Ovarian cancer is the most dangerous form of pelvic cancer. It is sometimes called "the silent killer" because the disease is typically discovered at a very late stage. The cause for this is the symptoms being very weak and uncharacteristic. The disease is primarily observed in post-menopausal women. The diagnosis is made through a pelvic exam.
A group of scientists from Boston has now examined more than 600 women suffering from ovarian cancer and has compared this group to a group of healthy women, including more than 700 women.
The scientists noticed that many women use herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, echinacea, ginseng, and St. John's wort, but also the cartilaginous preparation chondroitin. However, the study showed that ginkgo biloba was the only preparation that could be linked to a prophylactic effect on this type of pelvic cancer.
More specifically, the study indicated that women who used ginkgo biloba for at least 6 months had a reduced risk of developing ovarian cancer of 60%. The best results can be expected if the cancer is not of the so-called mucinous type.
It is not known why Ginkgo biloba has an effect on ovarian cancer, but it could be caused by its content of ginkgolides and terpenes.
Reference:
Press release from Bringham and Women's Hospital
