Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens)

Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southern Africa, South Africa, and Karoo Region. Traditionally, its stems, leaves, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cancer Bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cancer Bush
Scientific Name	Sutherlandia frutescens
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Sutherlandia
Species	frutescens
Native Range	Southern Africa, South Africa, Karoo Region
Plant Parts Used	Stems, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Sutherlandia frutescens
Common Name: Cancer Bush
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Red Bush, Sutherland'S Weed, South African Cancer Bush
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Sutherlandia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface whitish, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Stems: Woody, branched, erect growth habit with opposite branching, glabrous surface, and prominently ridged, angular stems.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Sedative: In herbal texts, considered a mild sedative, in stress-related herbal practices.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Reports outlining specific general precautions for this herb are limited.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.