Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
Zyflamend is a formulation containing ten different herbs. It is marketed as a dietary supplement for healthy inflammation response and normal cardiovascular and joint function (1). Preliminary studies suggest that the ingredients in Zyflamend have anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antiproliferative properties (2).
Zyflamend also inhibits the proliferation of oral squamous carcinoma (3), pancreatic cancer (4) and melanoma cells in vitro (5).
In an animal model, it inhibited the growth of both hormone-sensitive and hormone-insensitive prostate cancer, and reduced the expression of prostate specific antigen (PSA) (6).
In a Phase I trial in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), Zyflamend did not cause any serious adverse events nor significant changes in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) nor tissue nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B levels. However, a significant reduction in serum levels of C-reactive protein was observed (7). More studies are warranted.
Zyflamend may potentiate the cytotoxic effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents, including gemcitabine (4), taxol (2), doxorubicin (2) and bicalutamide (8). Human data are lacking.
Purported Uses
- Antiaging
- Cancer treatment
- Inflammation
Mechanism of Action
Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese gold thread and Scutellaria inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity and thereby reduce inflammation. In vitro studies showed that Zyflamend inhibits inflammatory enzymes, decreases retinoblastoma (Rb) protein phosphorylation (9), and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells (2)(3)(4)(10). Zyflamend also reduced androgen receptor signaling and enhanced bicalutamide-induced apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines (8). In a murine xenograft model of prostate cancer, Zyflamend was shown to inhibit androgen-dependent tumor growth and histone deacetylase-5, biomarkers linked to prostate cancer progression (6).
Zyflamend reduced the number of inflammatory cells, hyperplasia and dysplasia, tumor incidence and number, and inhibited cell proliferation in an animal model of oral squamous cell carcinoma (3). It inhibited osteoclastogenesis and NF-kappa B activation in myeloid leukemia cells and in lung adenocarcinoma cells as well (2); it inhibited NF-kappa B activation and enhanced gemcitabine-induced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells (4).
An in vitro study showed that Zyflamend induces autophagy and apoptosis sequentially in melanoma cells by activating the intrinsic caspase cascade. Cell migration and COX-2 expression were also suppressed (5).
Adverse Reactions
Reported: Bad taste in the mouth, heartburn, and diarrhea. (7)
Herb-Drug Interactions
The herbal constituents of Zyflamend can potentially interact with prescription drugs.
May increase the effects of gemcitabine (4), taxol (2), doxorubicin (2) and bicalutamide (8).
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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References
- New Chapter I. Zyflamend - Herbals from New Chapter. 2012; http://www.newchapter.com/zyflamend. Accessed June 29, 2012.
- Sandur SK, Ahn KS, Ichikawa H, et al. Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, inhibits invasion, suppresses osteoclastogenesis, and potentiates apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-kappa B activation and NF-kappa B-regulated gene products. Nutr Cancer. 2007;57(1):78-87.
- Yang P, Sun Z, Chan D, et al. Zyflamend reduces LTB4 formation and prevents oral carcinogenesis in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch model. Carcinogenesis. Nov 2008;29(11):2182-2189.
- Kunnumakkara AB, Sung B, Ravindran J, et al. Zyflamend suppresses growth and sensitizes human pancreatic tumors to gemcitabine in an orthotopic mouse model through modulation of multiple targets. Int J Cancer. Aug 1 2012;131(3):E292-303.
- Ekmekcioglu S, Chattopadhyay C, Akar U, et al. Zyflamend mediates therapeutic induction of autophagy to apoptosis in melanoma cells. Nutr Cancer. 2011;63(6):940-949.
- Huang EC, McEntee MF, Whelan J. Zyflamend, a Combination of Herbal Extracts, Attenuates Tumor Growth in Murine Xenograft Models of Prostate Cancer. Nutr Cancer. Jun 4 2012.
