Evidence supporting the use of: Blueberry
For the health condition: Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Blueberries are sometimes explored as a supportive strategy during chemotherapy, primarily due to their high content of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, vitamin C, and other polyphenols. These compounds are believed to help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can be elevated during chemotherapy and contribute to some of its side effects, such as fatigue, inflammation, and tissue damage. Some preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies suggest that blueberry extracts may reduce chemotherapy-induced oxidative damage and inflammation. Additionally, blueberries may help support immune function, which can be compromised during cancer treatment.

However, the clinical evidence in humans remains limited. There are a few small pilot studies and observational reports indicating that increased intake of antioxidant-rich foods, including blueberries, may help improve quality of life or reduce certain side effects (like mucositis or fatigue) in people undergoing chemotherapy, but these studies are not robust, and results are inconsistent. Furthermore, oncologists sometimes caution against high doses of antioxidant supplements, as there is concern that they could interfere with the effectiveness of some chemotherapeutic agents by protecting cancer cells as well as healthy cells.

In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited early evidence to support the use of blueberries to help reduce chemotherapy side effects, the evidence is not strong or conclusive (rating 2/5), and they should not be used as a replacement for conventional supportive care. Always consult a healthcare provider before making dietary changes during cancer treatment.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Acemannan
AHCC
Alkylglycerols
Aloe vera
Alpha Glucans
Alpha lactalbumin
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
alpha-lipoic acid
amino acids
anthocyanins
Antrodia camphorata
astaxanthin
astragalus
Baikal Skullcap
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacteria
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bifidobacterium bifidum
Bifidobacterium breve
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium lactis
Bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
Boswellic Acid
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
C-phycocyanin
cannabidiol
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
caryophyllene
chamomile
chlorella
Clostridium butyricum
Codonopsis
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
coix
colostrum
curcumin
Curcuminoid
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
dithiolthiones
ergothioneine
fish oil
folinic acid
fucoidan
ginger
Glutamine
Glutathione
grape
green tea
Haematococcus pluvialis
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
Honokiol
hydroxymethylbutyrate
Hyphomycetes
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-carnosine
L-cysteine
L-glutamine
L-glutathione
L-glycine
L-taurine
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus brevis
Lactobacillus bulgaricus
Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactoferrin
lactoglobulin
Lentinan
Lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
Marine lipid
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesima
Methylselenocysteine
Milk Protein
Milk thistle
Mistletoe
Mushroom
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
Oldenlandia diffusa
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Peptides
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC)
phytocannabinoids
polysaccharides
pomegranate
probiotics
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
Saccharomyces boulardii
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
selenium
Selenomethionine
shiitake mushroom
Silychristin
soy isoflavones
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
Sulforaphane
Thymidine
Thymoquinone
tributyrin
Turkey tail mushroom
turmeric
Typhonium flagelliforme
Verbascoside
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
Whey protein
Zinc