Herbal Medicines Show Promise in Reducing Radiation Vaginitis in Cervical Cancer Patients: Study

Published On 2025-12-09 14:45 GMT | Update On 2025-12-09 14:45 GMT

A recent meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology by Zhang and colleagues has shown that herbal medicines (HMs) may offer meaningful benefits in reducing radiation-induced vaginitis among cervical cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The study found that patients receiving HMs experienced lower rates and milder symptoms of radiation vaginitis compared to those on conventional treatment alone. Additionally, herbal interventions appeared to enhance therapeutic effectiveness, lower recurrence rates, and shorten recovery time. The authors noted that these outcomes suggest HMs could serve as a valuable complementary approach in supportive care for women receiving pelvic radiotherapy.

According to the researchers, radiation vaginitis is a common and distressing side effect of pelvic irradiation, often leading to pain, discharge, and discomfort that can affect treatment adherence and quality of life. The analysis revealed that specific herbal formulations with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucosal-healing properties might protect vaginal tissue from radiation damage. Herbs such as *Sophora flavescens*, *Scutellaria baicalensis*, and *Astragalus membranaceus* were frequently included in the studies analyzed, demonstrating potential in modulating immune responses and promoting epithelial repair. These pharmacological actions may explain the observed symptom relief and improved local tissue recovery.

While the results are encouraging, the authors urged cautious interpretation. Most of the included trials had limitations such as small sample sizes, regional variability, and inconsistent quality control of herbal formulations. They emphasized the need for high-quality, large-scale randomized clinical trials to confirm the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines in managing radiation vaginitis. Nonetheless, the findings support growing interest in integrating evidence-based herbal therapies with standard oncologic care to enhance patient comfort and treatment outcomes. As research progresses, herbal medicines could become an important component of supportive care strategies for women with cervical cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

Keywords: herbal medicine, radiation vaginitis, cervical cancer, radiotherapy, supportive care, complementary therapy, Frontiers in Pharmacology

Reference:

Zhang, Y., Li, H., Wang, X., & Chen, L. (2025). Efficacy and safety of herbal medicines in radiation vaginitis among cervical cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology. PRIME PubMed. [https://pubmed.com/m/41086674](https://pubmed.com/m/41086674)

Article Source : Frontiers in Pharmacology

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Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

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Herbal Medicines Show Promise in Reducing Radiation Vaginitis in Cervical Cancer Patients: Study

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