Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is common amongst cancer patients particularly breast cancer patients are the most likely users. Numerous studies support that herbal medicines are amongst the most commonly used group of treatments among CAM. Herbal remedies are assumed by the general public to be safe, cause less complications and are less likely to cause dependency. The foremost reasons of CAM (including herbal remedy) popularity among breast cancer patients include improving quality of life, supporting conventional cancer treatment, preventing recurrence and eventually to prolong survival.
However there remains limited scientific evidence on the efficacy and safety of natural therapies including herbal remedies. The potential for interactions of herbal with conventional medications, consumption of high dose with consequent adverse effect and the limited, insufficient data concerning the possible hazards of herbal consumption, pose serious public health issues. Vigorous clinical trials are required to establish the efficacy or presence of any adverse effects of such preparations.