Botanicals & nutraceuticals in cancer care.

What are botanicals and nutraceuticals?

Botanicals are plant-derived products. Nutraceutical is a broad term used for products such as concentrated nutrients and other substances proposed to have health benefits. These labels do not establish effectiveness or safety.

The exact ingredient, formulation, dose, quality, and route matter. A product studied for one symptom is not automatically appropriate for a different cancer-related goal.

What does a targeted approach mean?

Targeted means selected for a specific clinical question, rather than a long list given to everyone. A discussion may concern nutritional adequacy, a documented deficiency, or a particular symptom. Proposed anticancer uses require a separate review of the evidence.

• Define the purpose. What are we trying to improve, and how will we know?
• Examine the evidence. Human outcomes matter; laboratory activity alone does not establish benefit.
• Consider the burden. Cost, swallowing difficulty, nausea, and the complexity of the full regimen belong in the decision.

Natural products can interact with treatment.

Herbs and supplements can change how medicines are processed or affect bleeding, organ function, or other aspects of care. Compatibility depends on the exact product and cancer treatment; antioxidant supplements are not automatically helpful during chemotherapy or radiation.

Bring labels or photographs of everything you take, including powders, teas, extracts, vitamins, and products bought online. Include occasional products as well as daily ones. We coordinate changes with the treating team rather than relying on a generic “cancer-safe” list.

A plan you can understand and revisit.

For any product considered appropriate, we discuss the reason, expected role, uncertainty, interaction review, and reassessment. Your needs can change when treatment changes or new symptoms develop.

Bring proposals from books or metabolic approaches, including Jane McLelland’s work, for individual review. Combining multiple products with off-label drugs increases the importance of checking the entire regimen. A supplement stack should not replace effective cancer treatment.

Common questions.

Learn more.

These resources explain the approach and the evidence discussed above. Research findings are interpreted in the context of your diagnosis and care.

• Cancer therapy interactions with foods and supplements · NCI ↗
• Complementary medicine during cancer care · NCI ↗

Page updated November 2026.

Care with Dr. Jeff Martineau, BScH, BHSc, ND

Start with your priorities.

Care is offered at Healthcode Regenerative in Vancouver. Care includes assessment, shared decisions, and communication with your oncology team, with your permission. Learn about my education and clinical training, or begin with a meet and greet to discuss whether the practice fits your needs.