Dietary agents in the prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV): review addressing the scientific observations, benefits, lacunae and future direction

Purpose Radiation-induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV) is an important side effect and conservative estimates are that 50–80% of the patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT) will experience some sought of retching, nausea, and/or vomiting during the course of their treatment. Conventionally, antiemetic drugs like the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists and steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the use of these agents, especially steroids, can cause side effects and thereby negate the proposed benefits. The antiemetic effects of Centella asiatica (Indian pennywort), Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn), oil of Mentha spicata (Spearmint) and the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale (ginger) have been addressed.