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

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 foemina (Alanda in Arabic), whose use has spread from the Palestinian patient population throughout the Middle East. We conducted a multi-centered 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 anti-cancer effects, as well as effects on the cytotoxic activity of chemotherapy agents (cisplatin, 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 ethno-botanical, laboratory and clinical research-based approach can be extremely helpful when providing non-judgmental 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 (IPs) who are dually-trained in both complementary medicine and supportive cancer care.

Effect of Ephedra foeminea active compounds on cell viability and actin structures in cancer cell lines

“…However, the lack of activity of the E. foeminea water extract stands in stark contrast to the recent sporadic reports of improvement in the medical condition of cancer patients following its use. The inefficacy of E. foeminea water extract was also reported in Ben-Arye et al (2016).…”

“…Importantly, an Ephedra foeminea decoction (that is, water extract) has been used widely by cancer patients to treat their ailments (Ben-Arye et al, 2016). Recently, in a research on the use of complementary and alternative medicines in Palestinian populations, it was reported that 68% of breast cancer patients were supplementing treatment with herbal remedies, with E. foeminea as the primary ingredient (45.7%) .…”

“…Moreover, E. foeminea only recently became one of the most commonly utilized plants by the Palestinian population-from 0.0% in 2011 to 55.2% in 2014, primarily due to local media reporting of E. foeminea decoctions as an effective herbal remedy for cancer patients . These water extracts are generally prepared by boiling the leaves for an hour (Ben-Arye et al, 2016), although in some cases, the fruits are consumed as well. Reports show that some breast cancer patients even completely replace modern chemotherapy treatment with E. foeminea herbal extracts (Ben-Arye et al, 2016).…”

“…These water extracts are generally prepared by boiling the leaves for an hour (Ben-Arye et al, 2016), although in some cases, the fruits are consumed as well. Reports show that some breast cancer patients even completely replace modern chemotherapy treatment with E. foeminea herbal extracts (Ben-Arye et al, 2016). Hence, it is extremely important to examine the effectiveness of E. foeminea against cancer in general, and breast cancer in particular.…”

Integrating Complementary Medicine in Palliative Care: A Call for an Inter-Disciplinary Collaboration

“…12 As a result, many patients and their caregivers seek out "natural" remedies, frequently with the goal of curing their cancer, this despite the lack of any evidence as to their effectiveness and with a potential for adverse effects, including interactions with conventional oncology drugs. 13 Integrative medicine is a concept of care which sees as its goal the integration of CM as part of standard conventional care. Integrative oncology seeks to supplement conventional supportive and palliative care, further enhancing patient QOL.…”