About Herbs

Name: About Herbs
Author: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:Clinicians & Healthcare ProfessionalsGeneral Public & EnthusiastsPatients & Caregivers

Free

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App Summary

About Herbs provides clinicians and consumers with evidence-based summaries on the uses, side effects, and potential drug interactions of various supplements, particularly within the context of cancer care. The associated research notes that for many popular supplements, the evidence is largely based on preclinical findings, with limited clinical trials conducted in patients with cancer. The authors conclude that by familiarizing healthcare professionals with these agents, the tool helps inform patient decisions to maximize benefits and minimize risks.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering, About Herbs is a clinical reference database for herbs, botanicals, and supplements. The interface facilitates searching its ~290 entries to access evidence-based summaries on purported benefits, potential side effects, and documented herb-drug interactions. Content is structured to accommodate both healthcare professionals and consumers, and a favoriting function allows for offline access and organized review of selected entries. The system is maintained by a pharmacist and updated weekly.

Evidence & Research Context

The web-based version of the resource registered over 26 million hits from 2002-2019, indicating significant adoption by professionals and the public.
Information is curated by Memorial Sloan Kettering's Integrative Medicine Service based on summaries of data from the scientific literature, including PubMed.
The associated research notes that evidence for many popular supplements relies heavily on preclinical data, with limited well-designed trials in cancer patients.
The platform's objective is to provide healthcare professionals with data to guide patient discussions regarding supplement safety and potential interactions.

Intended Use & Scope

The app is intended for healthcare professionals, especially within oncology, and for patient education. Its primary utility is as an informational reference to facilitate objective discussions about the risks and benefits of dietary supplements. The system does not provide treatment recommendations and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All health-related decisions require consultation with a qualified provider.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Practical Application of "About Herbs" Website: Herbs and Dietary Supplement Use in Oncology Settings

Hou et al. (2019) · Cancer journal (Sudbury, Mass.)

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app

The Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center developed and maintains About Herbs (www.aboutherbs.com), which provides summaries of research data including purported uses, adverse effects, and herb-drug interactions for about 284 dietary supplements. Using Google Analytics, we found the website registered over 26,317,000 hits since November 2002. The 10 most searched-for herbs/supplements of 2018 are chaga mushroom, turmeric, ashwagandha, reishi mushroom, graviola, AHCC, boswellia, dandelion, green tea, and Coriolus versicolor. Here we discuss their safety, herb-drug interactions, and appropriate uses in the oncology setting, based on literature searches in PubMed. Over the past 16 years, the evidence for use of these supplements is based mostly on preclinical findings, with few well-designed studies and limited trials conducted in cancer patients. It is important to familiarize healthcare professionals about popular supplements, so patients can be informed to make decisions that maximize benefits and minimize risks.

In the Media

Herbal Supplements Are Marketed to Cancer Patients With Little Scientific Support of Safety and Effectiveness

The Integrative Medicine Service of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center developed the About Herbs website to provide scientific information on more than 200 herbs, vitamins, and dietary supplements commonly used by cancer patients, addressing the fact that 71% of cancer patients use supplements while 53% don't consult health professionals. Research by clinical coordinator K. Simon Yeung found that "the most popular, Juice Plus+, is supported by the least amount of scientific data," with the top five most-visited supplements having minimal research backing despite heavy marketing to cancer patients. The website receives more than 1.5 million hits annually and is updated regularly.

CancernetworkRead article

About Herbs App

Memorial Sloan Kettering's Integrative Medicine Service developed About Herbs to provide evidence-based information on herbal supplements and botanicals, using scientific references to inform both healthcare professionals and consumers. The app features 290 entries on herbs, botanicals, and supplements with details on purported benefits, side effects, and drug interactions, with weekly updates. Users can save favorites for offline access and discussion with physicians to ensure safe supplement use.

MskccRead article

About Herbs: An App You Need to Download

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Integrative Medicine team developed About Herbs to provide point-of-care resources for identifying supplements and alternative therapies, using a searchable database with visual elements. The app includes "scientific, common, and brand names for the herbals or supplements, along with information on how the product is thought to work, uses, warnings, side effects," with professional versions offering additional clinical summaries and herb-drug interactions. The free iOS app serves as an evidence-based tool for clinicians to answer patient questions about alternative medicine efficacy and safety.

MedpagetodayRead article

New App for Herbs

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center developed "About Herbs" to provide clinicians with easy-to-access, reliable information about herbs and complementary therapies that cancer patients frequently use. The free app features separate "professional" and "consumer" tabs, with professional sections including clinical summaries, contraindications, adverse reactions, and references that link directly to PubMed. The application allows users to browse alphabetical content or search for specific information about complementary therapies.

OncnursingnewsRead article