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Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 7/2016

07.05.2016 | Original Article - Cancer Research

Exploring an herbal “wonder cure” for cancer: a multidisciplinary approach

verfasst von: Eran Ben-Arye, Jamal Mahajna, Radi Aly, Mohammed Saleem Ali-Shtayeh, Yedidia Bentur, Efraim Lev, Gary Deng, Noah Samuels

Erschienen in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Ausgabe 7/2016

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Abstract

Context and objectives

The unmonitored use of herbal medicinal remedies by patients with cancer presents a significant challenge to oncology healthcare professionals. We describe an increasingly popular herbal “wonder drug,” Ephedra foeminea (Alanda in Arabic), whose use has spread from the Palestinian patient population throughout the Middle East. We conducted a multicentered and multidisciplinary collaborative research effort in order to understand the potential benefits and harms of this popular herbal remedy.

Methods

We conducted an in-depth search of the medical literature, both traditional and modern, for any mention of the clinical use of Alanda for the treatment of cancer. We then tested the remedy, first for toxic ephedra alkaloid components and then for anticancer effects, as well as effects on the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapy agents (cisplatin and carboplatin) on breast cancer cell cultures.

Results

We found no mention in the literature, both conventional and traditional, on the use of Alanda for the treatment of cancer. Laboratory testing did not find any toxic components (i.e., ephedra alkaloids) in the preparation. However, in vitro exposure to Alanda led to a reduced cytotoxic effect of chemotherapy on breast cancer cell cultures.

Conclusions

The use of an integrative ethnobotanical, laboratory and clinical research-based approach can be extremely helpful when providing nonjudgmental and evidence-based guidance to patients with cancer, especially on the use of traditional herbal medicine. The effectiveness and safety of these products need to be examined by integrative physicians who are dually trained in both complementary medicine and supportive cancer care.
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Metadaten
Titel
Exploring an herbal “wonder cure” for cancer: a multidisciplinary approach
verfasst von
Eran Ben-Arye
Jamal Mahajna
Radi Aly
Mohammed Saleem Ali-Shtayeh
Yedidia Bentur
Efraim Lev
Gary Deng
Noah Samuels
Publikationsdatum
07.05.2016
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Ausgabe 7/2016
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Elektronische ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-016-2175-7

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