Ancient indian and contemporary dietary factors to plausibly reduce chemotherapy induced leukopenia (cil): a comprehensive & narrative review

Objective: Leukopenia is the most commonly experienced side effect of cancer treatments especially chemotherapy. This systematic review assesses whether there are any dietary factors which can have plausible effect on reducing the CIL (Chemotherapy Induced Leukopenia).
Methods: The search for immune enhancing dietary factors was carried out using the following databases; Google Scholar, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Research gate and ELSEVIER. Also the ancient Indian literature particularly Ayurvedic scriptures such as Chikitsa Prabhakar, Ayurved for Cancer, CharakSamhita, Sushrut Samhita, Bhavaprakshetc and modern nutritional sciences’ books were also studied comprehensively for the collection of references to augment immunity via diet. The related researches were meticulously studied with the aim to discover the dietary factors which will supplement immunity to reduce or lessen the risk of Chemotherapy Induced Leukemia (CIL).
Results: The review evidently explains the benefits of certain research assessed indigenous food components such as ginger, Yashti-madhu (licorice), betel leaf, Triphala, Neem, Aamla, Giloy, Punarnava and also certain phytochemicals like alkaloids, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, glycosides, anthocyanins, saponins, sterols etc. towards credibly increasing WBC count by immuno-modulation and immuno-stimulation.
Conclusion: Dietary phytochemicals from certain indigenous herbs and foods have prominently exhibited anti-metastatic properties as well as immune-modulating activities. Hence these dietary phytochemicals from indigenous herbs and foods have been studied in depth to aid in reducing the risk of above mentioned side effect. Most of them can be safely used in the prevention of CIL once chemotherapy is commenced.