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

Summary

This review examines how medicinal plants can help manage nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy. Over 22 plants including ginger, cannabis, mint, and turmeric work through multiple mechanisms like blocking serotonin pathways and reducing inflammation. Beyond reducing symptoms, these plants may also enhance chemotherapy effectiveness and boost immune function. The research suggests combining medicinal plants with standard cancer treatments could improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Background

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) affects up to 80% of cancer patients and significantly impairs quality of life. Current standard antiemetics often provide suboptimal control, with approximately 35% of patients still experiencing acute nausea despite prophylaxis. Medicinal plants have demonstrated potential as complementary therapies with multi-targeted antiemetic mechanisms.

Objective

This systematic review critically evaluates medicinal plants for CINV management, focusing on their bioactive compounds, antiemetic mechanisms, and potential chemosensitizing and immunomodulatory properties. The review aims to synthesize evidence on how botanical compounds modulate CINV pathways and enhance integrative cancer care.

Results

Twenty-two medicinal plants demonstrated efficacy through multiple mechanisms: ginger via 5-HT3 antagonism and P-glycoprotein downregulation; cannabis through endocannabinoid system modulation; mint through GI smooth muscle relaxation; and turmeric via NF-κB modulation. Many plants showed chemosensitizing properties through efflux pump inhibition and apoptosis promotion, plus immunomodulatory effects on cytokines and immune cells. Synergistic combinations enhanced efficacy.

Conclusion

Medicinal plants offer compelling multi-targeted approaches for CINV management with benefits beyond symptomatic relief, including chemosensitization and immunomodulation. Rigorous clinical trials are essential to integrate these botanicals into evidence-based supportive cancer care protocols.
  • Published in:Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management,
  • Study Type:Systematic Review,
  • Source: PMID: 40771488, DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S531645
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