This is an overview of CAM treatments that have been evaluated by CAM Cancer for changes in weight and appetite. The CAM treatments have been categorized according to the currently available level of evidence. Click on the different categories to view an assessment of these treatments. Please note that this is not a list of recommended treatments and does not suggest that these treatments are safe or effective.
A-Z Treatments
Please also see our summary on Nausea and Vomiting
Yoga
Efficacy
The available evidence suggests that yoga has a positive effect on appetite. In a SR with sixteen studies, four studies evaluated the effect of yoga on appetite among breast cancer patients. A meta-analysis revealed that yoga significantly improved the lack of appetite.
Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. Few adverse events are reported in clinical trials, and serious adverse effects appear rare. Overall, injury rates are comparable to other exercise types.
Read the full version of the Yoga summary.
Aromatherapy
Efficacy
Only few trial data are available. Two RCTs have evaluated nutritional status. One found (n=19) that those treated with aromatherapy reported less weight loss, but the difference was not significant. The second study (n=60) reported higher energy intake among those treated with aromatherapy.
Safety
Generally safe and only associated with minimal adverse effects when used in appropriate dilutions.
Allergic reactions can occur with all oils. It should not be used undiluted.
Read the full version of the Aromatherapy summary.
Astragalus
Efficacy
Only few trial data are available on the effect of astragalus on appetite. One RCT (n=136) found astragalus polysaccharides improved loss of appetite among non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Safety
Generally, it is well tolerated and considered safe when good-quality products are used. More safety research is needed, particularly for possible herb-drug interactions.
Read the full version of the Astralagus spp summary.
L-Carnitine
Efficacy
Only few data are available on the effect of L-Carnitine on cancer anorexia-cachexia. One RCT (n=72) showed beneficial effects.
Safety
Generally, it is well tolerated and has been safely used in clinical trials at appropriate doses. Interactions with thyroid medications have been reported.
Read the full version of the L-carnitine summary.
Qigong
Efficacy
Few data are available on the effect of qigong on appetite. In one SR, one CCTs (n=211) evaluated the effect of qigong on appetite and found qigong improves it.
Safety
Generally considered safe when administered by a qualified practitioner. As it is a moderate form of aerobic exercise, it may be beneficial for people to check with their health practitioner if they have a known heart condition, severe osteoporosis, or musculoskeletal difficulties.
Read the full version of the Qigong summary.
Cannabis and cannabinoids
Efficacy
The evidence suggests cannabis and cannabinoids not to be effective for weight-related outcomes.
Three RCTs evaluated the effect of cannabinoids on body weight and appetite. One study (n=33) found there was no significant effect on symptoms of anorexia-cachexia. Another study (n=243) found no significant difference in appetite among cannabinoids and placebo treatment groups. The third study (n=469) found that when compared to megestrol acetate, dronabinol had worse results related to appetite, dietary intake, and body weight.
Safety
Cannabis and cannabinoids are generally considered safe. Adverse effects on the central nervous system are common (e.g., mood changes, memory disorders, blurred vision, and dizziness); these are dose-dependent. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation. The risk of drug interactions is low.
Read the full version of the Cannabis and cannabinoids summary.
Mistletoe
Efficacy
The most comprehensive SR (n=26 RCTs and CCTs) evaluated appetite as a domain of quality of life and found no significant differences between mistletoe and controls; however most studies were at high risk of bias.
Safety
Mistletoe is generally considered safe, with only transient and mild adverse effects. Common adverse events include soreness and inflammation at injection sites, headache, fever, and chills.
Read the full version of the Mistletoe summary.