- Capodice JL, Gorroochurn P, Cammack AS, et al. Zyflamend in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: results of a phase I clinical trial. J Soc Integr Oncol. Spring 2009;7(2):43-51.
- Yan J, Xie B, Capodice JL, et al. Zyflamend inhibits the expression and function of androgen receptor and acts synergistically with bicalutimide to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. Prostate. Feb 2012;72(3):244-252.
- Yang P, Cartwright C, Chan D, et al. Zyflamend-mediated inhibition of human prostate cancer PC3 cell proliferation: effects on 12-LOX and Rb protein phosphorylation. Cancer Biol Ther. Feb 2007;6(2):228-236.
- Bemis DL, Capodice JL, Anastasiadis AG, et al. Zyflamend, a unique herbal preparation with nonselective COX inhibitory activity, induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells that lack COX-2 expression. Nutr Cancer. 2005;52(2):202-212.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Zyflamend has not been shown to treat cancer.
Zyflamend is a herbal supplement consisting of Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano, and scullcap. Promoters of Zyflamend claim that it has anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects. It has been shown in one laboratory study to reduce inflammation and cause cell death. Results from a small study indicate it may help lower prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker of prostate cancer. More research is needed.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
A lab study showed that Zyflamend can reduce the number of prostate cancer cells. Zyflamend did not cause serious adverse events in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). More research is needed.
- Inflammation
A lab study showed that Zyflamend reduces inflammation but there are no data from clinical trials.
Research Evidence
A laboratory study showed that Zyflamend reduced the number of prostate cancer cells by inactivating the inflammatory enzyme activity and by inducing cell death.
Do Not Take If
- You have hypersensitivity to any of the constituents
Side Effects
Bad taste in the mouth, heartburn, and diarrhea.
Last updated: June 29, 2012
adenocarcinoma (A-deh-noh-KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in cells that line certain internal organs and that have gland-like (secretory) properties.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)androgen (AN-droh-jen)
A type of hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male sex characteristics.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)animal model (A-nih-mul MAH-dul)
An animal with a disease either the same as or like a disease in humans. Animal models are used to study the development and progression of diseases and to test new treatments before they are given to humans. Animals with transplanted human cancers or other tissues are called xenograft models.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)anti-inflammatory (AN-tee-in-FLA-muh-TOR-ee)
Having to do with reducing inflammation.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antiangiogenic (AN-tee-AN-jee-oh-JEH-nik)
Having to do with reducing the growth of new blood vessels.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antigen (AN-tih-jen)
Any substance that causes the body to make a specific immune response.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)apoptosis (A-pop-TOH-sis)
A type of cell death in which a series of molecular steps in a cell leads to its death. This is the body’s normal way of getting rid of unneeded or abnormal cells. The process of apoptosis may be blocked in cancer cells. Also called programmed cell death.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)autophagy (aw-TAH-fuh-jee)
A normal process in which a cell destroys proteins and other substances in its cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell membrane but outside the nucleus), which may lead to cell death. Autophagy may prevent normal cells from developing into cancer cells, but it may also protect cancer cells by destroying anticancer drugs or substances taken up by them.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)bicalutamide (BY-kuh-LOO-tuh-mide)
An anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antiandrogens.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)carcinoma (KAR-sih-NOH-muh)
Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell proliferation (sel proh-LIH-feh-RAY-shun)
An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)COX-2
An enzyme that speeds up the formation of substances that cause inflammation and pain. It may also cause tumor cells to grow. Some tumors have high levels of COX-2 and blocking its activity may reduce tumor growth. Also called cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cytotoxic (SY-toh-TOK-sik)
Cell-killing.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh)
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)doxorubicin (DOK-soh-ROO-bih-sin)
A drug that is used to treat many types of cancer and is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Doxorubicin comes from the bacterium . It damages DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of anthracycline antitumor antibiotic. Also called Adriamycin PFS, Adriamycin RDF, doxorubicin hydrochloride, hydroxydaunorubicin, and Rubex.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dysplasia (dis-PLAY-zhuh)
Cells that look abnormal under a microscope but are not cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)gemcitabine (jem-SY-tuh-been)
The active ingredient in a drug that is used to treat pancreatic cancer that is advanced or has spread. It is also used with other drugs to treat breast cancer that has spread, advanced ovarian cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer that is advanced or has spread. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. Gemcitabine blocks the cell from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)herbal (ER-bul)
