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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Natural Herbs Be Taken While On Chemotherapy?

Hi ! my close friend (male, 48y.old) was diagnosed with pancreases cancer. While being in chemotherapy, can he use natural herbs, such as "Nigella Sativa" , also known as a black cumin seeds, which is well known as a natural product to fight the cancer?
Thank you
Seda
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 28 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 28 May 2014 Last reviewed on
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Oncologist, Surgical,  's  Response
hi. its very simple question but difficult to answer. usually there should be no harm. as an allopathic doctor my knowledge is less with herbs. the only matter of concern is enzyme inducers. few herbs are inducers or blockers of enzymes that are used in the metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs and hence they may decrease or increase the effect/ side effect of the drug used.
many times the advance pancreatic disease is chemo-resistant. the patient's faith and mental satisfaction is more important. the decision should be taken by patient after considering all such facts.
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Can Natural Herbs Be Taken While On Chemotherapy?

hi. its very simple question but difficult to answer. usually there should be no harm. as an allopathic doctor my knowledge is less with herbs. the only matter of concern is enzyme inducers. few herbs are inducers or blockers of enzymes that are used in the metabolism of chemotherapeutic drugs and hence they may decrease or increase the effect/ side effect of the drug used. many times the advance pancreatic disease is chemo-resistant. the patient s faith and mental satisfaction is more important. the decision should be taken by patient after considering all such facts.