The effect of herbal medicine in relieving complications related to cancer treatments: an evidence-based systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionToday, cancer patients suffer from acute or chronic complications related to these treatments due to the use of common cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Some people use complementary medicine such as herbal medicine to reduce or eliminate these side effects. Therefore, the current study was designed with the aim of determining the effects of herbal medicines on complications related to cancer treatments in 2023. MethodsThis study is an evidence-based systematic review designed in 2023. Studies of randomized controlled trials that were published in four reliable databases PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI and Google Scholar were selected for review. Finally, 43 articles were selected for final review and data extraction. The herbal medicines considered for the present study included Senna, ginger, lavender, chamomile, ginseng, mint, Rikkunshito, aloe vera and ginseng. ResultsThe results of most of the trials showed the favorable effects of herbal medicines in reducing the complications associated with cancer treatments. Also, no serious side effects were reported after taking this class of drugs. Although a large number of people use complementary treatments, especially medicinal plants, and know it as a safe treatment, but patients and medical staff have little information about the effect of medicinal plants on the symptoms of diseases. This situation can lead to improper use of herbal medicines. ConclusionsIn general, the results of the study showed that medicinal plants as a complementary treatment can have a positive effect on the improvement of symptoms and complications related to cancer treatments. Clinicians can suggest the use of medicinal plants along with other standard drugs or even alone to patients and reduce the side effects and costs of patients to a great extent.