Supplement enhances quality of life for women cancer survivors

Female cancer survivors experience significant quality of life benefits from a natural nutritional supplement-L-arginine/Korean ginseng/ginko biloba/damiana-based supplement (ArginMax)-which is marketed as a sexual aid, according to a study from the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.

The research was presented on June 6 in Chicago at the 2011 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (J Clin Oncol. 2011;29:[suppl]:Abstract 9016).

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 186 female cancer survivors who were at least 6 months beyond their last active treatment for any kind of cancer and had no current evidence of cancer. The women received 3 capsules of either the supplement or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. They completed 2 standardized questionnaires measuring sexual function and quality of life at the beginning of the study and again at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

“The group taking the supplements experienced significant improvement in overall quality of life, particularly physical well-being,” says lead author Kathryn M Greven, MD. “Bothersome symptoms such as lack of energy, pain, nausea, and sleeplessness were all improved, as were measures of functional well-being; for example, the ability to perform normal activities at home or work. Simply, they reported a greater enjoyment of life, without any additional side effects from the supplement.”

Cancer survivors can suffer from persistent chronic oxidative stress for years after treatment of cancer, says co-author Edward G Shaw, MD, MA. The inflammation causes fatigue that can negatively affect quality of life. Shaw speculates that the ingredients in ArginMax for Women may help to counteract the inflammatory effects by increasing energy and circulation and optimizing hormonal balance.