinological therapy and stimulate
the immune system. During phytotherapy a supportive therapy for liver function
and the micronutrient balance is essential. Phytotherapy can be employed
as an effective method in the treatment of digestive tract cancer allowing
us to individualize therapy accordind to immunologic, endocrine and metabolic
characteristics of the patients (S.I.Yalkut, et al.-2000). All immunologic
effective substances need to be considered such as the vitamins, phytochemicals,
such as
*Corresponding author: Dr. Danik M. Martirosyan, D&A Inc., Richardson, TX, USA, E-mail: danikm@sbcglobal.net
anthocyanosides, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, poly-acetylenes and
carotenoids. This article explores the role of Phytotherapy for improving
the quality of life, and perhaps survival time, of oncological patients.
Materials and Methods
For the treatment of oncological diseases we used medical plants by the fallowing way:
Dry botanical collections (Species);
Could infusions (Infusum);
Hot infusions (Infusum);
Decoctions (Decoctum);
Unguents (Unguentum);
Pills from dry herbs with special extenders (Tabulettae);
Phytochitodeses made on the base of chitosan and botanical collections.
All this materials was made by special methods described by
Dr. Treskunov K.A. in the book of “Memoirs of Phytotherapist” – 12003,
Moscow, pp 205—208.
Treatment was provided with monitoring of syndromes, symptoms
and immune system. Monitoring of immune system we reach by investigations
of formal elements of blood system, in particularly trombocytes, leucocytes,
erythrocytes and CEO. Monitoring of syndromes and symptoms was provided by
investigations of Ache, Itch, Icterus, Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, Decrease
of appetite, Cough, Wheeze, Exhaustion, Weakness, Depression, Dizziness,
Headache, Edema, Ague, Bleeding, Extravasations, Canker, erosions and Anemia.
First step of treatment of oncological patients with herbal
plants we start 2-3 days before surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our
formula (number 02), which is used in the step 1 contain Chamomile, Goose
Grass, Mint, Tutsan and Milfoil. Patients can used that as a pill or
as a capsule. There are not side effects from those and at present time they
are proved from Russian Ministry of Health Ministry. This formula mainly
we using for the stimulation of immune system and to preventing the side
effects of chemical and radiation therapy.
Second step is prevent and treatment of the side effects of
chemotherapy and radiation. After conventional treatments often have been
observed anemia, leykopenia, trombocitopenia. In this step we are using
formula number 05, which contain more than 20 plants. Patients using this
formula as a tablets 3-4 times a day within 10-12 days until immune and blood
system renewal.
Third step is usage of formula number 01. This one oncological
patient have to use during the hole life time, without any brake more than
1 month, to be sure that recurrence is not appears any more.
Results.
Table 1. The effect of phytotherapy to the symptoms and syndromes of patients with oncological diseases.
Table 2. The Effectiveness of Phytotherapy with Conventional
Treatment in the Case of Oncological and other Heavy Diseases.
It was investigated 4 groups of oncological patients. First
group content 150 patient which is 33% from total amount of oncological patient
to whom was provided phytotherapy with surgery, chemotherapy and (or) Radiation.
The second group composed of 92 people, which is 20% of total patients. They
get surgery additional to the phytotherapy.
The third grope was 127 patient (28% from total amount) who
get phytotherapy, chemotherapy and (or) radiation, without surgery. Forth
group composed of 82 patients, which is 19% of total amount. They were treated
with only phytotherapy.
Table 3. The Effect of Phytotherapy with and without Conventional Healing to the survival of Oncological Patients
Discussion.
Our data shown that the treatment with phytotherapy jointly
with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy provide the best results (group
1 and group 2). It is interesting that 21% survivors of oncological patients
treated only with phytotherapy, without any conventional healing live more
than 5 years. It was shown also that in the case of combination of surgery,
chemotherapy, and radiation with phytotherapy there is no complication, which
is usually having a place without herbal healing. We find out also,
that the usage of our formulas as a tea lifelong prevents beginning of recurrences.
It is well known, that each year in Russia apiaries more than
400 000 oncological patients. From thous 39% only usually live more than
1 year. Thus we contributed a new approach for treatment of oncological diseases.
The new approach considering condition of immune system of patient before
and after conventional cure. It is known that Immune system become a week
after radiation and chemotherapy.
As a pioneer we receive a authentic statistics which proved
effectiveness of phytotherapy in general and effectiveness of each herbal
plant in particular, which we using in depends of syndromes and symptoms,
illness, etiology and pathogenesis. On the base of computerized analyses
we find out the effectiveness’s of action of medical plants to the symptoms,
syndromes and diseases. Thus we determine that the most effective among the
investigated plants as an anesthetic is “air bolotniy”, then “shalfey lekarstvenniy”,
and tarragon at cetera. This is very important because in the case of oncological
diseases usually appears strong pain, which is only you can decrease with
anesthetics. Furthermore we find out that in the case of weight lose the
best medical plant are “xvoshch polevoy”, nettle, coltsfoot, mint and chamomile.
