Modern medicine often can perform marvels in
treatment at the hospital, no doubt about it. Likewise,
antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals frequently can
save us from conditions that in a previous century would
have been fatal. Missing, however, as most of us can attest
either from personal experience or from having witnessed
the post-hospital recovery of relatives and friends, are good
options for supporting healing and recovery once medical
treatments are over. “Taking it easy” in terms of exertion and
food choices (“regular diet” or “special diet” as required) too
often is the limit of available advice. Those interested in a
catalog of standard medical advice might consult, “Managing
the Adverse Effects of Radiation Therapy” at http://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0815/p381.html. Conspicuously absent are
solutions for the fatigue that is characteristic of recovery from
chemotherapy and radiation.
Traditional medical systems around the world are much
more focused on convalescence from illness and injury. Broths
and soups are at home in European traditions, of course. In
Indian and Chinese culture these variously are enriched with
special herbs and spices. For instance, the Ayurvedic tradition
makes use of a rice and dahl (yellow lentil) dish called kicharee
that is prepared fresh daily for convalescence. This meal can
be quite varied, yet typically contains a little ghee, onions,
garlic, ginger and a variety of mild warming and digestive
herbs and spices, with vegetables added to taste and as the
patient grows stronger. Chinese tradition suggests chicken
and meat/bone broths, soups and stews along with certain
herbs, such as wolfberry, angelica, ginger, jujube (a special
date), and so forth. Indeed, in Chinese medicine tonification
to match various conditions is a sophisticated science. (See,
for instance, http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/lifestyles/tcmrole_bufa.html) A section below discusses a really quite
remarkable representative of this tradition: tai li wang mulberry
and sea-buckthorn beverage concentrate. This ancient
formula addresses some of the key weaknesses experienced
by individuals who have undergone chemotherapy, radiation
and surgery.
Chemotherapy and Radiation: Why Is Recovery So Hard?
Chemotherapy and radiation are based in large part on the
greater susceptibility of cancer cells to damage than is true
of normal cells. Cancerous tissues have certain metabolic
advantages over healthy tissues that allow them to grow faster
and to cannibalize surrounding tissues to feed themselves.
This sometimes is called the “Warburg effect” after the Nobel
Prize winner who first described it. Cancer’s growth advantage
comes with certain downsides, such as greater susceptibility
to damage by free radicals and many toxins. Chemotherapy
works in part by being more toxic to cancer cells than to
normal cells. Radiation treatments work similarly and also
can act essentially as “surgery by another means.” In either
case, there is lasting damage to basic health. Normal, yet
faster growing tissues, which include the tissues that make
up the digestive tract, can be affected with implications for
digestion. More than just taste and smell change under such
circumstances. The fundamental nutritional needs of the
body may not be met in important ways with implications for
the nervous and immune systems. Today, gut-brain and gut-immune
interactions are rapidly expanding areas of research
as scientists try to unravel the links of the digestive system to
other aspects of health.
There are yet other pieces to the puzzle. Researchers
have had difficulty in pinpointing just why chemotherapy and radiation treatments are so lasting in their negative effects
despite what seemingly should be adequate rest and nutrition.
A paper published in 2014 may have solved at least some of
this riddle. Interestingly, the answer goes back to a part of
the body always considered to be a fundamental source of
basic life energy and the ability of the body to renew itself: the
marrow of the bones.
A key element is hematopoietic stem cells, which are cells
created and stored initially in the bone marrow and which give
rise to not only new red blood cells, but also to many types
of immune cells. In fact, in their normal state hematopoietic
stem cells from the blood and marrow appear to be ordinary
white blood cells. Nevertheless, when called upon, these self-renewing
cells also renew countless blood and immune cells.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health on the Internet provide
extensive and useful information regarding stem cells and
interested readers should make use of such tools for further
knowledge.
Ionizing radiation, such as that used in oncology
treatments, can cause extensive fatalities among
hematopoietic stem cells. In some cancer treatments, the
damage to the hematopoietic stem cell population can be so
extensive that cells and marrow must be transplanted from
healthy donors. Unfortunately, to paraphrase an observation
from industry, generally “original equipment” works best. This
observation goes beyond radiation treatment because it is not
just radiation that damages these cells. Chemotherapy and
aging also damage hematopoietic stem cells.
