Herbal treatment in leukemia: A review of medicinal plants used in blood cancer

Abstract

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. Conventional treatments for leukemia include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation. However, these treatments have limitations and side effects, leading to an increased interest in complementary and alternative therapies. Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various diseases, including cancer. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential therapeutic benefits of herbal medicines in the treatment of leukemia. We discuss the various types of herbal medicines that have been studied for their anti-leukemic properties, including Catharanthus roseus, Daucus carota, Annona species, Vernonia amygdalina, Allium sativum, and Camellia sinensis. The mechanisms of action, therapeutic benefits, and potential limitations of these herbal medicines are also discussed.