Sanaati, F., Najafi, S., Kashaninia, Z., & Sadeghi, M. (2016). Effect of ginger and chamomile on nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in Iranian women with breast cancer. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 17, 4125–4129.
DOI Link
Study Purpose
To determine the effect of ginger and chamomile capsules on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process
The ginger group received 500 mg capsules of ginger root twice a day for five days before and five days after chemotherapy, in addition to dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant. The chamomile group received 500 mg capsules of Matricaria chamomilla extract twice daily five days before and five days after chemotherapy, in addition to dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant. The control group received dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant only. Participants used a visual analog scale (VAS) to record CINV and answered three questions about the use of other antiemetics, missed capsules, and side effects experienced. They filled out the questionnaires each night during the duration of the study.
Sample Characteristics
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N = 65
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AGE = 20–60 years
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FEMALES: 100%
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CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
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KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast cancer
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OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Single-day chemotherapy, history of vomiting with previous chemotherapy
Setting
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SITE: Single site
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SETTING TYPE: Not specified
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LOCATION: Tehran, Iran
Phase of Care and Clinical Applications
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Study Design
Randomized, double-blind clinical trial
Measurement Instruments/Methods
VAS for frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting
Results
Ginger and chamomile did not affect the intensity of nausea, whereas both had an effect on the frequency of vomiting (p < 0.0001). Ginger also was shown to be have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of nausea (p = 0.006). Neither had an effect on intensity of nausea.
Conclusions
Ginger and chamomile may have some benefit as adjuncts to antiemetics for the prevention of CINV. Additional research is needed to evaluate these.
Limitations
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Small sample (< 100)
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Findings not generalizable
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Subject withdrawals ≥ 10%
Nursing Implications
Ginger may be beneficial in CINV, but ongoing studies are needed.