Volume 178, 3 February 2016, Pages 1–8
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Recent
ethnopharmacological surveys showed that herbal remedies are the most
preferred modality of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In
Palestine as in many other countries, herbal remedies are widely used in
the treatment of many diseases.
Aim of the study
The
aim of this study was to investigate the use of herbal remedies by
women living with breast cancer in the West Bank of Palestine.
Methods
This
study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional descriptive study on
the use of herbal remedies by breast cancer patients in the West Bank. A
questionnaire was distributed to 115 patients at outpatient cancer
clinics in face to face interviews.
Results
The
study had a response rate of 89.6%. Of all respondents, 68% were herbal
remedies users. Women with breast cancer used 46 plant species
belonging to 32 families. Of these, Brassicaceae and Lamiaceae were the
most prevalent. Ephedra alata was the most commonly used plant
species in the treatment of breast cancer. Leaves and seeds were the
most commonly used parts and decoction was the most commonly used method
of preparation. Herbal remedies users were more likely to use herbal
remedies instead of chemotherapy. The most commonly stated reason for
using herbal remedies was the belief in boosting the patient's immune
system to fight cancer.
Conclusion
The
use of herbal remedies is prevalent in breast cancer patients in
Palestine. The use of herbal remedies was associated with educational
level, time since diagnosis, type of surgery use, and use of endocrine
therapy. It was apparent that the majority of users were satisfied with
herbal remedies use. Clinical trials and pharmacological tests are
required to be established for the presence of side effects, toxicity
and efficacy for these herbal remedies.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Ethnopharmacology;
- Breast cancer;
- Herbal remedies;
- CAM;
- Palestine
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