Metal Ions in Cancer Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Malignant tumor has become a major threat affecting human health, and is one of the main causes of human death. Recent studies have shown that many traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have good anti-tumor activity, which may improve the therapeutic effect of routine treatment and quality of life with lower toxicity. However, the efficacy of TCM alone for the treatment of tumors is limited. Metal ions are essential substances for maintaining normal physiological activities. This article summarized the multiple mechanisms in which metal ions are involved in the prevention and treatment of tumors in TCM.