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The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

We wish you peace and health!

Cancer Bush

Scientific Names

Cancer bush

  • Sutherlandia frutescens

Common Names

  • Cancer Bush

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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

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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

ScienceDirect – Sutherlandia frutescens modulates adrenal hormone biosynthesis, acts as a selective glucocorticoid receptor agonist (SEGRA) and displays anti-mineralocorticoid properties

National Library of Medicine – The potential of Sutherlandia frutescens for herb-drug interaction

Wikipedia – Sutherlandia frutescens

National Library of Medicine – Sutherlandia frutescens: The Meeting of Science and Traditional Knowledge

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center – Sutherlandia frutescens Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More

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