title: Essiac: systematic review by the natural standard research collaboration.
abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the scientific evidence on the safety and efficacy of Essiac. This review serves as a clinical support tool. Electronic searches were conducted in 10 databases, 20 additional journals (not indexed in common databases), and bibliographies from 50 selected secondary references. No restrictions were placed on the language or quality of the publications. Standardized inclusion and exclusion criteria were used for selection. A review of the literature on Essiac and essiac formulations showed a lack of high-quality clinical trials to substantiate any of Essiac's traditional uses. Weak evidence from preclinical, animal, and laboratory data warranted a discussion regarding Essiac's use for cancer, but the results are inconclusive. Several other essiac preparations are noted in the literature, adding confusion to the exact formula and its proposed benefits. In general, there is a lack of both safety and efficacy data for Essiac and essiac formulations. Well-designed trials testing Essiac or individual herbal components are necessary to make firm recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. info@naturalstandard.com
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ulbricht
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Weissner
authors.forename: Sadaf
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hashmi
authors.forename: Tracee
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rae Abrams
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dacey
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Giese
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hammerness
authors.forename: Dana A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Hackman
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Audrey
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nealon
authors.forename: Ruslan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Voloshin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000187:drug effects; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: C111756:Essiac; D010936:Plant Extracts