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)

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
Bifidobacteria
BCAA
benzyl isothiocyanate
Caryophyllene
Codonopsis
Curcuminoid
C-Phycocyanin
Cannabidiol
Clostridium butyricum
Cannabigerol
Dithiolthiones
Ergothioneine
Milk Protein
Mistletoe