Back to that 2014 paper: One challenge to the renewal
of hematopoietic stem cells that is particularly linked to
exposure to chemotherapy and radiation appears to be a
reduction in the level of a particular protein that is necessary
for hematopoietic stem cell renewal and activation. University
of San Diego researchers, using an animal model, discovered
that mice deficient in the protein beta-catenin lacked the ability
to activate a pathway known as Wnt signaling. This failure
led to impaired hematopoietic stem cell regeneration and
poor bone marrow recovery after radiation. The result was a
much-reduced rate of overall recovery inasmuch as there was
reduced production of red blood cells and immune cells.
Damaged hematopoietic stem cells thus are a major
aspect of reduced immune function and join other factors
that have been identified in depressed immune function,
such as damaged and non-responsive immune memory
cells, cells whose very presence depresses the body’s ability
to renew itself and to respond to immune challenges. This
issue was discussed briefly in the February 2015 issue of Total
Health under the heading, “Caloric Restriction, Fasting and Nicotinamide Riboside.” Since the publication of that essay, new
modified fasts have become available for those who cannot
tolerate going three to four days with only water for sustenance.
The research team that did much of the pioneering work on
this topic has published instructions on how to perform a
series of five-day fasts that can achieve most of the results of
the original program with less strain and inconvenience.
Tai Li Wang: An Ancient TCM Herbal Solution
Fasting helps renew the immune system and hematopoietic
stem cells by causing damaged and badly programed cells to
be removed from the system. This approach resembles the
employment of fasting in the Ayurvedic tradition to “activate
the fundamental digestive fire (agni) of the body” to cleanse
impurities/toxins that otherwise cannot be destroyed.
However, fasting is not itself a solution to many aspects of
poor digestive health, reduced adrenal function and the
need for nutrition that supports the production of new blood
and immune cells. These basic challenges characterize the
typical impact of chemotherapy and radiation on health and
contribute to the chronic nature of the fatigue and reduced
immune function that are aftermaths of these treatments. For
these purposes, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers
a number of sophisticated tonification therapies. One of the
very best is the fermented herb mixture known as Tai Li Wang.
Tai Li Wang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that
some argue was created during the Warring States Period (475–
221 B.C.). As is true of many such “secret” formulas throughout
Chinese history, it is difficult to trace back the actual history of
the formula, which was first made “public” only in 1857 and
has been officially approved by the Chinese Department of
Health since 1992. Today, Tai Li Wang is registered in Hong
Kong as a Tradition Chinese Herbal Medicine and is available
in a number of hospitals in South China. Sea buckthorn and
wolfberry are two of the primary ingredients, which provides
a hint at the age and origin of the formula. It was during the
Warring States Period that the Great Wall was begun and that
Chinese civilization entered into extensive interchange with
Central Asia. Sea buckthorn and wolfberry both are native to
what today is the mountainous area of Tibet and Sinkiang
in far Western China, but for much of the last 3,000 years
was part of various Central Asian states. Moreover, this is a
fermented formula and fermentation was practiced mostly in
Western and Northern China due to the harsh winters. Hence,
the formula most likely originated in Central Asia and entered
China during this early period of contact.
Also referred to as a mulberry and sea-buckthorn beverage
concentrate to reflect its two most prominent ingredients, Tai
Li Wang is suggested for individuals under stress, including
mental and physical stress, those recovering from surgery
or illness, requiring a large nutritional boost, individuals
suffering gastrointestinal problems, and those looking for
an anti-aging tonic. Other ingredients include black sesame,
black plum, goji, Buddha’s hand, Chinese white olive, fu ling,
chrysanthemum and jujube.
Fermentation is an important aspect of the preparation of
the herbs. Not only does fermentation protect and concentrate
actives from the herbs, but it also leads to the formation of
new beneficial compounds not initially present. The flavor of
the drink is acidic or vinegar-like.
Employing classic TCM terminology, it is said that the Tai Li Wang formula Tonifies and rights the qi, enriches and nourishes the
liver and kidneys, nourishes the blood and boosts the
essence, moistens the lungs and relieves coughing,
fortifies the spleen and harmonizes the stomach,
disperses food and transforms stagnation, astringes
the intestines and relieves diarrhea, quiets the heart and
calms the nerves, engenders the liquids and quenches
thirst, soothes the throat and relieves coughing.
Westerners usually are not familiar with TCM terminology and
phrasing, yet the meaning of the above is not as obscure as
at first it might seem. Briefly, the herbal tradition maintains
that Tai Li Wang improves energy, supports the liver and
kidney functions, increases blood components and supports
their roles, is detoxifying, improves digestion and digestive
functions (including being useful in both constipation and
diarrhea), and is calming, including aiding sleep. In short, the
formula is strengthening and balancing to the metabolism.
