Stage 4 secondary liver cancer - Barberry / Arctigenin

Posted , 5 users are following.

Recent, my 79 year old Grandmother was diagnosed with secondary liver cancer. 5 weeks ago she was diagnosed with Helicobacter Pylori, which then manifested in to an enlarged liver and Ascites (fluid in the abdomen). She has a severe lack of appetite and strong feelings of nausea. The cancer diagnoses was very recent (5 days ago). She is soon to be having a biopsy to determine the rate of growth of the cancer as well as the likely primary source. 

I am aware that being at a stage 4, this is a very advanced form of cancer, and it has already spread to the liver. I know that the biopsy results will be crucial in determining the suitable treatment that should be given, but wanted to ask anyone who has either had experience with secondary liver cancer, or who is familiar with any alternative medicinal approaches (not instead of, but in tandem with conventional approaches like chemotherapy etc) to help. I have read numerous studies on the effects of Barberry (Berberis Vulgaris), and its physiologically active alkaloids, especially Berbamine, which was shown to  inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells and cancer initiating cells. 

I have also been researching Arctigenin, which is found in the Burdock root. 

My question is: Is anyone familiar with these forms of medicine, and if so would they be able to advise me on how to obtain? I cannot seem to find barberry root available to buy in the UK, and am not sure whether the berries of the plant are of the benefits supported by the research, or whether other parts, such as the bark or root are more appropriate. 

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3808882/)

Many Thanks, 

Alan 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    May sound stupid to you and you may even get offended but thats OK. My advice? Get her some good quality natural weed. Yes weed. If you can of course. It may not be easy. First it eases the sick feeling. Second it relaxes the mind and allows you not to focus on any one thing for too long. It will get her eating something and ease the fear that she will currently be feeling. Normally I would not recommend but in this case I do.
    • Posted

      I was looking in to the effects of CBD oil (which is legal in the UK) and have heard a number of stories about people being terminally ill and supposedly beating cancer altogether by opting for it. I don’t think pure weed would be a good idea, I mean it wouldn’t be a problem for me to get it but just the fact that it’s illegal here I’m not sure it would do the job

  • Posted

    If your grandma has secondary liver cancer, where is the primary cancer and what stage is that at? As I understand it, helico bacter pylori does not cause cancer - it is an infection cured by antibiotics - I have had it. However, stomach cancer may have been found while investigating h pylori.

    have you asked your grandma whether she is happy for you to look into alternative treatments? In my experience people 75+ prefer to stick to standard medical treatments and doctors especially when they are at Stage 4. 

    • Posted

      Thank you. She is doing a biopsy today as well as draining the fluid in the abdomen and the biopsy should determine the primary source. I agree but was just giving a chronology of events. She had the Helicobacter, then they found a clot in her lung, and then lesions on the liver. I think that discussion will come around when we get the results from the biopsy and they discuss treatments. The doctors have already said that the care would be palliative. I am really keen on trying an alternative route thought but wonder if these are mutually exclusive. This includes TMC, CBD cannabis oil and   IV vitamin C therapy.  My worry is that the chemo therapy will suck out the remaining energy she has 

  • Posted

    Hi Alan, my suggestion is to find a top notch naturopath to guide you through your natural treatment options. I have tried Berberis for liver cancer with my naturopath's blessing. The product is from Genestra Brands and is called Berberis Formula. I think it is a very good product but you should discuss with a naturopath. You may be able to find it and buy it on line, but a naturopath should be able to get it for you. I also tried CBD oil which ended up making my liver sick.  so I would not recommend that.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.