Thesis
Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Cancer Research: Systematic Identification of Herbal Anti-Cancer Agents and the Cellular Profiling of Curcumin
Southern Cross University
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.515
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Abstract
Lung and colorectal cancers (CRCs) are among the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. While chemotherapy remains a central treatment, it is associated with significant side effects. Traditional medicine, used by up to 80% of the global population, provides accessible and affordable alternatives, and many medicinal plants have been investigated for their potential benefits. However, the translation of these findings into clinical settings remains limited.
To address this gap, this thesis bridges traditional knowledge, naturopathic practice, and scientific research to evaluate herbal medicines in the management of lung and CRCs. The research applies a tradition–practice–science nexus framework to generate clinically-relevant scientific insights.
The project was conducted in three sequential phases. Phase 1 (tradition) involved a scoping review of traditional medicine and naturopathic texts and case studies to map herbs and phytocompounds traditionally used for lung and colorectal cancers. Phase 2 (practice) built on this foundation by incorporating an international survey and focus group to capture current naturopathic clinical use and practitioner perspectives. Cross-analysis of these findings identified overlapping herbs and their links to cancer-related processes, producing a narrative review that highlighted curcumin as a compound of particular interest. Phase 3 (science) then evaluated curcumin in preclinical lung and CRC cell models to characterise cellular behaviour and pathways, focusing on concentrations relevant to human exposure.
Together, the studies revealed 175 species documented historically in the scoping review and 55 species in current clinical use identified through the survey. Eleven herbs, including Curcuma longa, Astragalus membranaceus, and Scutellaria baicalensis, were consistently cited across traditional knowledge, contemporary practice, and scientific literature, with evidence of modulating key pathways involved in cancer development. Preclinical testing of curcumin showed that at bioavailable levels it did not behave as a conventional anticancer agent, but supporting cancer cell survival, with cell death observed only at much higher, clinically unachievable concentrations.
Overall, this thesis provides a novel approach to understanding the role of herbal medicines and phytocompounds in cancer management. By mapping traditional and current use, incorporating practitioner perspectives, and testing a widely used compound under clinically relevant conditions, it highlights the importance of aligning laboratory research with real-world practice. The findings challenge long-standing assumptions and emphasize the need for practice-informed research to strengthen the clinical translation of herbal medicines and phytocompounds.
Details
- Title
- Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Cancer Research: Systematic Identification of Herbal Anti-Cancer Agents and the Cellular Profiling of Curcumin
- Creators
- Ilma Ruzni Imtiaz
- Contributors
- Andrea Bugarcic (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityJanet Schloss (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 424
- Identifiers
- 991013309326702368
- Copyright
- © Ilma Imtiaz 2025
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Resource Type
- Thesis