It’s amazing how flowers can bring a smile to anyone’s face, and even help them feel a little better. Well, some flowers can do more than just lift your spirits. Some can help defend against cancer, like the magnolia, the state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana. The magnolia contains a compound called honokiol, which can cut off the growth of blood vessels that feed cancer cells.
The magnolia has been used in traditional medicine for over 2,000 years to treat fatigue, fever, cough, digestive difficulties, depression, headaches, and more. But now, researchers have identified a chemical that also has tumor-fighting properties within this beautiful flower.
The Power of Honokiol
According to lab tests conducted at the Emory University School of Medicine, honokiol can shut down a process called angiogenesis, which is the growth of new blood vessels required for tumor expansion. In fact, honokiol can limit tumor growth by 50 percent.
When tumors start growing, they can’t get very big unless they latch onto new blood vessels that supply them with oxygen and nutrients. In response, cancerous growths release signals that instruct the body to send new vessels their way.
Honokiol interferes with this process by convincing endothelial cells (the cells that line these vessels) to undergo apoptosis, or self-destruction. But, it doesn’t stop there. Honokiol may also activate the body’s own tumor defenses, leading to increased production of a protein that causes cancer cells to destroy themselves.
Magnolia’s Effectiveness on Head and Neck Cancer
Magnolia may be especially effective in fighting head and neck cancer. In these cases, research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham shows that it can shut down the supply of a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which these cancers rely on to spread.
The Alabama researchers concluded, “Conclusively, honokiol appears to be an attractive bioactive small molecule phytochemical for the management of head and neck cancer which can be used either alone or in combination with other available therapeutic drugs.”
While it’s easy to question why it took so long for researchers to investigate herbs like honokiol that have been used for healing for thousands of years, we should be grateful that conventional doctors and researchers are now embracing the power of herbal medicine.
Natural Cancer Support and Prevention
Honokiol is just one example of the numerous plant-based compounds that show potential as cancer-fighting agents. Other promising candidates include:
- Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been shown to suppress tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
- Resveratrol, found in grapes and red wine, has been linked to slowing down the growth of cancer cells and inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels.
- EGCG, a compound found in green tea, has been associated with reduced cancer risk and the death of cancer cells.
It’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider before incorporating any herbs or supplements into your cancer treatment plan. However, arming yourself with knowledge about these natural options can offer additional tools to support your journey towards healing.
Conclusion
No one ever wants to deal with the struggles of battling cancer. But having something beautiful and natural to help fight the disease can uplift spirits and provide hope. The magnolia and its powerful honokiol compound show tremendous promise in supporting cancer treatment and management, and can be considered an attractive and nature-inspired ally in the ongoing fight against cancer.
