NCT07318779

Effect of Cardamom and Peppermint Oils on Chemotherapy-Related Nausea-Vomiting and Food Intake

Effect of Cardamom and Peppermint Oils on Chemotherapy-Related Nausea-Vomiting and Food Intake: Randomized Controlled Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 39 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Semanur Bilgiç · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of inhaled cardamom oil on chemotherapy-related nausea, vomiting, and food intake and to compare these effects with those of inhaled peppermint oil.

Detailed description

Chemotherapy is an effective treatment method used to control cancer systemically by destroying cancer cells or controlling their growth. This treatment inhibits nucleic acid synthesis, thereby preventing DNA and RNA synthesis, and has both cytotoxic and anticancer properties. However, chemotherapy also affects rapidly dividing cells, leading to undesirable side effects. Among these, nausea and vomiting are common and quality-of-life-reducing side effects that affect approximately 80% of patients undergoing chemotherapy. The pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting is based on mechanisms such as the stimulation of the vomiting center and the chemoreceptor trigger zone, as well as the stimulation of enterochromaffin cells and vagal afferent neurons. Failure to manage these symptoms can lead to serious problems such as malnutrition, dehydration, anorexia, and fluid-electrolyte imbalance. Therefore, antiemetic drugs and various integrative methods (acupuncture, acupressure, behavioral interventions, music therapy, relaxation exercises, hypnotherapy, and aromatherapy) are used to manage nausea and vomiting. Aromatherapy with various essential oils such as peppermint, ginger, rose, cardamom, lavender, and chamomile has been found to be effective in preventing nausea and vomiting. The effect of peppermint oil on chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting is well-documented; however, research on cardamom oil is limited. There are few studies in the literature evaluating the effect of cardamom oil on these symptoms. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of inhaled cardamom oil on chemotherapy-related nausea, vomiting, and food intake and to compare these effects with those of inhaled peppermint oil.

Conditions

• Cancer

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Peppermint Oil	Thirty minutes before the chemotherapy session begins, one drop of essential oil will be applied to a piece of gauze. The gauze will then be attached to the patient's collar with a safety pin, positioned 20 cm away from the patient's nose. This procedure will be performed three times a day for five consecutive days.
OTHER	cardomom oil	Thirty minutes before the chemotherapy session begins, one drop of essential oil will be applied to a piece of gauze. The gauze will then be attached to the patient's collar with a safety pin, positioned 20 cm away from the patient's nose. This procedure will be performed three times a day for five consecutive days.
OTHER	sweet almond oil	Thirty minutes before the chemotherapy session begins, one drop of essential oil will be applied to a piece of gauze. The gauze will then be attached to the patient's collar with a safety pin, positioned 20 cm away from the patient's nose. This procedure will be performed three times a day for five consecutive days.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-06-30
• Completion: 2026-11-01
• First posted: 2026-01-06
• Last updated: 2026-01-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)