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

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Synopsis

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

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has gained interest as a supportive therapy during chemotherapy, primarily due to its rich polyphenol content and strong antioxidant properties. Several preclinical studies and a small number of clinical trials suggest that pomegranate juice or extracts may help mitigate some chemotherapy-induced side effects, particularly oxidative stress and inflammation. For example, animal models have shown that pomegranate can reduce chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, likely by decreasing oxidative damage and modulating inflammatory pathways.

Some small human studies have looked at pomegranate’s role in reducing chemotherapy-associated oral mucositis and fatigue, reporting mild beneficial effects. The proposed mechanisms involve scavenging free radicals, reducing lipid peroxidation, and supporting endogenous antioxidant enzyme systems. However, comprehensive, large-scale randomized controlled trials in cancer patients are lacking, and the evidence base is still emerging.

While pomegranate has not been a part of traditional chemotherapy support (since chemotherapy is a modern intervention), it has a long history of use in traditional medicine for general health and as a tonic. Its current use alongside chemotherapy is primarily based on scientific rationale and preliminary data, rather than traditional precedent.

Overall, while there is a modest but growing body of scientific evidence supporting the use of pomegranate to reduce certain chemotherapy side effects, more robust clinical trials are needed before it can be strongly recommended.

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Other ingredients used for Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)

aloe vera
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
anthocyanins
astaxanthin
astragalus
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
black currant
blueberry
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
chlorella
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
d-alpha tocopherol
fish oil
ginger
grape
green tea
hemp oil
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-carnosine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glutathione
l-glycine
l-taurine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus lactis
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lion's mane
luteolin
marine lipid
matcha
melatonin
milk thistle
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
pectin
phytocannabinoids
pomegranate
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
quercetin
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
selenium
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
turkey tail mushroom
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin E
whey protein
zinc
coix
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-enoic acid
Alpha Glucans
Antrodia camphorata
AHCC
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha lactalbumin
Acemannan
Alkylglycerols
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bifidobacterium animalis
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BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
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