Scientific Research on Maharishi Ayurveda

chemotherapy toxicity > chemotherapy toxicity study 1

Chemotherapy Toxicity Study #1

Antioxidant Adjuvant Therapy Using Natural Herbal Mixtures [MAK-4 and MAK-5] During Intensive Chemotherapy: Reduction in Toxicity. A Prospective Study of 62 Patients

Publication
Rao, R.S., Deo, M.G., and Sanghvi, L.D. (eds). Proceedings of the XVI International Cancer Congress. Bologna, Italy: Monduzzi Editore, 1994: pp. 3099-3102.

Authors
N.C. Misra,* H.M. Sharma,** A. Chaturvedi,* Ramakant,* S. Srivastav,* V. Devi,* P. Kakkar,Ú Vishwanathan,Ú S.M. Natu,* and J. Bogra.*

Conducted at
**K.G. Medical College, Lucknow, India
**The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Ú Indian Toxicology Research Centre, Lucknow, India

Summary
The use of chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer is hampered and complicated by toxic side effects manifested by these agents. Many types of chemotherapy destroy cancer cells by generating free radicals, unstable molecules which can cause cellular damage. Unfortunately, these free radicals are not discriminatory in their destructive action, leading to undesirable side effects and sometimes even new cancers. In this clinical study, MAK-4 and MAK-5 were shown to be effective in reducing the toxic side effects associated with chemotherapy. This controlled prospective study was conducted on 62 patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The patients had various types of cancer, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, oral cancer, and osteogenic sarcoma. All patients were receiving combination chemotherapy; the chemotherapeutic agents included cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate, doxorubicin, prednisone, cisplatinum, adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil. In the patients who received MAK-4 and MAK-5 along with their chemotherapy, there was reduced hemotologic toxicity, vomiting, and diarrhea, and improved sleep, weight, and an overall feeling of well-being. The patients taking MAK-4 and MAK-5 also showed a significant reduction (p<0.03) in lipid peroxide compared to the control group.