Bile Duct Cancer

Natural and complementary treatment of biliary tract cancer, or cholangiocarcinoma, aims to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy and includes supplements with proven antitumor efficacy in biliary tract cancer to enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapy.

During chemotherapy treatment, it is essential to strengthen the immune system. High-dose intravenous vitamin C boosts immunity and helps detoxify the body from chemotherapy.

Additionally, specific formulas of Chinese herbal medicine designed to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. They also aid in recovering from anemia and preventing neuropathy.

Intravenous vitamin C helps restore the immune system between chemotherapy sessions, reduces fatigue, and has antitumor activity.

Medicinal Plants for Biliary Tract Cancer

Over the past 10 years, the number of scientific studies evaluating the antiproliferative properties and mechanisms of action of various plant extracts, isolated compounds, and herbal formulations has significantly increased. Below is a summary of the highlighted effects of the most extensively studied plants:

• Atractylodes lancea: This is the most studied plant for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma. It exhibits potent antiproliferative activities against biliary tract cancer cells. Its active compounds, atractylodin and β-eudesmol, induce apoptosis (tumor cell death), inhibit cell migration (preventing metastasis), and inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of blood vessels in the tumor).
• Curcuma longa L. (curcumin): Demonstrates potent antiproliferative activity, inhibiting tumor growth. It also inhibits cell migration, reducing the ability to metastasize.
• Garcinia hanburyi: Exhibits strong antiproliferative properties and induces mitochondrial apoptosis.
• Zingiber officinale: Shows significant antiproliferative activity, inhibiting both tumor growth and metastasis.

Other plants and compounds, such as resveratrol and capsaicin, also show potential for the treatment of biliary tract cancer or cholangiocarcinoma, primarily through the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferative signaling, and sensitization to existing chemotherapy treatments.

Scientific Studies on Chinese Plants in the Treatment of Biliary Tract Cancer

• Na-Bangchang K et al. (2023): The Role of Herbal Medicine in Cholangiocarcinoma Control: A Systematic Review. Planta Med. 2023 Jan;89(1):3-18. doi: 10.1055/a-1676-9678. Epub 2022 Apr 25. PMID: 35468650.
• Chen Z, Lin T et al. (2021): Network pharmacology based research into the effect and mechanism of Yinchenhao Decoction against Cholangiocarcinoma. Chin Med. 2021 Jan 21;16(1):13. doi: 10.1186/s13020-021-00423-4. PMID: 33478536; PMCID: PMC7818939.