Those who have tried Tai Li Wang (the flavor is challenging)
can attest that some of its effects are realized within two or
three days. For instance, the detoxifying and normalizing
benefits for the gastrointestinal tract appear quickly. The stool
becomes darkened, even tarry, indicating bile release (the
body disposes of most toxins via the bile), yet at the same
time there is a normalizing effect on stool consistency. Hence,
there is a physical indication of a rapid impact on gut function,
water balance and almost certainly a profound impact on the
gut microbiome.
With regard to recovery after chemotherapy and radiation,
supporting digestion, bowel function and detoxification
provides a necessary and significant foundation. These
medical treatments create various toxins as a result of free
radical production and overt tissue damage while at the same
time inhibiting the normal clearance mechanisms. Likewise,
one reason for the weight loss that is characteristic of
chemotherapy and radiation, apart from the loss of appetite,
taste and smell, is that the body goes into overdrive in its
attempts to repair the damage to normal tissues and quite
literally cannot keep pace with the rate of destruction or the
demands for removing damaged materials from the system.
Next in importance after the support of the gastrointestinal
foundation of detoxification and health is Tai Li Wang’s impact
on blood components. As noted above, chemotherapy and
radiation destroy large numbers of hematopoietic stem cells,
thus leaving the body lacking in precisely those cells necessary
to renew both red blood cells and many types of immune
cells. Supporting a return to health in these areas is exactly
the benefit described by TCM with the phrase, “nourishes
the blood and boosts the essence.” Not just many medical
treatments, but, similarly, chronic excessive physical exertion
and aging reduce the ability to renew the blood and immune
cells. Experience from animal experiments and human
clinical practice demonstrates that the TCM characterization
is correct, that there is an increase in red blood cells and
immune function without any danger of a rise in inflammatory
responses. For instance:
… LACA mice of different ages given 12.5 g/kg of a
mulberry decoction … by gavage daily for ten days
in succession experienced marked increases in
T-lymphocytes. The mulberry decoction acted as a
moderate trigger for lymphocyte transformation.
Rosette test results on mice showed that black plum
increased immunity in domestic rabbits. Immunity
testing (SOI) of super optimal doses of sheep red
blood cells (SRBC) showed that suitable doses of goji
polysaccharides significantly regulated suppressor T
cells (Ts) in geriatric mice while increasing Ts activity.
Pachyman strengthened immunity in regular and
tumor-bearing mice and strengthened the macrophage
phagocytic function in mice, resulting in significantly
higher counts of antibody secretory cells in the spleen
and increased ANAE positive lymphocyte counts in
tumor-bearing mice. This served to antagonize the
thymic atrophy….
In short, Tai Li Wang is an interesting fermented nutritional
beverage that supports many physiological functions
according to Traditional Chinese Medical categories, modern
experiments and clinical usage in South China.
Conclusion
Despite tremendous medical advances, allopathic medicine
has not done a good job in addressing the needs of recovery
after chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Chemotherapy
and radiation cause lasting damage to the body, including
to the ability of the gastrointestinal system and supporting
organs to eliminate toxins and derive nutrients from food.
Likewise, these treatments are detrimental to hematopoietic
stem cells, the cells that are necessary for the renewal of red
blood cells and many types of immune cells. The fermented
Chinese herbal beverage known as Tai Li Wang, according to
both animal work and clinical practice, offers an approach to
nutritionally supporting healing and recovery that brings an
ancient discovery to the modern world.
References:
- Lento W, Ito T, Zhao C, Harris JR, Huang W, Jiang C, Owzar K, Piryani S, Racioppi L, Chao N, Reya T. Loss of â-catenin triggers oxidative stress and impairs hematopoietic regeneration. Genes Dev. 2014 May 1;28(9):995–1004.
- “‘Fasting-mimicking diet’ may promote health and longevity,” June 21, 2015 found at http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/295647.php
- “Researchers Discover Fasting Can Significantly Prolong Life,” June 25, 2015 at http://readynutrition.com/resources/researchers-discover-fasting-can-significantly-prolong-life_25062015/
- Hong Kong] Application For Registration Of Proprietary Traditional Chinese Medicine, Pharmacological Effects Report: Pharmacological Effects Report for “Tai Li Wang” Mulberry and Sea-buckthorn Beverage Concentrate.
- http://www.angliatech.com/showcase/tailiwang/product_feature.php?lang=1
