Title of article :
Effect of Melissa officinalis on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Patients: A Randomized Trial
Author/Authors :
Ehsani ، Zohreh Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Salehifar ، Ebrahim Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Habibi ، Emran Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Hemoglobinopathy Institute, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Alizadeh-Navaei ، Reza Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Moosazadeh ، Mahmoud Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Tabrizi ، Nasim Department of Neurology - Faculty of Medicine - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Zaboli ، Ehsan Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Omrani-Nava ، Versa Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences , Shekarriz ، Ramin Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute - Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a significant cancer treatment side effect that can influence both quality of life and treatment course. Melissa Officinalis (MO), due to its high content of flavonoids, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Materials and Methods: The cancer patients diagnosed with CIPN attended a referral center in Sari (Iran). The hydroalcoholic extract of MO leaves was extracted by the maceration method. The control group received a placebo along with gabapentin as the standard treatment, and the intervention group received 500 mg Melissa officinalis 2 times daily for 3 months plus gabapentin. Patients were evaluated at the baseline and 3 months later, according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE) and EORTC QLQ-C30 (Integrated System for Quality of Life Assessment). Results: A total of 40 patients were considered as group D (intervention group), and 35 patients completed the study. Out of 40 subjects in the placebo group (P), 3 patients could not tolerate the drug due to gastrointestinal disturbances. The final values of CTCAE showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.010). Indicators related to the quality of life in both groups showed a significant improvement. In the intervention group, the pain perception and diarrhea experience were significantly reduced. Conclusion: Quality of life indicators were improved by prescribing gabapentin with and without Melissa officinalis. The addition of Melissa officinalis to the chemotherapy regimen may improve diarrhea and pain perception.
Keywords :
Cancer , Chemotherapy , Neuropathy , Lemon balm , Melissa officinalis
Journal title :
International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research (IJHOSCR)
Journal title :
International Journal of Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Research (IJHOSCR)
