Beat Colon Cancer Even When You’re Genetically at Risk

Last week, I told you about the herb Graviola, and its ability to fight colon cancer.

But this isn’t the only herb you need to consider in the battle against colon cancer.

Let me explain what else you need to consider and why.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. This cancer arises as a result of changes in certain cancer-related genes called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in the cells lining the colon. The signaling between these genes is necessary to control any tendency in the colon cells to become cancerous. It is when the signaling is out of balance that the cells turn into polyps and cancer.

Not too long ago, researchers discovered the way that the herb berberine prevents colon polyps and cancers – it’s by altering the balance of the gene signaling. Using what is called “TOPflash” analysis, researchers have discovered that berberine down-regulated the primary signaling gene, c-Myc, by a whopping 530%.

To do the study, the researchers used mice that were genetically bred to develop colon polyps and then colon cancer. As you may already know, polyps are benign tumors in the colon that have a tendency to turn cancerous. When they gave the mice berberine, they “exhibited fewer and smaller polyps in intestine,” and also had a reduction in the abnormal signaling causing the polyps in the first place. The researchers put it this way, “These observations indicate that berberine inhibits colon tumor formation through inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and berberine might be a promising drug for the prevention of colon cancer.”

But preventing colon cancer and colon polyps is not all that berberine can do.

The researchers then enlisted the help of seven patients between the ages of 22-34 with a rare genetic condition called familial adenomatous polyposis. This condition causes the excessive and rapid production of colon polyps. At the beginning of the study, all patients had their colon polyps removed that were located within 10 cm of the anal margin. After six months, a second examination revealed that the polyps had recurred to nearly the same level as they were six months prior. And then, the researchers did something different.

The polyps were removed again, only this time the patients started taking a berberine supplement every day (300 mg, three times per day). After another six months, the patients had a third colonoscopy, and the results were dramatically different. Remarkably, the researchers found that the berberine had completely prevented the growth of any new polyps. The researchers also demonstrated that berberine prevented polyp formation by inhibiting cyclin D1 gene signaling in the polyp samples of the patients. And here’s why this is so important.

Familial adenomatous polyposis is caused by a defect in the adenomatous polyposis coli gene, which causes hundreds of polyps and results in colon cancer 100% of the time! In other words, these patients are the most challenging to prevent polyp formation in. If the berberine worked well in them, think how effective it might be for all of those patients who just get the more common form of polyps.

Approximately 50% of people 60 years and older have one or more adenomatous polyps. About 6% of these polyps will turn into cancer. If you have had a doctor tell you that your colonoscopy showed polyps, berberine might be just what you need to prevent future polyps, and in so doing decrease that 6% chance of colon cancer. But this is just one of many studies showing the anti-cancer potential of berberine.

Animal studies have shown that berberine can inhibit tumor growth, prevent tumors from invading local tissues, and block the effects of various chemicals that can cause cancer. Other studies in both culture and animal experiments have shown that berberine works its anti-cancer magic through a variety of different mechanisms, including modulating the activities of many proteins such as myeloid cell leukemia-1, cyclooxygenase-2, multi-drug resistance-1, tumor necrosis factor α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, interleukin-12, and AM-1. These proteins are all involved with the formation of various cancers other than colon cancer. So, it is not surprising that berberine has been reported to exhibit anti-tumor effects against a wide spectrum of cancer. There’s one other important characteristic of berberine that you should know about.

Berberine is a radiosensitizer of tumor cells, but not of normal cells. That means that if you have to have radiation therapy for your cancer, taking berberine during the radiation therapy will make it more effective.

Berberine is found in the plant Rhizoma coptidis (Chinese name Huang-Lian). It’s no newcomer to medicine. It has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat various infectious disorders for over 3,000 years. It can also be used to treat diarrhea, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and inflammation. One of the best berberine capsules out there is Dr. Whitaker’s Clinical Grade Berberine in 500 mg capsules. I prescribe one capsule, three times per day. You can find it online.

Yours for better health,

Frank Shallenberger, MD