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analgesic, ulcer-protective, lipid-lowering, and anticancer activities. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of disorders, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, Boswellia serrata has been found, in recent studies, to contain a group of triterpene acids that demonstrate potent antitumor activity. These acids were found to inhibit the synthesis of DNA, RHA, and protein in human leukemia cells. They have also been shown to inhibit topoisomerase I and II (enzymes that catalyze the passage of individual DNA strands through one another) by interacting with binding sites on the DNA molecule. 56
Boswellan is one of the herbs in Super-Tonic (see Resources), and is a great natural anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits cancer by working synergistically with other natural botanical agents, including turmeric, licorice, green tea, bromelain, and quercetin. Studies have shown its positive effects on cell-mediated and humoral components of the immune system and its ability to increase body weight, total leukocyte count, and humoral antibodies.57
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Buckthorn contains antitumor activity from two different components, emodin and dihydroxyanthroquinone. It is listed as a safe laxative and diuretic that is helpful when there is bowel or renal obstruction.
Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus)
Bugleweed is specifically indicated for an overactive thyroid gland, usually with the heart palpitations that often accompany this condition. It is an astringent, has mild sedative properties, and is also useful for loose coughs. It works somewhat like digitalis in controlling excessive vascular excitement. It improves the appetite, reestablishes normal secretions, and improves blood production, thereby making it a useful plant medicine for debility.58
Bugleweed's astringent properties make it useful for conditions of excess bleeding. It is particularly helpful in cases of lung cancer when the patient is coughing up blood, is having difficulty breathing, and has a racing heartbeat. It contains phenolic, caffeic, chlorogenic, and ellagic acids.

 
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