Ingersoll, G.L., Wasilewski, A., Haller, M., Pandya, K., Bennett, J., He, H., … Berry, C. (2010). Effect of Concord grape juice on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: Results of a pilot study. Oncology Nursing Forum, 37, 213–221.
To determine the feasibility of administering a flavonoid-rich adjunctive treatment (Concord grape juice) for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)
Eligible patients were randomized to either the experimental group, which received Concord grape juice, or the control group, which received a placebo composed of water, sweeteners, food-grade acids, natural grape essence, and food coloring (but no fruit juice).
Both groups drank 4 oz. of the grape juice or placebo beginning the evening of the treatment day and 30 minutes prior to meals for seven days following each of four chemotherapy treatments; an additional 4 oz. could be taken as needed for nausea. All patients received standard medical management of CINV.
The study was conducted at a single outpatient setting in northeastern United States.
All patients were in active treatment.
This pilot study was a double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
This study did not show any benefit of grape juice flavonoids for management of CINV.
The effect of grape juice flavonoids on CINV should be investigated further with a larger sample to determine whether preliminary findings are supported. Use may be limited because of intolerance of very sweet juice.