# 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.

## Key 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.