Review of 22 Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy Nausea Highlights Cannabis, Ginger, and Turmeric
A systematic review of 22 medicinal plants for chemotherapy-induced nausea found cannabis, ginger, and turmeric had the strongest evidence for antiemetic, chemosensitizing, and immunomodulatory properties.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among 22 botanicals reviewed, cannabis (THC, CBD) modulates the endocannabinoid system and 5-HT3 receptors for CINV relief and may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. Ginger acts via 5-HT3 and NK-1 inhibition. Turmeric offers anti-inflammatory effects and boosts chemosensitivity via NF-κB modulation. Synergistic combinations (e.g., ginger with turmeric) showed enhanced efficacy.
Key Numbers
22 botanicals reviewed. Cannabis: THC and CBD act on endocannabinoid system and 5-HT3 receptors. Ginger: gingerols and shogaols antagonize 5-HT3 and NK-1. Turmeric: curcumin modulates NF-κB and P-glycoprotein.
How They Did This
Systematic review with comprehensive literature search and critical analysis of studies on medicinal plants for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Evaluated bioactive compounds, mechanisms, and chemosensitizing/immunomodulatory properties.
Why This Research Matters
CINV remains poorly managed by conventional antiemetics for many cancer patients. Understanding the specific mechanisms of plant-based alternatives could lead to evidence-based complementary therapies.
The Bigger Picture
Many cancer patients already use these botanicals for symptom management. This review consolidates the mechanistic evidence, though the authors emphasize that rigorous clinical trials are still needed before these can be formally recommended.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Systematic review of heterogeneous studies with varying quality. Many findings based on preclinical data. Clinical trial evidence is limited for most botanicals. Drug interactions with chemotherapy agents are not fully characterized.
Questions This Raises
- ?Could standardized botanical formulations be developed for CINV?
- ?What are the drug interaction risks when combining these plants with chemotherapy?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Comprehensive systematic review, but much of the evidence base is preclinical with limited clinical trial data.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication.
- Original Title:
- Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Antiemetic, Chemosensitizing, and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms.
- Published In:
- Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 21, 1187-1218 (2025)
- Authors:
- Sun, Xue, Nie, Fangfang, Sun, Jizhuo, Zhang, Jingdong, Wang, Yuanhe
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07750
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can cannabis help with chemotherapy nausea?
This review found cannabis (THC and CBD) acts on the endocannabinoid system and serotonin receptors to reduce chemotherapy-induced nausea. It may also enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. However, more rigorous clinical trials are needed.
What natural remedies help with chemo nausea?
This systematic review found the strongest evidence for cannabis, ginger (via 5-HT3 receptor antagonism), and turmeric (via NF-κB modulation). Synergistic combinations may be more effective than single plants.
Read More on RethinkTHC
- CBD-oil-quality-guide
- anxiety-medication-after-quitting-weed
- cannabis-chemotherapy-nausea
- cannabis-chronic-pain-research
- cannabis-epilepsy-CBD-Epidiolex
- cbd-anxiety-research-evidence
- cbd-for-weed-withdrawal
- cbd-vs-thc-difference
- medical-benefits-of-cannabis
- quitting-weed-before-surgery
- quitting-weed-medication-interactions
- quitting-weed-pregnancy
- quitting-weed-pregnant
- seniors-older-adults-cannabis-risks-medications
- weed-breastfeeding-THC-breast-milk
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07750APA
Sun, Xue; Nie, Fangfang; Sun, Jizhuo; Zhang, Jingdong; Wang, Yuanhe. (2025). Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Antiemetic, Chemosensitizing, and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms.. Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 21, 1187-1218. https://doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S531645
MLA
Sun, Xue, et al. "Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review of Antiemetic, Chemosensitizing, and Immunomodulatory Mechanisms.." Therapeutics and clinical risk management, 2025. https://doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S531645
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Medicinal Plants for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomitin..." RTHC-07750. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/sun-2025-medicinal-plants-for-chemotherapyinduced
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.