Abstract Background Gastric cancer is a major cause of global cancer-related mortality, with 5-year survival rates of 7% in advanced disease. Cancer cachexia, characterised by irreversible skeletal muscle loss driven by systemic inflammation, contributes to approximately 20% of cancer-related deaths. Cachexia differs from malnutrition in that it cannot be fully reversed with nutritional support alone. Current treatments that focus on nutritional support, psychological counselling and anti-inflammatory medication are lacking in efficacy. Natural dietary supplements and their derivatives such as fatty acids, probiotics, amino acids, curcumin, ginger and resveratrol, may offer additional therapeutic benefits in managing gastric cancer cachexia. Method A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of natural anti-inflammatory products in managing gastric cancer cachexia. The review focused on widely studied compounds including omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, amino acids, curcumin, fucoidan, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), resveratrol and ginger, assessing their impact on inflammation, muscle mass preservation, and overall patient outcomes. Results Natural anti-inflammatory compounds demonstrate efficacy in mitigating cancer cachexia by reducing systemic inflammation and muscle wasting. Essential fatty acids from nuts, seeds, and fish oil decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines and improve chemotherapy tolerance. Probiotics reduce gut dysbiosis and may enhance chemotherapy tolerance. Essential amino acids may promote muscle anabolism and reduce catabolism. Curcumin, fucoidan, EGCG and ginger exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, with some improving appetite and reducing nausea. While promising, these compounds need further clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety in cancer cachexia management. Conclusion Natural anti-inflammatory products hold promise as adjunctive therapies in management of gastric cancer cachexia. While preclinical evidence is encouraging, robust clinical trials are essential to confirm their efficacy and safety. Integrating these compounds with conventional treatments may offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex metabolic and inflammatory challenges of cancer cachexia, potentially improving patient outcomes. Future research should focus on understanding mechanisms, optimising dosages, and overcoming bioavailability challenges.
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