Cancer bush (formerly sutherlandia frutescens) is a much-respected and long-used medicinal plant in South Africa, perhaps even our most significant indigenous medicine.

Classified as the only true indigenous tonic or adaptogen in south africa, this amazing plant deserves higher recognition in the world due to its long list of medicinal benefits. Cancer bush has enjoyed a long history of use by all cultures in southern Africa, including the tswana, sotho, and the zulu - who called it Insiswa ( the one who dispels darkness).

Cancer Bush's uses as a medicine reportedly started with the Koi San and nama people who introduced it to the early European settlers in the Cape. It gained popularity with the Afrikaans and English communities and has been used ever since as a Cape remedy for cancers and as a bitter tonic for many ailments and maladies.

Traditional uses for this amazing plant include the treatment of depression and anxiety, asthma and bronchitis, kidney infections, moderate hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome and more recently as a treatment for both HIV/Aids and cancer.

The therapeutic properties of Cancer Bush are based on its ability to help the human body mobilize its own immunologic and physiologic resources to help combat diseases and fight mental and emotional stress. Several complex compounds have been isolated including canavanine (non-protein α-amino acid), triterpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and pinitol

canavanine is the most important nonprotein amino acid found in the leaves of Cancer Bush as it is thought to be the major anticancer agent, it also has potent antiviral activity against influenza and retroviruses.

Significant amounts of GABA have also been found in Cancer Bush. This compound is an inhibitory neurotransmitter useful in the treatment of stress and anxiety

Flavonoids isolated in this amazing herb have shown many health-protecting effects, including anticancer, antiviral, anti-osteoporotic and anti-cardiovascular activity. They have also been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic anti-microbial, chemoprotective, and antioxidant effects which substantiate cancerbush's use in traditional medicine.

We supply powdered cancerbush and exceptionally powerful hydro ethanolic extract of cancer bush to concentrate it health invigorating benefits, this herb can also be found in our indigenous tincture.