What type of study is this?

This is a Systematic Review study.

September 10, 2025Open Access

Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Antiemetic, Chemosensitizing, and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms

XSXue SunChangchun University of Science and Technology FNFangfang NieShenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital JSJian SunSun Yat-sen University

Key Points

Medicinal plants may improve management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, offering multiple mechanisms of action.
Evidence indicates bioactive compounds in plants like ginger and turmeric may enhance antiemetic effects, promoting chemosensitivity.
Systematic review analyzed diverse studies on medicinal plants, highlighting 22 botanicals with potential antiemetic and immunomodulatory effects.
Integrating these botanicals into cancer care could provide multi-targeted approaches, although rigorous clinical trials are necessary.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major burden for cancer patients, often poorly managed by conventional antiemetics, prompting exploration of medicinal plant therapies for better supportive care. This systematic review critically evaluates medicinal plants for CINV, detailing bioactive compounds, diverse antiemetic mechanisms, and promising chemosensitizing and immunomodulatory properties. A comprehensive literature search and critical analysis of studies investigating medicinal plants for CINV were performed. This review synthesizes evidence for 22 botanicals. Ginger (gingerols, shogaols) acts via 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT₃) receptor antagonism and substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) inhibition, and offers chemosensitization by downregulating P-glycoprotein. Cannabis (THC, CBD) modulates the endocannabinoid system and 5-HT₃ receptors for CINV relief and may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. Mint (menthol, menthone) relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Chamomile (apigenin) has antispasmodic/anxiolytic effects; its apigenin also sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Turmeric (curcumin) acts on neurotransmitter systems, offers potent anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects, and boosts chemosensitivity via NF-κB/P-gp modulation. Plants like Pinellia ternata, lemon, fennel, and licorice show varied mechanisms (gastrointestinal regulation, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter modulation). Many botanicals show chemosensitizing (inhibiting efflux pumps, promoting apoptosis) and immunomodulatory (affecting cytokines, immune cells) properties. Synergistic plant combinations (eg, ginger with P. ternata or turmeric) are noted for enhanced efficacy and safety. Medicinal plants offer a compelling, multi-targeted approach for CINV management, with potential beyond symptomatic relief via their antiemetic, chemosensitizing, and immunomodulatory actions. Rigorous clinical trials are needed to integrate these botanicals into evidence-based supportive cancer care.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper