Evaluating Ma-ol-asal Syrup for Chemotherapy-induced Fatigue in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients: A Randomized Double-blinded Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial: -

TL;DR

A clinical trial found that a traditional Persian herbal syrup did not significantly reduce chemotherapy-induced fatigue in gastrointestinal cancer patients compared to a placebo.

Contribution

The study provides evidence on the efficacy of Ma-ol-asal syrup for chemotherapy-induced fatigue and highlights the role of placebo effects in symptom management.

Findings

Ma-ol-asal syrup showed no significant improvement in fatigue compared to placebo.

Placebo effects were notable, with similar outcomes across both groups.

Adverse events were comparable between the treatment and placebo groups.

Abstract

Chemotherapy-induced fatigue (CIF) is a common and debilitating side
effect in cancer patients, particularly those with gastrointestinal cancers.
This study explores the potential of Ma-ol-asal, a traditional Persian
herbal
syrup, as a holistic, supportive approach to alleviate CIF’s physical and
psychological burdens.

This randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial involved 120 gastrointestinal cancer patients with
fatigue, randomly assigned to receive 10 mL of Ma-ol-asal (compound honey
syrup)
or placebo thrice daily for four weeks. Fatigue was assessed with validated
scales at baseline and post-intervention once, with data analyzed to
evaluate
efficacy.

After withdrawals, 42 patients per group remained. No
significant demographic or lab differences were observed. Both groups had
comparable scores post-treatment across all measures, with no significant
differences. Adverse events, mainly nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain,
were
similar. Perception of benefit varied between groups.

Our study
shows Ma-ol-asal syrup isn’t superior to placebo for chemotherapy-induced
fatigue, highlighting significant placebo effects. This emphasizes the need
to
understand harnessing placebo responses to improve symptom management
safely.

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