Table 1_Topical herbal medicine as treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.docx

In breast cancer patients, henna vs. standard care significantly improved the overall severity of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, as measured by the CIPN Assessment Tool (p < 0.001), with significant reductions in sensory and functional subdomain scores. In a mixed-cancer population, Costus sp. oil vs. placebo significantly reduced neuropathic pain intensity, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) (p = 0.001), and improved Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group - Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) scores (p = 0.028).

Trials evaluating ajwain cream, Citrullus colocynthis oil, and a multi-compound essential oil formulation did not demonstrate statistically significant improvements in CIPN severity, pain, or quality of life compared with placebo. None of the included studies incorporated quantitative sensory or functional testing. All interventions were well tolerated, with only mild localized skin reactions reported. </p>Discussion<p>Despite modest benefits from certain herbal treatments in reducing CIPN pain and sensory symptoms, current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, methodological heterogeneity, and the lack of objective outcome measures.

Rigorous, adequately powered RCTs with objective CIPN measurements are needed.</p>