Xue Sun,1,2 Fangfang Nie,1,2 Jizhuo Sun,1,2 Jingdong Zhang,2 Yuanhe Wang2 

1The First Clinical College, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China

Correspondence: Yuanhe Wang, Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, No. 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110042, People’s Republic of China, Tel +8618900918737, Email wangyuanhe@sina.com

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is a major burden for cancer patients, often poorly managed by conventional antiemetics, prompting exploration of medicinal plant therapies for better supportive care.
Objective: This systematic review critically evaluates medicinal plants for CINV, detailing bioactive compounds, diverse antiemetic mechanisms, and promising chemosensitizing and immunomodulatory properties.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search and critical analysis of studies investigating medicinal plants for CINV were performed.
Key Findings: This review synthesizes evidence for 22 botanicals. Ginger (gingerols, shogaols) acts via 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT₃) receptor antagonism and substance P/neurokinin-1 (NK-1) inhibition, and offers chemosensitization by downregulating P-glycoprotein. Cannabis (THC, CBD) modulates the endocannabinoid system and 5-HT₃ receptors for CINV relief and may enhance chemotherapy sensitivity. Mint (menthol, menthone) relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Chamomile (apigenin) has antispasmodic/anxiolytic effects; its apigenin also sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy. Turmeric (curcumin) acts on neurotransmitter systems, offers potent anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects, and boosts chemosensitivity via NF-κB/P-gp modulation. Plants like Pinellia ternata, lemon, fennel, and licorice show varied mechanisms (gastrointestinal regulation, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter modulation). Many botanicals show chemosensitizing (inhibiting efflux pumps, promoting apoptosis) and immunomodulatory (affecting cytokines, immune cells) properties. Synergistic plant combinations (eg, ginger with P. ternata or turmeric) are noted for enhanced efficacy and safety.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants offer a compelling, multi-targeted approach for CINV management, with potential beyond symptomatic relief via their antiemetic, chemosensitizing, and immunomodulatory actions. Rigorous clinical trials are needed to integrate these botanicals into evidence-based supportive cancer care.

Keywords: cancer, chemotherapy, complementary medicine, herbal medicine, nausea, vomiting