This allows as composing most effective phyto collection for each individual
patient. With the usage of phytotherapy in our case disappears or vastly
decreases pain, renew of leucocytes (78%) vomit (75%), thrombocytes (80%),
hemoglobin – 65%, renew weight of body (70%), disappears depression (77%)
and weakness (77%). The usage of chemotherapy and radiation jointly with
phytotherapy prevents the development of chemical or X-ray illness.
Numerous published protocols confirm the importance of nutrition’s
and herbal therapy in speeding post-surgical healing and reducing pain, swelling,
and complications (Wright TV, 1996; White LB, 1998). Supplement protocols
begun 1-2 weeks prior and continuing 3-4 weeks post-surgery-commonly include
a daily intake of Vitamin C (3,000 mg), Bioflavonoids (1,500 mg), Vitamin
E (400 IU), Vitamin A (25,000 IU), and Zinc (30 mg). Proteolytic enzymes--well
researched in cancer treatment are particularly helpful in reducing swelling
and enhancing wound healing.
Our results confirm that the usage of phytotherapy in our case vastly decreases
pain, weakness and anemia but its also lead to the renew of leucocytes (78%),
thrombocytes (80%), hemoglobin – 65%. This is can prove our hypothesis, that
phytotherapy can be directly involved in the renewal of weak immune system
of oncological patient.
There is a strong connection between tumor genesis and immunological
“weakness”. With the knowledge we have today about this connection, no oncological
therapy should be done without immunological control. After the diagnosis
of cancer, the damaged cellular defense mechanism has to be treated and restored
as early as possible. Consequent immune monitoring and specific immune modulation
increases the chances of successful therapy. Many substances with immunological
effect have a high degree of importance in the supportive cancer therapy
of any cancer patient. It is well known that macrophages, NK-cells, cytotoxic
cells and helper cells can attack malignant cells and destroy them (Hager
E.D. 1994). At the time of diagnosis, and even before, one usually finds
a very low cellular immunity. Tumor-associated antibodies produce immunocomplexes,
together with the corresponding antigens. Above a certain concentration,
macrophages are not able to destroy those immunocomplexes any more (Joachim
Fluhrer, 1995). These complexes will then build a barrier around the tumor
and therefore prevent an active immunological reaction against tumor cells.
In higher concentration, circulating immunocomplexes block the function of
macrophages and so paralyze an important defense mechanism. A healthy defense
and immune system can identify and destroy cancerogenic substances and disease
will not ensue. If the limit of the compensatory ability of the immune system
is reached, or if there is a cellular immunodeficiency, then penetration
of the cancerogenic substances into the basal membrane or the cell membrane
can occur (Tullberg Th., 1979). Interaction with nuclear DNA will lead to
the formation of oncogenes and oncogenic cells. Tumor antigens can stimulate
the production of specific antibodies, which are directed against specific
cell structures. If the immune system is still intact the 'malignant' process
can still be interrupted and total restoration is possible. If the cellular
immune system is too weak, uncontrolled growth of tumor cells can occur,
either encapsulated or invasive. The encapsulated tumor can be removed surgically
and a cure is possible. If the cancer has invaded the blood vessels or lymphatic
system, then malignant cells have become systemic. Even then the immune system
has the possibility to identify and destroy the malignant cells and prevent
the progression of the disease (Joachim Fluhrer, 1995. In our case phytotherapy
at this stage is still effective (21%), but it is mach better if it is provided
with surgery and other forms of conventional treatment (51%). If treatment
of cancer with phytotherapy jointly surgery is missed, then the 'malignancy'
has escaped the control of the immune system and will lead to the death of
the patient.
Monitoring the immune system at the time of diagnosis and then
regularly afterwards is of extreme importance. In the first 2 years following
the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, a 6-weekly monitoring of the immune
status should be done, especially if immune-modulator therapies are being
used. After stabilization less frequent monitoring is necessary. It should
be monitored the fallowing cells of immune system: T-Lymphocytes, suppressor
cells, helper cells, Macrophages, B-lymphocytes, leucocytes, thrombocytes,
hemoglobin.
Immune Modulation in Cancer Therapy can be provided as well
as with phytotherapy and with Phytochemicals, including Quercetin and Rutin,
Micronutrients, such as Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Lithium, with vitamins
such as Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamins B2, B6, B12 and Folic
Acid.
