Xi-Shu in herbal medicine
Xi Shu (Camptotheca acuminata) is also known as Cancer Tree, Happy Tree, Heaven Tree, Dragon Tree, and Tree of Joy.
Native to China and Tibet, most American specimens of the plant originate from just two seeds germinated here in the 1930’s.
Xi Shu is used in herbal medicine for treating cancer, psoriasis, diseases of the liver, gallbladder problems, and stomach conditions.
Xi Shu and cancer
Xi Shu has been shown to help cancer patients.
The plant is known to be effective in the treatment of rectum and large intestine cancer. It is also used to treat leukemia and colon cancer.
Xi Shu can inhibit cell division and DNA replication which can slow tumor growth.
Other anticancer medications are derived from Xi Shu and two are currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Topotecan is used to treat ovarian and lung cancers.
- Irinotecan is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer.
Xi Shu may prove to be a lifesaver for thousands of cancer patients around the world.
Currently, manufacturing of these two FDA approved anti-cancer drugs continues to depend on extraction from plant materials that are primarily harvested from naturally grown trees.
Xi Shu may help treat other diseases including HIV.
Xi Shu is currently being tested for applications in HIV / AIDS treatments. The plant shows promise in clinical trials.
Science and Xi Shu
Studies show that extracts from the "Happy tree" have strong anti-tumor and anticancer properties. Tests also show that the camptothecins in Xi Shu fight DNA and some RNA viruses by inhibiting replication of cells.
Some scientists are calling Xi Shu "the Cinderella of the forest" due to its potential as a cancer fighting drug.
Tests show that continuous dosing is better than intermittent dosing.
The physiological actions of Xi Shu is unclear, and the development of new cancer treatments is a complex process. Currently, large scale synthesis is not feasible - living plants are the only supply source.
Various trials are underway, so hopefully more news will be forthcoming.
Happy Trees in Louisiana
This fast-growing, attractive “Happy Tree” of northern China is currently being grown at Louisiana State University's (LSU) Agricultural Center's Experiment Station.
The expense of extracting and shipping medicinal Xi Shu compounds from China averages $35,000 per kilogram, but LSU researchers hope to cultivate the tree in Louisiana where 5,000 trees have been grown successfully so far.
LSU researchers see this as a model for a program to research other medicinal plants.
Xi Shu trees are also being grown in Texas.
Xi Shu wood, bark, leaves, and fruit are all used in herbal remedies.
Medicinal compounds are especially concentrated in the young, developing leaves, and may actually poison livestock due to the high level of active ingredients.
The herb can be purchased in various forms and is often an ingredient in over-the-counter Chinese medicines.
The Chinese people have used Xi Shu for thousands of years.
Orientals use the plant for treating intestinal problems, stomach conditions, and skin diseases. They also use it for soothing sore throats and colds.
Xi Shu trees grow up to 80 feet tall.
Xi Shu is a slender tree that grows up to eighty feet tall.
The attractive tree has small, white flowers that mature into small fruit in summer.
Xi Shu grows extremely fast in warm humid zones. The tree likes sun and moist, rich soil. Xi Shu is easily grown from seed.
* Xi Shu is toxic when taken in large doses. Xi Shu is generally regarded as safe, but use of this herb for treating cancer should be done under the supervision of a physician. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
Always consult with a physician before using any herbal remedy.
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