Patients undergoing cancer treatment should be aware that herbal mixtures and vitamin supplements may interact with the treatment. Prof. Dr. İsmail Çelik from Hacettepe University Oncology Institute gives important warnings on this subject.
Herbal Mixtures and Vitamin Capsules
Herbal mixtures and vitamin capsules should not be used before, during, or after cancer treatment. Herbal products are not sterile and may contain fungal spores and various bacteria. The side effects of these products can be confused with chemotherapy side effects, potentially leading to dose reduction and incomplete administration of treatment. As they frequently cause bleeding, they can pose a serious danger to cancer patients.
Beta carotene particularly facilitates lung cancer development in smokers. All antioxidants can potentially reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. An analysis involving over 200,000 patients using Vitamin A, E, and beta-carotene showed a higher risk of death. Minerals containing calcium, magnesium, and potassium can be problematic for patients with bone metastasis or high calcium levels.
Herbs to Be Cautious Of
Nettle: Has a negative effect on blood clotting cells; can be confused with chemotherapy side effects.
Garlic: When consumed excessively or taken in tablet form, it can lead to bleeding problems; may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Those using Warfarin or undergoing chemotherapy-radiotherapy are advised to avoid garlic.
Ginkgo Biloba: Increases the tendency to bleed. It poses a risk of fatal bleeding, especially for those using blood-thinning medication (Warfarin-Heparin). Should absolutely not be used during chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Echinacea (coneflower): May reduce the effectiveness of some drugs metabolized in the liver. Those using Iressa, Tarceva, Irinotecan, Topotecan, Cyclophosphamide, Taxol, Vincristine, and Vinblastine should avoid it.
Green tea (high-dose tablet): Can lead to stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and cramps.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): May reduce the blood level and effect of cancer drugs. Those undergoing chemotherapy should absolutely not use it.
Stonecrop: Reduces the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs; may increase liver toxicity.
Blueberry: Should not be consumed by those with bleeding problems, those undergoing chemotherapy-radiotherapy, and those using Warfarin.
Black grape seed: When taken in high doses, it can interact with drugs like Iressa, Taxol, Vincristine, and platinum.
Soy and Ginseng
Soy products can be harmful to patients with breast and uterine cancer due to the estrogenic effect of the isoflavones they contain. The "genistein" substance found in soy may reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen. As some ginseng preparations also contain estrogenic substances, patients with breast and uterine cancer should not use them.
Shark and Bovine Cartilage
Can lead to high calcium levels. May be problematic for patients with bone metastasis or those using calcium and Vitamin D. Can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and allergic reactions.
Alternative Methods
Acupuncture has no direct place in cancer treatment; it should not be applied when blood and clotting cells are low. For methods such as aromatherapy, massage, yoga, and meditation, caution is advised in patients with bone metastasis due to the risk of fracture.
