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The Data Is In: Anti-Tumor Activity Of Two Essential Oils

By: Caroline Ashton

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In the last several years, as researchers expand their search for novel anticancer plants and compounds, certain essential oils have been repeatedly turning up in published reports as being potential future therapies for cancer treatment. Essential oils are particular kinds of extracts from plants -- they are what give plants their aromas. More alcohol-like than oil-like, these compounds easily evaporate and are readily detected by our olfactory systems. Less known is that these volatile compounds are often highly complex, and can be very unique from plant to plant. A great many of these oils have been the subject of medical research in several fields, and are noted for their anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and inflammation-reducing actions. Now, their anticancer activities are coming to light as well.
Research of Frankincense and Lemongrass Essential Oils
The essential oils distilled from Frankincense resin and from the leaves of Lemongrass have been the subject of more scientific inquiry regarding their efficacy as cancer treatments than any other oils. Why this is so is somewhat uncertain, though both these plants have a long history of use as medicines. The term Frankincense refers specifically to the resin or sap of one of several species of Olibanum tree, native to east Africa and India. The resin even has biblical significance, being one of the gifts of the Magi to the newly-born Jesus -- it was at that time a very costly medicine, incense and perfume. Lemongrass has been used in more tropical environs for its anti-infectious properties, with detoxifying effects several bodily systems. It is said to aid in digestion, circulation, and in clearing the skin.
Modern Research Proves Ancient Medicine's Potential
Frankincense essential oil is noted in "The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy" by Salvatore Battaglia as an immuno-stimulant, an oil that does not eradicate viruses or bacteria directly, but improves the body's own natural immunity. A look at the research performed over the last few years is quite impressive: several pages of abstracts are returned when searching specifically for research regarding its potential as a cancer therapy. Many of these investigations have found the same result: Frankincense (and actually other essential oils that have similar effects) apparently targets only cancerous cells, leaving otherwise healthy cells unaffected.
Frankincense essential oil is very unique in its chemical makeup, unlike virtually anything else in the plant kingdom. It is only in Frankincense that Boswellic acids are found in significant quantity. Boswellic acids first became popular in the West around 20 years ago, when it found its way into anti-inflammatory preparations for sore muscles and arthritic joints. Boswellic acids seem to not only have the ability to reduce inflammation but to stimulate regeneration as well -- one high-end skin care company has started including them in their anti-aging line, as these compounds have been show to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture. It is these compounds that are able to initiate apoptosis, or natural programmed cell death, the lack of which is one of the characteristics of all cancers.
Cancer Cell Specificity
One of the challenges in treating cancer is targeting cancerous cells specifically with any medication or treatment, while leaving normal cells healthy and intact. More than one investigation using Frankincense has reached the same conclusion: that Frankincense oil "appears to distinguish" cancerous from non-cancerous cells, and suppresses the proliferation of the cancerous cells only. And not only does Frankincense have this important action, but it has been shown to reduce viability for cancers in quite a variety of organ system and tissues. It appears it could be a treatment for a wide number of cases and conditions.
Lemongrass Herb and Oil: Modern Research Uncovers Potential Anticancer Activity
The first result of a search for 'lemongrass' and 'cancer' is a paper titled "Anticancer activity of an essential oil from Cymbopogon flexuosus" (Cf is a popular species of Lemongrass, though other research also shows similar effects from Cymbopogon citratus). This study published in the May 2009 'Chemico-biological Interactions', performed at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, examined both in-vitro (essentially "in the test tube")and in-vivo (in the body) anticancer activity of Lemongrass essential oil. The oil was actually evaluated for efficacy against 12 cancer cell lines in-vitro, and 2 in-vivo. The results were no less than astounding. Lemongrass was effective at inhibiting proliferation of all the cell lines, though with significant variation in the concentrations required for this effect. The lowest concentrations of Lemongrass were needed to inhibit growth of colon cancer and neuroblastoma cells in-vitro (a type of cancer of the nerve cells occurring in children and infants). Using mouse models, lemongrass essential oil was effective at limiting proliferation of a type of breast cancer and a connective-tissue cancer.
Looking Forward: Alternative Therapies as Cancer Treatments
The research abstracts referred to in this paper are freely available through online databases. There are a great many of these abstracts that present alternative cancer therapies, including essential oils, in a very favorable light. Considering that cancer survival rates have not changed dramatically over the last several decades despite the advances in conventional medical technology, it seems time these alternative modalities should get a closer look from the medical establishment. If you are so inclined, take every opportunity to forward these types of treatments. Keep the pressure on, and change will eventually come. Please note that the information provided here is not meant as a substitute for sound medical advice, it is simply to present the latest research data available.

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

The author has made available much information about aromatherapy, such as using basil and other essential oils.

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