Effectiveness Not Established

Chamomilla recutita

for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting—Adult

This botanical substance is extracted from the flowerhead of the matricaria flower known as Chamomilla recutita, which is found throughout Europe and northern Asia. The extract is thought to have anti-inflammatory effects as well as antiseptic and healing properties.

Research Evidence Summaries

Sanaati, F., Najafi, S., Kashaninia, Z., & Sadeghi, M. (2016). Effect of ginger and chamomile on nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy in Iranian women with breast cancer. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 17, 4125–4129. 

Study Purpose

To determine the effect of ginger and chamomile capsules on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

The ginger group received 500 mg capsules of ginger root twice a day for five days before and five days after chemotherapy, in addition to dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant. The chamomile group received 500 mg capsules of Matricaria chamomilla extract twice daily five days before and five days after chemotherapy, in addition to dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant. The control group received dexamethasone, metoclopramide, and aprepitant only. Participants used a visual analog scale (VAS) to record CINV and answered three questions about the use of other antiemetics, missed capsules, and side effects experienced. They filled out the questionnaires each night during the duration of the study.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 65   
  • AGE = 20–60 years 
  • FEMALES: 100%
  • CURRENT TREATMENT: Chemotherapy
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Breast cancer
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Single-day chemotherapy, history of vomiting with previous chemotherapy

Setting

  • SITE: Single site   
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified    
  • LOCATION: Tehran, Iran

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

Randomized, double-blind clinical trial

Measurement Instruments/Methods

VAS for frequency and severity of nausea and vomiting

Results

Ginger and chamomile did not affect the intensity of nausea, whereas both had an effect on the frequency of vomiting (p < 0.0001). Ginger also was shown to be have a statistically significant effect on the frequency of nausea (p = 0.006). Neither had an effect on intensity of nausea.

Conclusions

Ginger and chamomile may have some benefit as adjuncts to antiemetics for the prevention of CINV. Additional research is needed to evaluate these.

Limitations

  • Small sample (< 100)
  • Findings not generalizable
  • Subject withdrawals ≥ 10%

Nursing Implications

Ginger may be beneficial in CINV, but ongoing studies are needed.

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