Desert Shrub May Help Some Cancer Patients

Chaparral, an evergreen desert shrub widely discredited as a purported cancer cure, may shrink some tumors when processed and used properly, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday. Initial tests on patients show that, when injected, it does not cause some of the serious liver damage associated with the plant, the researchers told a conference. And tests in patients with head and neck cancer show it may shrink tumors. Chaparral, also known as creosote bush, has given its name to areas of the Southwest where it dominates the landscape. Native Americans used chaparral to treat cancer, colds, wounds, bronchitis, warts, blemishes and ringworm.