Although the onion (Allium cepa) has long been used in folk medicine, there hasn't been much research into its potential as an additional treatment for patients with breast cancer after doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. By examining the effects of regular consumption of fresh yellow onions on hepatic enzymes and cancer-specific antigens in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy based on doxorubicin, this study attempted to close that gap.
The Effects of Onion Consumption on Tumor Markers and Hepatic Enzymes in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 56 breast cancer patients whose malignancy was confirmed through histopathological examination. Participants were stratified into either a high onion group (HO; n=28) or a low onion group (LO; n=28) for an eight-week intervention. The HO group received body mass index-dependent doses of 100-160 g/d of onion, while the LO group received smaller doses of 30-40 g/d.
The study was conducted using a parallel design, with blinded participants, caregivers, and laboratory assessors. Compliance among participants was appropriate at 87.9%. Comparing changes throughout pre- and post-dose treatments, the study found significant controls on carcinoembryonic antigen, cancer antigen-125, and alkaline phosphatase levels in the HO group (P<0.05).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that regular consumption of fresh yellow onions may be an effective way to reduce chemotherapy toxicity and improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing doxorubicin-based chemotherapy. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the use of onion as an adjunct therapy for breast cancer, and provides valuable insight into potential alternative approaches to cancer treatment.
References
Research: Effects of Fresh Yellow Onion Consumption on CEA, CA125 and Hepatic Enzymes in Breast Cancer Patients Cancer Patients: A Double- Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zahra Lotfi, Maryam Nejati-Koshki, Arash Khaki, Mohammad Taghi Goodarzi