Natural Compounds in Cancer Research
Several of the most important cancer drugs came from plants, including paclitaxel from the Pacific yew tree and vincristine from the Madagascar periwinkle. Researchers continue to study natural compounds for their actions on cancer cells, on the immune system and on the side effects of treatment. Some have now been tested in randomized human trials, while others are still at an earlier stage.
This guide groups our articles by the strength of the human evidence. Every article also covers safety and drug interactions, which matter as much as the benefits.
Compounds Tested in Randomized Human Trials
A German Cancer Research Center analysis found daily vitamin D3 reduced cancer deaths by 12 percent. Also the American and Japanese trials, and how to use vitamin D safely.
The randomized trials of turkey tail (PSK), shiitake (lentinan), Huaier and reishi from Japan and China, used alongside cancer treatment for decades.
Cut the return of precancerous colon polyps in a large Chinese trial, with protection lasting six years. Also its many drug interactions.
Decades of Italian trials and newer blinded studies on survival, side effects and sleep.
The European tradition, the conflicting pancreatic cancer trials and the quality-of-life evidence.
The 2024 trial that doubled survival in pancreatic cancer, the Chinese colorectal trial, and the ones that did not.
Promising Human Studies
Linked to better survival with chemotherapy in a review of 34 trials in lung cancer, with evidence from China and Taiwan.
A British colorectal trial, an intravenous breast cancer trial, the absorption problem, and the liver and drug-interaction issues.
The Nobel Prize-winning malaria medicine from sweet wormwood, how it works with iron, and the British and German human trials.
The pineapple enzyme used in German enzyme therapy, human studies on reducing treatment side effects, and its interactions.
Safety, Interactions and Timing
Natural does not mean harmless. Berberine and curcumin interact with many drugs, some supplements affect the liver, and certain antioxidants may be best avoided during some treatments. Combinations should always be checked against the treatment being given.
The science on both sides, what the randomized trials show and why the form of vitamin E matters.
Testing Which Compounds Affect Your Cancer
Some laboratories, such as RGCC in Greece, test a patient’s circulating cancer cells against natural compounds and plant extracts. The results add information that standard testing does not provide.
What the European laboratories offer and how strong the evidence is for each test.
Testing a patient’s own cancer cells against drugs and natural compounds before taking them.
See also our guides to integrative cancer treatment options and repurposed drugs for cancer.
How Cancer Expert MD Helps
Cancer Expert MD provides education and consultation for people with every type and stage of cancer, anywhere in the world, and specializes in Stage IV and metastatic cancer. In a consultation, Dr. Silver, MD, educates you on the natural compounds studied in your type of cancer, the research behind each one and the interactions to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which natural compounds have the most human evidence in cancer?
Vitamin D, medicinal mushroom extracts such as PSK, berberine for preventing colon polyps from returning, and melatonin have the most human trial data. Each article explains the details.
Can supplements interfere with cancer treatment?
Some can. Several natural compounds change how the liver processes drugs, and some antioxidants may be best avoided during certain treatments. Every combination should be checked.
Is there a test to show which natural compounds act on my cancer?
Some laboratories test circulating cancer cells against natural compounds. The results add useful information, but published studies linking them to how patients respond are still limited.
About the author. Dr. Silver, MD, graduated from Temple University School of Medicine, completed fellowship training in cardiology, and has practiced medicine for nearly fifty years. A lymphoma survivor of about twenty-five years, he is co-author, with Dr. Lindmeier, DHSc, of The New Reality of Cancer: The Science of Recovery. Read more about Dr. Silver, MD.
Research by Dr. Lindmeier, DHSc, cancer educator and co-author of The New Reality of Cancer.
This article is for general education only and is not individual medical advice. Always consult your own doctor before making any changes to your care.
© 2026 Lovely LYF LLC. All rights reserved. This article draws on the research in The New Reality of Cancer and may not be copied, republished or distributed without written permission.
For more in-depth information on this topic and many others, get our book, The New Reality of Cancer: The Science of Recovery.
Explore our guides: Stage 4 Cancer Options · Advanced Cancer Testing · Integrative Cancer Treatment Options · Natural Compounds and Cancer · Repurposed Drugs for Cancer · Cancer Treatment by Type