Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei), a plant native to Japan, is traditionally consumed for general health, but its application for cancer prevention or treatment is primarily supported by preliminary scientific research rather than long-standing traditional claims. Several in vitro (test tube) and animal studies have found that certain compounds in ashitaba, particularly chalcones such as 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, exhibit anti-cancer properties. These studies suggest that ashitaba extracts can inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and suppress tumor growth in models of various cancers, including colon, breast, and liver cancers.

For example, a 2019 study in Nature Communications reported that ashitaba chalcones promoted the removal of damaged cells and suppressed cancer development in mice. However, no clinical trials in humans have yet confirmed these anti-cancer effects, and the safety and efficacy of ashitaba supplements for cancer prevention or treatment remain unproven in medical practice. Thus, while there is emerging scientific interest and some promising preclinical data, the overall evidence is limited and not sufficient to recommend ashitaba as a cancer therapy. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before considering ashitaba for this purpose.

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