Chemotherapy plant sources

The plant sources, chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapeutics of berbamine were reviewed. A botanical survey revealed that there were thirty-two species of Berberis that contain berbamine in China that were utilized. It was observed that berbamine possessed significant leukogenic effects in rats and dogs that had been pretreated with cyclophosphamide, and clinical observations demonstrated a therapeutic effect in 405 leukopenic patients. The utility of berbamine as a leukogenic drug, and as an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy was discussed [334]. 

In addition, it has been suggested that (a) some bacteriophages (Chapter 5) might have an important role to play in the chemotherapy of bacterial infections, and (b) plant products might prove to be a potentially fruitful source of new antimicrobial agents. 

Source Adapted from Heinerman, J., The Treatment of Cancer with Herbs, BiWorld, Orem, UT, 1980, 1984 as taken from Jonathan L. Hartwell s Plant Remedies for Cancer, Cancer Chemotherapy Reports, 7 19-24, May 1960. 

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