Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Uses | Formulas or Dosages | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Sutherlandia frutescens
Common Names
- Cancer Bush
Parts Usually Used
The leaves, seed pods, and extracts from the plant are used medicinally.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture
A medicinal plant indigenous to South Africa. The plant produces secondary metabolites including sutherlandin flavonoids and triterpenoid compounds, particularly in its leaves and seed pods.
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Where Found
Indigenous to and found naturally in South Africa.
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Medicinal Properties
The plant demonstrates anti-stress, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic properties. It shows particular effectiveness in modulating adrenal hormone biosynthesis and exhibits selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) and anti-mineralocorticoid properties.
Studies indicate it may be effective in treating chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular atherosclerosis, arthritis and depression through its effects on the endocrine system.
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Biochemical Information
Contains sutherlandin flavonoids and triterpenoid compounds including four complex cycloartane glycosides – sutherlandiosides (SU) A, B, C and D, with sutherlandioside B (SUB) being the major triterpenoid present. These compounds have molecular structures closely related to steroid hormones.
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Uses
Traditional and therapeutic applications include:
- Treatment of stress and anxiety
- Treatment of inflammation
- Cancer therapy
- Management of diabetes
- Treatment of chronic diseases
- Modulation of adrenal hormones
- Anti-hypertensive applications
Formulas or Dosages
In experimental studies, doses of 10 and 30 µM of sutherlandioside B (SUB) were used to evaluate effects on steroidogenic enzymes and hormone production.
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How Sold
Available in commercially prepared capsules containing plant extracts.
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Warning
As the plant affects hormone production and steroid biosynthesis pathways, care should be taken when using alongside other medications that affect these systems. Clinical studies on safety and drug interactions are still limited.
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Resource Links
African Medicinal Plants Advancing Cancer Treatment and Management Strategies
Drug Metabolism and Disposition – The Potential of Sutherlandia frutescens for Herb-Drug Interaction
National Library of Medicine – The potential of Sutherlandia frutescens for herb-drug interaction
Wikipedia – Sutherlandia frutescens
