Natural ways to cure cancer have always been an important research area for scientists. This is because the medical treatment for cancer is known to cause a lot of pain and trauma for sufferers. The pain is caused both the cancer itself but most especially often by the diagnostic tests, surgeries, intravenous chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive care therapies such as bisphosphonates.

52 herbs, common in Saudi Arabia were studied by researchers from the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) to determine if any of them has cancer-fighting properties. Out of the 52, three plants were identified to possess. Three plants exhibited potent cancer-fighting properties and they were Anastaticahierochuntica, Citrullus colocynthis, and Juniperus phoenicea. They were seen to possess potent anti-cancer elements known as topoisomerase inhibitors which could be used to develop anti-cancer inhibitors. However, a great deal of further research would still be needed before these plants could be applied in clinical treatments.

Citrullus colocynthis

Citrullus colocynthis plant was used in Sabzevar city, Iran for the treatment of Diabetes.The plant has several common names which include bitter cucumber, bitter apple, colocynth, desert gourd or wild gourd, egusi and vine of Sodom. It is usually found in the Mediterranean Basin and in Turkey and Nubia.

It is well known in Nigeria as Egusi, and traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes, malaria and viral infections. Egyptians also used this herb as a treatment for rheumatism and swelling, according to information on the ancient Ebers Papyrus scrolls.

Anastatica hierochuntica

Anastatica hierochuntica is also known as the rose of Jericho, the Resurrection plant, or Kaff Maryam, often found around the Sahara and Arabian deserts.  Middle Eastern societies, consume it as a type of herbal tea. It is also used in pregnancy although it has been feared to induce labour. The plant is known for its ability to withstand desiccation, it is small, grey, and has branches that curl inward in the dry season and open up with the rains.

Juniperus phoenicea

This plant is commonly found in the coastal Mediterranean, Sinai, Saudi Arabia and the Canary Islands. They are also called Phoenician juniper or Arar, and used in the treatment of urinary and bladder complications and inflammations.

Other Studies

In another similar study, published in the journal Precision Oncology andcited in The Guardian, scientists analyzed 142 natural compounds using genetic techniques, to find which of the natural compounds could cure cancer. The chosen compounds were then tested on prostate cancer cells derived from both humans and mice. Findings revealed that eating turmeric, red grapes and apples can help men to protect themselves against prostate cancer. The study found that mice that were fed the ingredients were able to fight off prostate cancer cells. When eaten in combination, the ingredients were found to kill off cancer cells by starving tumours from taking up the compounds they need to grow. Eating these three ingredients regularly, they said, can significantly lessen a man’s chances of getting prostate cancer.