In the case of Immune therapy may activate sub clinical infections (e.g.
silent dental abscesses, ostitis, impacted wisdom teeth, etc.) and therefore
enhance the biological stress. This may lead to a worsening of the immunological
status. Usually herbal therapy has not side effect, so we suggesting provide
phytotherapy with monitoring immune system. Only after effective therapy
will the cellular immune defense rise again. To enhance the efficacy of Radiation
Therapy we provided phytotherapy with the fallowing plants:
We believed that these plants supplied the body with necessary
phytochemicals and nutrients also. Usually, enhancing the efficacy of Radiation
Therapy provided with niacin, Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Oxygen
is a potent radiation sensitizer. Hypoxic (oxygen-deficient) tumors are resistant
to radiation. Natural agents that increase blood flow may improve radiation
response by delivering oxygen to tumors, thereby increasing tumor vulnerability
to radiation. Niacin (500 mg to 6,000 mg of nicotinamide) is an effective
radio-sensitizer, while producing little or no radio-sensitization of normal
tissues.13-17 however, prolonged intake of larger doses of niacin may lead
to liver damage. Inositol hexaniacinate may be a preferable form. It is safer,
well tolerated, and effectively improves circulation and oxygenation.18 Radiotherapies
are believed to achieve their cytotoxic effect by generating free radical-mediated
DNA damage to the tumor. The use of anti-oxidants during radiation therapy
appears counter-indicated in theory. However, research published over the
past 30 years supports the adjunctive use of anti-oxidant nutrients, with
improved radiation treatment results and protection of healthy tissues (Cheraskin
E, et al-1968; Funegard U, et al., 1995; Stahelin HB, 1993; Wood U, 1985;
Wadleigh RG, et al-. 1992; Lissoni P, et al. 1997).
Vitamin C Increases tolerance to radiation therapy without reducing
tumor control (Okunieff P, et al-1991). Vitamin E is also an effective adjunct
to radiation (Prasad KN, 1993; Myers C.E., et al.1982). It protects against
brain edema (Yoshida S, et al-.1992), a side effect of brain irradiation.
Vitamin E intake (800 IU/day) can be divided between d-alpha tocopheryl succinate,
which does not act as an anti-oxidant and provides some anti-tumor effects,
and a mixed tocopherol product.
Side effects of Radiation Therapy commonly associated with brain
irradiation include loss of hair, skin burn, loss of taste, and pervasive
fatigue. Radiation damage to salivary glands and taste buds can result in
a dry, irritated mouth and loss of taste perception. This can decrease the
desire and ability to eat, seriously impacting nutritional status. Post RT
healing can be provided with zinc, flaxseeds, Topical vitamin E, Aloe Vera
and Ginseng. Zinc supplementation (15-45 mg, as lozenges or liquid zinc sulfate)
at onset of loss of taste can restore taste perception (Ripamonti C, et al.1998).
Supplementation with antioxidant nutrients--from 14 days prior through 12
days post-RT---can reduce damage to salivary glands (Funegard U, et al.,
1995) Water extracts of flaxseed can provide relief of dry, irritated mouth
and replace lost saliva (Andersson G, et al, 1995). Topical vitamin E is
effective in oral mucositis (Wadleigh RG, et al, 1992). Topical application
of 100% concentrate of Aloe Vera after daily RT treatments can be helpful
for radiodermatitis. Vitamin E supplementation (1,600 IU/day), begun one
week prior to RT, allowed more than half the patients to keep their hair,
and dramatically reduced fatigue. Ginseng is best restricted to recuperation
following RT (15-30 days post-RT), because it stimulates DNA rep
Further studies are needed in the specific effect on cancer cells. From our
investigations we can make the fallowing conclusions:
1. On the base biomedical properties and computerized analyses
of traditional and non-traditional plants we find out the effectiveness of
action of medical plants to the symptoms, syndromes and different kind of
oncological diseases.
2. It was created new formulas, which are enhancing the
damaged cellular defense mechanism of oncological patients. They prevent
the beginning of side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and healing
the side effects of conventional therapy. There are not side effects from
these formulas, they are cast effective and at present time they are proved
from Russian Ministry of Health Ministry.
3. The best results in the treatment of oncological
patients we reached with usage of necessarily surgery, with accompany chemotherapy
and radiation therapy and with combination of phytotherapy. Treatment by
this schema with usage of our new formulas enhanced the average of survivals
the first year after treatment from 39% (official data of Russian Health
Ministry) to 90%, in our case. More than 50% of our patient treated
by this way lived more than 5 years.
4. According to our new approach cancer is chronic disease,
with weakness of immune system. So, it should be treated as a chronic disease
with monitoring of immune system each 6 month. To be sure that recurrence
of malignant is not appears any more it was created special formula, which
can be used during the whole lifetime.
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