Re: cancer is a DEFENSE MECHANISM--not a disease

Thanks for the reply.  I just now found it when I looked up your earlier post to get a list of your recommended herbs (CZ's notification process leaves much to be desired in recent months, at least for me).

I certainly like pau d'arco, but are you saying that olive leaf is no better than green tomatoes or raw red potatoes? Or that it's only benefit is as a protease inhibitor?  Or are you referring to it's benefits only in regards to cancer? Pau d'arco could be a better choice for cancer as it has history of effective use, but olive in general is one of my favorite antivirals and I have used it myself with great success.  Here is a good description from a web source:

Olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L.) contains oleuropein and the flavonoids apigenin,  luteolin, chrysoeriol, hesperidin, rutin, quercetin, and kaempferol.   Olive Leaf extract has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Olive leaf interacts with the protein in cold and flu virus particles to halt infection, according to a recent report published in Alternative Medicine Review. The antioxidants contained within olive leaf have the effect of eliminating damaging free radicals, leaving far more of the immune system's resources available for fighting off colds and flus.  Olive leaf's combined qualities of boosting the effectiveness of the immune system and weakening the virus itself creates a powerful, safe and natural defense against these, and other pathogens.  Olive leaf is safe to take in conjunction with flu histamine blockers, and traditional cold remedies and may be used by people of all ages.

The main constituent of olive leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which is broken down to elenolic acid, has a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses. Oleuropein is a bitter monoterpene glycoside of the class known as secoiridoids and is also one of the major components found in the polyphenolic portion of olive oil. Research suggests that olive leaf may be a true anti-viral compound because it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system in the infected host. It then appears to offer healing effects not addressed by pharmaceutical antibiotics. Olive leaf's broad wide-spectrum killing power includes an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production for viruses; an ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses by preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane; and the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.

Most of the research on olive leaf's anti-viral properties has come from studies on viruses of which herpes is a common one. In 1969 the research of Dr. Renis working with the Upjohn company, proved that a compound of oleuropein from the olive leaf could kill all viruses, including the herpes (both oral and genital), against which it was tested. After the active components were isolated in 1969, an upsurge of research has resulted in continuing discoveries. In 1992 French biologists found that all of the herpes viruses were inhibited or killed by extracts from olive leaf.

When you listed "Hyaluronidase inhibition with myrrh" does that mean that supplemental hyaluronic acid might be contraindicated for cancer?  The reason I ask is that I use it for back and joint support and have also found that it has noticeable effects on fine lines and dry skin.  I can't really say if it makes a difference in my back or helps with joint lubrication/support because I take other things for that, but I can definitely say that it makes a difference for my skin.  I might want to think twice if it could have negative consequences in regards to preventing cancer though.

Thanks again,

DQ