25 Cancer Stem Cell Killing Foods Smarter Than Chemo & Radiotherapy?

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) first identified in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by Bonnet and Dick in 1997 are shown to be similar to normal stem cells which have the capability of self-renewal and differentiation into other cell types (Ailles and Weissman, 2007).

Further studies have proved that CSCs have a leading role on resistance to cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy and in addition to that, they have an increased metastatic potential which is a considerable problem to handle (Clevers, 2011).

There are thousands of natural compounds that have been studied with demonstrable anti-cancer activity, but only a small subset of these have been proven to target and kill the cancer stem cells which lie at the root of cancer malignancy. 

Note: When interpreting scientific studies, let’s remember that cell culture and in vitro results are trumped by mouse and in vivo results. Mouse results are trumped by human results. Case studies & small human trial results are trumped by double-blind placebo controlled ones.

A study published in the journal Anticancer Research (2015) titled, "Natural Products That Target Cancer Stem Cells," has identified this special category of cancer killers by listing the top 25 natural substances in this category. They are listed here below, along with some of their commonly recognizable dietary sources:

1. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - Green Tea

2. 6-Gingerol - Ginger

3. β-Carotene - Carrot, Leafy Greens

4. Baicalein - Chinese Skullcap

5. Curcumin - Turmeric

6. Cyclopamine - Corn Lilly [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates that natural components that kill cancer stem cells do exist]

7. Delphinidin - Blueberry, raspberrry

8. Flavonoids (Genistein) - Soy, red clover, coffee

9. Gossypol - Cottonseed [we do not suggest consuming this plant; this simply illustrates that natural components that kill cancer stem cells do exist]

10. Guggulsterone - Commiphora (myrrh tree)

11. Isothiocyanates - Cruciferous vegetables

12. Linalool - Mint

13. Lycopene - Grapefruit, tomato

14. Parthenolide - Feverfew

15. Perylill alcohol - Mint, cherry, lavender

16. Piperine - Black pepper

17. Platycodon saponin - Platycodon grandiflorum

18. Psoralidin - Psoralea corylilyfolia

19. Quercetin - Capers, onion

20. Resveratrol - Grapes, plums, berries

21. Salinomycin - Streptomyces albus

22. Silibinin - Milk Thistle

23. Ursolic acid - Thyme, basil, oregano

24. Vitamin D3 - Fish, egg yolk, beef, cod liver oil

25. Withaferin A - Withania somnifera (ashwaganda)

Why are these substances so important?

The primary reason why conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy have failed to produce any significant improvements in cancer survival rates is because cancer stem cells are resistant to these interventions.

Notes and Disclaimers: 

• Please do not consider this guide as personal medical advice, but as a recommendation for use by professional providers. Consult with your doctor and discuss with her/him. 
• Our aim here isn't to replace your doctors' advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information. Do take note that most treatments are not 100% protective or curative against cancer. It's a continuous struggle between the immune system and the cancer cells. Cancer treatments are meant to assist the immune system in this battle.
• Cancer treatment should be part of a multi-modal approach in order to provide the best possible outcome. Diet and lifestyle changes are meant to run alongside conventional treatment. They are complementary, not alternative. That said, there is no miracle treatment that can cure all cancers.