Having to do with plants.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)histone (HIS-tone)
A type of protein found in chromosomes. Histones bind to DNA, help give chromosomes their shape, and help control the activity of genes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hyperplasia (HY-per-PLAY-zhuh)
An abnormal increase in the number of normal cells in an organ or tissue.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hypersensitivity (HY-per-SEN-sih-tih-vih-tee)
An exaggerated response by the immune system to a drug or other substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)incidence (IN-sih-dents)
The number of new cases of a disease diagnosed each year.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammatory (in-FLA-muh-TOR-ee)
Having to do with inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat that helps protect tissues affected by injury or disease).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intraepithelial (IN-truh-eh-pih-THEE-lee-ul)
Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)laboratory study (LA-bruh-tor-ee STUH-dee)
Research done in a laboratory. A laboratory study may use special equipment and cells or animals to find out if a drug, procedure, or treatment is likely to be useful in humans. It may also be a part of a clinical trial, such as when blood or other samples are collected. These may be used to measure the effect of a drug, procedure, or treatment on the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)leukemia (loo-KEE-mee-uh)
Cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow and causes large numbers of blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lung (lung)
One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)marker (MAR-ker)
A diagnostic indication that disease may develop.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)melanoma (MEH-luh-NOH-muh)
A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)myeloid (MY-eh-loyd)
Having to do with or resembling the bone marrow. May also refer to certain types of hematopoietic (blood-forming) cells found in the bone marrow. Sometimes used as a synonym for myelogenous; for example, acute myeloid leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia are the same disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)neoplasia (NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh)
Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pancreatic (PAN-kree-A-tik)
Having to do with the pancreas.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pancreatic cancer (PAN-kree-A-tik KAN-ser)
A disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the tissues of the pancreas. Also called exocrine cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)phase I trial (fayz … TRY-ul)
The first step in testing a new treatment in humans. These studies test the best way to give a new treatment (for example, by mouth, intravenous infusion, or injection) and the best dose. The dose is usually increased a little at a time in order to find the highest dose that does not cause harmful side effects. Because little is known about the possible risks and benefits of the treatments being tested, phase I trials usually include only a small number of patients who have not been helped by other treatments.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prescription (prih-SKRIP-shun)
A doctor's order for medicine or another intervention.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)progression (pruh-GREH-shun)
In medicine, the course of a disease, such as cancer, as it becomes worse or spreads in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate (PROS-tayt)
A gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the part of the urethra (the tube that empties the bladder) just below the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostate cancer (PROS-tayt KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum). Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (prah-STA-tik IN-truh-eh-puh-THEE-lee-ul NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh)
Noncancerous growth of the cells lining the internal and external surfaces of the prostate gland. Having high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Also called PIN.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)protein (PROH-teen)
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)receptor (reh-SEP-ter)
A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)reduction (ree-DUK-shun)
A chemical reaction that takes place when a substance comes into contact with hydrogen or another reducing substance.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)serum (SEER-um)
The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)squamous cell (SKWAY-mus sel)
Flat cell that looks like a fish scale under a microscope. These cells cover inside and outside surfaces of the body. They are found in the tissues that form the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body (such as the bladder, kidney, and uterus), and the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)Taxol (TAK-sol)
A drug used to treat breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma. It is also used together with another drug to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Taxol is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer. It blocks cell growth by stopping cell division and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimitotic agent. Also called paclitaxel.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tissue (TIH-shoo)
A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)xenograft (ZEE-noh-graft)
The transplant of an organ, tissue, or cells to an individual of another species.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
