The Effects of Medicinal Plants on Cancerous Cells

Plants have been used in cultures around the world for thousands of years for the treatment of serious diseases and minor ailments alike. Some plants have particular strengths when it comes to eliminating cancerous cells and encouraging the human body's own immune system response to fight off tumors and other malignant growths.

Elimination of Free Radicals

• Medical plants such as the tea leaf--when slightly oxidized to produce green or white tea--is high in polyphenols and catechins. These are powerful antioxidants that target and destroy rogue cells in the body, called free radicals. These cells can turn malignant if not eliminated from the body. The presence of free radicals in the body increases with age and the use of carcinogenic substances like tobacco, according to the website Health Check Systems.

Stopping Cell Division

• Stopping or slowing the process of cell division is a key ingredient in arresting the growth of cancerous tumors in the body. According to Plants For a Future's website, certain medicinal plants like the American mandrake can perform this function in the human body. The plant contains podophyllin, a chemical that interferes with cell division and can potentially be used to stop the growth of cancerous cells within the human body.

Immune System Responses

• Stimulating the immune system to fight cancerous cells is another effect that medicinal plants can have on the body. Serpent garlic and the Chinese herb Huang Qi are both cytotoxic and immune-system stimulating. Cytotoxic herbs destroy cells within the body and increase metabolic rate along with white blood cell count. This increases the person's immune system response and encourages the body to target foreign entities like cancerous tumors. According to Plants for a Future, these plants can be highly toxic when not handled properly and should only be consumed after consulting with a medical doctor.