Ethnopharmacological
relevance:
Recent
ethnopharmacological surveys showed that herbal remedies are the most preferred
modality of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In Palestine as in
many other countries, herbal remedies are widely used in the treatment of many
diseases.
Aim of the study:
The
aim of this study was to investigate the use of herbal remedies by women living
with breast cancer in the West Bank of Palestine.
Methods:
This
study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional descriptive study on the use of
herbal remedies by breast cancer patients in the West Bank. A questionnaire was
distributed to 115 patients at outpatient cancer clinics in face to face
interviews.
Results:
The
study had a response rate of 89.6%. Of all respondents, 68% were herbal
remedies users. Women with breast cancer used 46 plant species belonging to 32
families. Of these, Brassicaceae and Lamiaceae were the most prevalent. Ephedra
alata was the most commonly used plant species in the treatment of breast
cancer. Leaves and seeds were the most commonly used parts and decoction was
the most commonly used method of preparation. Herbal remedies users were more
likely to use herbal remedies instead of chemotherapy. The most commonly stated
reason for using herbal remedies was the belief in boosting the patient's
immune system to fight cancer.
Conclusion:
The
use of herbal remedies is prevalent in breast cancer patients in Palestine. The
use of herbal remedies was associated with educational level, time since
diagnosis, type of surgery use, and use of endocrine therapy. It was apparent
that the majority of users were satisfied with herbal remedies use. Clinical
trials and pharmacological tests are required to be established for the presence
of side effects, toxicity and efficacy for these herbal remedies.