Leukemia is wind ranging group of cancers that typically originate in bone marrow. They are typically characterized by a high amount of abnormal white blood cells. Their cause is unknown, the current conventional treatments are wide spread and varying and the mortality rates can be as high as 85%. Because of these know facts, research has been conducted to discover prophylactic and therapeutic avenues of handling leukemia. Below I have outlined a few plant based sources.
Tumeric
Curcumin is one of many bioactive molecules found in the dietary spice root tumeric. Recently, much research on curcumin, it’s derivatives and tumeric support the use of it as a prophylactic to ailments such as cancer, more specifically leukemia.
A study conducted observed that curcumin increases the anticancer fighting properties of traditional drugs against Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Folate
Folate, also called folic acid and vitamin B9 is a common bioactive molecule best sourced from dark green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and fruits. Specifically some of the highest vegetable foods with the highest amounts of folate are spinach, black eyed peas, white rice and brussel sprouts. Folate supplementation has been clinically demonstrated to reduce the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in childrem. Furthermore, consumption of fresh vegetables alone were demonstrated to reduce risk of infant leukemia.
Green Tea
epigallocatechin-3-gallate is one of many bio-active chemicals found in green tea. A study conducted demonstrated that at least of 75% of participants had at least a 20% reduction of their absolute lymphocyte level as result of consuming 1.2 to 2 grams of green tea extract twice per day.
Capers
Quercetin is botanical polyphenol found in food such as capers, dock, radish, cilantro, dill and red onion. It has been shown to have many chemo preventive effect on illness such as cancer. A study was conducted to observe it’s effect on human acute myeloid leukemia. The results demonstrated that quercetin was able to augment the efficacy of the conventional leukemia drug, 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG). Regarding the quercetin content in red onions, a higher concentration is located on the outer rings of the onions, meaning the quercetin concentration decreases as you peel closer to the center of the bulb.
These are just a few sources. Stay tuned for more in part 2