Efficacy of Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale Extract on Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) Levels of Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Progressivity of breast cancer evaluated through examination of tumor markers. Serum Ca 15-3 is tumor markers used to assess the progression. Various treatments have been developed to suppress the progression, one of which the provision of plant extractions. Extracts of Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale considered useful as anti-cancer, but no research discusses the combined benefits of extracts against breast cancer, especially Ca 15 -3. Method: Open label clinical trial study with one group pretest posttest design was conducted at USU hospital on June 28, 2021 to July 18, 2021. Population came from breast cancer survivor community in Medan, consecutive sampling technique. Samples that met inclusion and exclusion criteria were examined for Ca 15 -3 before and after administration of extract Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale with dose 500 mg twice a day for 28 days. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Of 20 breast cancer patients analyzed with mean age of 52.7 years, majority stage III A or III B breast cancer (30%). Median CA 15-3 before administration of extracts of Allium sativum, Zingiber and Curcuma longa 12.82 (3.29-45.81) g/mL and after administration of extracts 8.24 (2.83-47.46) g/mL, decrease but not statistically significant. Conclusion: There was decrease in median CA 15-3 before and after extraction, but not statistically significant. Keywords: Breast Cancer, CA 15 – 3, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale.