Ukrain - a new cancer cure? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials.
BACKGROUND
Ukrain is an anticancer drug based on the extract of the plant Chelidonium majus L. Numerous pre-clinical and clinical investigations seem to suggest that Ukrain is pharmacologically active and clinically effective. We wanted therefore to critically evaluate the clinical trial data in the form of a systematic review.


METHODS
Seven electronic databases were searched for all relevant randomised clinical trials. Data were extracted and validated by both authors, tabulated and summarised narratively. The methodological quality was assessed with the Jadad score.


RESULTS
Seven trials met our inclusion criteria. Without exception, their findings suggest that Ukrain has curative effects on a range of cancers. However, the methodological quality of most studies was poor. In addition, the interpretation of several trials was impeded by other problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The data from randomised clinical trials suggest Ukrain to have potential as an anticancer drug. However, numerous caveats prevent a positive conclusion, and independent rigorous studies are urgently needed.
Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exeter & Plymouth, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter EX2 4NT. edzard.ernst@pms.ac.uk
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D000470:Alkaloids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001600:Berberine Alkaloids; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D028281:Chelidonium / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D016208:Databases, Factual; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D010617:Phenanthridines; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000378:metabolism; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000378:metabolism; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy
D000470:Alkaloids; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001600:Berberine Alkaloids; D010617:Phenanthridines; D010936:Plant Extracts; C060921:ukrain