Positive Health Online

Abstract

STYCZYNSKI and WYSOCKI, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Collegium Medicum of Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University of Torun, Bydgoszcz, Poland, have proposed that alternative medicines might enhance the viability of white blood cells with leukaemia.

Background

The aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro activity of three products of alternative therapy against leukaemic and normal cells.

Methodology

Extracts of Viscum album, Uncaria tomentosa, and Croton lechleri were used for the study. Leukaemic cells of 53 children with acute leukaemia and four cell lines were tested for sensitivity to these remedies.

Results

Leukaemic cells showed high resistance to the three compounds in all assays. Additionally, the remedies stimulated survival of leukaemic cells in 45%, 96%, and 83% cases, respectively; while no effect was observed in normal lymphocytes. In combination studies, Viscum album extract did not increase prednisolone and cytarabine cytotoxicity in leukaemic cells.

Conclusion

Some alternative medicines might stimulate the viability of childhood leukaemic cells.

References

Styczynski J, Wysocki M. Alternative medicine remedies might stimulate viability of leukemic cells. Pediatric Blood & Cancer 46 (1): 94-98, Jan 2006.

Comment

These results need to be replicated on an urgent basis to assess their accuracy and reproducibility.