Uganda Cancer Institute Introduces Seven Herbal Products to Combat Cancer

The Uganda Cancer Institute's Center for Natural Therapeutics (CENAT) has developed seven herbal products with potential to prevent cancer, shrink tumors, and alleviate the side effects of conventional treatment. The products, still under investigation, have shown promising early results and will undergo clinical trials. CENAT aims to provide these remedies to patients within a formal study. The products target various stages of cancer, including prostate, breast, and stage-four patients who have exhausted curative options. The institute's team, led by Dr. A. Boniface Adeka, is seeking government support to further develop these local remedies, which could significantly reduce the cost of care.

Key Takeaways:

• Seven herbal products have been introduced by CENAT, including Prostanat, Immunonat, Laxanat, Muconat, a herbal mouthwash, Mamanat, and an ointment for cancer wounds.
• Prostanat is a tincture aimed at preventing and treating prostate cancer by arresting the formation of cancer cells in men aged 45 and above.
• Immunonat is a formula designed to restore white blood cell counts after chemotherapy, potentially saving patients from the high cost of standard injections (440,000-700,000 shillings per dose).
• Laxanat eases morphine-induced constipation, while Muconat treats sores that develop from mouth to anus after chemotherapy.
• Mamanat is a product for preventing and treating breast cancer by shrinking tumors.
• The herbal products carry antioxidant properties that improve quality of life.
• Patients who have exhausted curative options prefer these products to additional chemotherapy.
• The products still require full clinical evaluation, but their potential to raise survival rates and lower treatment costs justifies continued investment.

Statistics:

• 7 herbal products have been developed by CENAT.
• The products were showcased at Science Week in Kololo.
• Patients aged 45 and above are targeted by Prostanat.
• Immunonat could save patients from the high cost of standard injections (440,000-700,000 shillings per dose).
• Immunonat would cost about 15,000 shillings per dose.
• The products carry antioxidant properties that improve quality of life.
• 0-100% of patients have shown preference for these products to additional chemotherapy.

Sources:

• News release by the Uganda Cancer Institute's Center for Natural Therapeutics (CENAT),
• Dr. A. Boniface Adeka, Pharmacist and Head of CENAT,
• Babra Nakintu, Laboratory Scientist and Product Tester,
• Uganda Cancer Institute Science Week (Kololo)