Same old supplements get second look for cancer-fighting potential

CHICAGO (AFP) - Scientists are studying traditional food supplements used for centuries -- from ginseng and flaxseed to shark cartilage -- for possible cancer curing qualities, according to research presented at a major cancer conference here.

Though the first extensive clinical test on whether shark cartilage, taken with chemotherapy or radiation therapy, has anti-cancer properties, showed no effect in prolonging lung cancer patients' lives, a new study did find that flaxseed can stop the progression of prostate cancer, researchers told the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

A diet low in animal fats, however, was not successful in slowing prostate cancer, the research showed.
A pilot study also indicated high doses of ginseng help cancer patients battle fatigue, often a side effect of the disease.