Exploring an herbal "wonder cure" for cancer: a multidisciplinary approach.

ABSTRACT:

Context and objectives

The unmonitored use of herbal medicinal remedies by patients with cancer presents a significant challenge to oncology healthcare professionals. We describe an increasingly popular herbal "wonder drug," Ephedra foeminea (Alanda in Arabic), whose use has spread from the Palestinian patient population throughout the Middle East. We conducted a multicentered and multidisciplinary collaborative research effort in order to understand the potential benefits and harms of this popular herbal remedy.

Methods

We conducted an in-depth search of the medical literature, both traditional and modern, for any mention of the clinical use of Alanda for the treatment of cancer. We then tested the remedy, first for toxic ephedra alkaloid components and then for anticancer

SUBMITTER: Ben-Arye E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5513733 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature