Integrative Oncology

Bromelain has potent anti-inflammatory effects and has been the focus of research involving inflammatory conditions. Several preclinical studies have shown that bromelain has immunomodulatory and antitumor properties.

Dong quai did not alleviate vasomotor symptoms in prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this agent.

The berries of Lycium barbarum, a perennial plant native to Asia and southeastern Europe, have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat poor vision, anemia, inflammation, and cough. They are also consumed as food and used in soup recipes.

Though there are no data yet on their efficacy, oleander extracts are promoted to treat cancer, AIDS, and congestive heart failure, and are being investigated in clinical trials.

Deficiency of B12 can lead to a wide variety of hematologic, neurologic, and psychiatric disorders and may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Clinical evidence to support the role in decreasing cancer risk is mixed.

Noni is an evergreen plant prevalent in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Polynesian islands. It is used in traditional medicine for wound healing, infections, skin conditions, diarrhea, and as a tonic.

Mindfulness meditation and other mindfulness-based practices are gaining popularity due to a burgeoning evidence base supporting its benefits for a broad range of conditions and populations, including cancer patients and healthcare professionals.

Data on red clover’s potential for reducing the symptoms of menopause and for decreasing the risk of breast cancer are inconclusive. Overuse of isoflavone supplements can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancer.

Yoga can have a positive impact on quality of life in people with and without cancer, by reducing stress and fatigue and improving symptoms of certain inflammatory conditions. In the cancer setting alone, there are at least 10 randomized trials documenting the benefits of yoga.

Saw palmetto, a small, slow-growing palm, is prevalent in the southeastern United States. Its berries are a rich source of fatty acids and phytosterols, and were used by Native Americans as food and also as medicine to treat urinary tract problems.

Although observational data suggest a correlation between high intake of foods rich in vitamin E and lowered risk of cancer, randomized trials using vitamin E supplements failed to validate those findings; some studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation can increase mortality.

Turmeric, a perennial herb prevalent in South Asia, is ubiquitous in Asian and Middle Eastern cooking. It is also used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation, burns, and disorders of the digestive system.

The importance of selenium in cancer prevention has been documented in epidemiologic studies and clinical intervention trials. Data suggest it may prevent gastrointestinal and lung cancers.

Capsaicin, the active component derived from the fruit of capsicum, is used to relieve pain, to improve circulation, to treat cluster headaches and psoriasis, and for weight loss.

Lycopene as a dietary supplement is a potent antioxidant used to help prevent cancer, heart disease, and macular degeneration. It is classified as a nonprovitamin A carotenoid because it cannot be converted to vitamin A.