Adjunctive Botanical Treatment for Chemotherapy Side Effects*

Among cancer patients, CAM is used more frequently by breast cancer patients, than other cancers, with an estimated use by 45% of patients across different treatment stages (Garg et al., 2005; Konkimalla & Efferth, 2005). In one survey done among long-term breast cancer survivors (on average, 8.7 years after-diagnosis), more than 50% believed that CAM use could prevent cancer recurrence (69%), play an active role in recovery (67%), and help to manage stress (64%) (Hann et al, 2005). Evidence gathered from recent randomized control trials (RCTs) demonstrates that herbal medicines and chemopreventive phytochemicals in combination with chemotherapeutic agents are effective in sensitizing cancer cells to treatment and minimizing the side effects arising from conventional therapy, thus increasing patient survival rate and QOL (Helyer et al., 2006; Efferth et al., 2007; Gross et al., 2007; McQuad et al., 2012).*

Traditional oriental medicine systems (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or Ayurvedic), spiritualism, hypnosis, aromatherapy, and acupuncture represent the widespread use of these CAM practices in the region (Harris & Rees, 2000). In particular, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, and Taiwan operate a two-tiered medical system of integrative medicine, and CAM is fully integrated into national health, education, and insurance policies (Nishimura et al., 2009; Park et al, 2012). On the other hand, though not integrated in current oncological practice, 16% to 63% of North American cancer patients are reported to commonly use acupuncture, hypnosis, and spiritualism, as well as vitamin therapies and botanicals. In one population survey, 75% agreed that combining conventional medical treatment and CAM was preferable to using either alone (Eisenberg et al., 2001).*

Research on CAM as adjuvants in chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, particularly that on herbal medicine and acupuncture, has gained momentum over the past few years. This development paves the way toward understanding their efficacy and modes of action in alleviating cancer or cancer treatment-related conditions. Evidence from various in vitro, in vivo studies and RCTs support the use of herbal medicine or acupuncture in boosting the immune system, in relieving pain, fatigue, cytotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, and in inhibiting gastrointestinal toxicity, angiogenesis, and other side effects from chemo- and radiotherapy (Liao et al., 2013).*

The botanical compound Chem 1 is comprised of a number of herbal components and was developed based on the principles of Chinese herbal medicine. The formula consist of a mixture of varying quantities of dry powdered extracts of the following Chinese medicinal herbs: Astragalus membranaceus; Atractylodes macrocephala; Citrus reticulate; Glehnia littoralis; Ligustrum lucidum; Lycium chinense; Milletia reticulate; Oldenlandia diffusa; Ophiopogon japonicus; Paeonia lactiflora; Paeonia obovata; Poriae cocos; Prunella vulgaris; and Scutellaria barbata. Patients who were taking the Chem 1 attributed no toxic effects, and 85% reported that they believed the botanical compound had helped reduce symptoms of breast cancer chemotherapy treatment.*

Chem 1 has been found to have a number of effects on both innate and adaptive immune processes, with potential indirect anticancer activity in in vivo mice studies. No side effects were observed in mice treated with the botanical compound, and no negative effects were observed on the response to chemotherapy or tumor mass (Rachmut et al., 2013). These herbs are considered to be safe for human consumption, and do not alter the pharmacodynamics of anti-cancer agents (Samuels et al., 2012).*

An Astragalus-based formula (which also contains the Chem 1 components Ophiopogon japonicus, Glehnia littoralis and Ligustrum lucidum) has been shown to have anti-cancer Immunomodulatory effects, without altering the pharmacokinetics of the anticancer drug docetaxel (Cassileth et al., 2009). Herbal compounds can also stimulate phase II enzymes such as uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase and inhibit drug transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BRCP) and multi-drug resistance proteins (MRPs). These latter effects can increase the bioavailability of drugs, offsetting any increase in CYP-mediated metabolism (He et al, 2010).*

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.