Safety and Genoprotective Effects of an 8-Herb Tea–ESSIAC Versus Mate Cocido, An Ilex paraguariensis Infusion

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Abstract
ESSIAC tea is a traditional multi-herb infusion or decoction widely used by cancer patients as a complementary therapy. Originally employed in traditional Ojibwa medicine, it was later reformulated by a Canadian nurse. The classic ESSIAC infusion contains four main botanicals: burdock root (Arctium lappa), Turkish rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum), sheep sorrel (Rumex acetosella), and slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra). Commercial variations (e.g., FlorEssence® and Genuine ESSIAC™) expand this list to include blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus), kelp (edible Laminaria seaweeds), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale). Although they are commercially available, human safety data are limited. We conducted an exploratory analysis registered at the Central Ethics Entre Ríos Provincial Committee Board, of the Provincial Minister, and Ethical Committee of CCT-CONICET Santa Fe (Committee Ref #: CES-00641) to evaluate the safety and DNA‐protective effects by comet assay of an 8-herb tea in healthy adults and compared it to a traditional infusion of mate cocido, of Ilex paraguariensis. Participants consumed 200 mL/day for 6 weeks; pre- and post-assessments included blood chemistry and an alkaline comet assay. Twenty‑four participants completed the study (12 per arm). Adherence was high, and no serious adverse events occurred. Laboratory indices remained within reference ranges in both groups, as well as for DNA damage, as the percent DNA comet tail declined from week 0 or baseline in both arms. Overall, daily ESSIAC tea was well tolerated and did not adversely affect laboratory indices. The observed genoprotective trend in both groups is consistent with the antioxidant phytochemicals present in the herbal infusion. These results support the safety of ESSIAC tea and justify larger trials to assess its complementary roles.

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