St. John's Wort and Chemotherapy According to a Denver research pharmacologist, the active ingredient in St. John's Wort (hypericum) can render chemotherapy ineffective. Dr. David Kroll says "Saint-John's Wort will almost completely reverse the effect of chemotherapy." Although this study, written about in the March 9, 1999 issue of the Denver Post, was done on a small list of anti-cancer drugs, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), etoposide (Vepesid), and mitoxantrone (Novantrone), Dr. Kroll cautions cancer patients who feel depressed "to request a prescription antidepressant from their doctor and NOT to take St. John's Wort no matter what chemotherapy agent they're on." 'Shortcomings in Cancer Treatment' a new report issued by the National Cancer Policy Board states that patients are not getting the best treatment for cancer. The report offered the following general advice for cancer patients: For complicated and high-risk surgeries and complicated chemotherapy regimens, patients should seek out hospitals that perform the highest number of such procedures, Patients should find oncologists experienced in their particular form and stage of cancer. For example, a woman with Stage III breast cancer should specifically ask how many Stage III breast cancer patients the doctor has treated, Patients should be given treatment options before planning an approach to cancer therapy. A single doctor should then coordinate and interpret the care that patients would need from multiple physicians. Thanks to Mid-Hudson Options Project August, 2002 JNCI has just published a study on St. John's Wort and Irotecan. It does appear that this herb will interact in ways that reduce the efficacy of various chemotherapies. Until and unless other studies are done that show a benefit, REFRAIN from taking St. John's Wort with chemotherapy. BMJ, 8/02 2002 (Now Old News) St. John's Wort & Chemo St John's wort Helps Irinotecan-induced Diarrhea Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.