Natural Remedies for Treatment of Cancer Pain

Abstract

Pain is one of the most critical indications related with cancer. Intensity of cancer pain increases with advancement in stage of cancer. More than one third patients of cancer suffer from moderate to severe pain. World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a three step analgesic ladder for treatment of cancer pain.

Natural drugs are being used for treatment of cancer but very less natural drugs are used in cancer pain. Morphine, a naturally occurring opioid is considered as a gold standard for treatment of cancer pain. Another natural opioid codeine is also being successfully used for the management of cancer pain. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is used for treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain. Tetrodotoxin, a sodium channel blocker, of marine origin is in clinical trial for its use in cancer pain management. Vitamin supplementation is proving effective in decreasing the intensity of pain, as well as the dose of opioid analgesics. Many other natural drugs are being used as supportive treatments in cancer pain management.