A Comprehensive Review of the Use of Antioxidants and Natural Products in Cancer Patients Receiving Anticancer Therapy

Author(s):

Daniel Sur*, Alecsandra Gorzo, Shanthi Sabarimurugan, Saravana Murali Krishnan , Cristian Virgil Lungulescu, Simona Ruxandra Volovat and Claudia Burz   Pages 1511 - 1522 ( 12 )

Abstract:

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The side effects of cancer treatment affect the quality of life. Cancer patients search for antioxidant dietary supplements and natural products during or after conventional cancer treatment for the alleviation of side effects, improvement of the benefits of treatment, and promotion of well-being. However, the efficacy and safety of these products remain controversial; moreover, previous data do not support the standardized use of those alternative treatments in clinics. The current study reviewed the manuscripts reporting the administration of antioxidants and natural products during cancer treatment and revised preclinical and clinical studies on various types of cancer. Most of the positive results were obtained from experimental animal models; however, human clinical studies are discouraging in this regard. Therefore, further precise and distinguishable studies are required regarding antioxidant dietary supplementation. Future studies are also needed to clarify dietary supplements’ mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics in a suitable cancer patient population that will benefit the therapeutic regimens. Despite the popularity of dietary supplements, clinicians and patients should always consider their potential benefits and risks. Patients should discuss with their physician before taking any dietary antioxidant supplements or natural products.

Keywords:

Antioxidants, natural products, cancer, chemotherapy, side effects, toxicity.

Affiliation:

Department of Medical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, Department of Medical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Department of Medical Oncology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Department of Medical Oncology-Radiotherapy, Grigore T Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iași, Department of Medical Oncology, “Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuta” Oncology Institute, Cluj-Napoca

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