Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM) is a common and serious adverse reaction during chemotherapy in patients with malignant tumors. Kaempferol, an important active component of leukocyte-elevating traditional Chinese medicine, may play a role in its improvement. This study aims to explore the research status and mechanisms of kaempferol in improving CIM and to provide reference evidence for its application in the prevention and treatment of CIM. METHODS: Chinese and English literature on kaempferol intervention in CIM was systematically searched in CNKI, WanFang, VIP, PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases from database inception to August 8, 2025. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and extracted key information such as study design, intervention measures, and outcome indicators. RESULTS: A total of 13 eligible studies were included, including 9 animal experimental studies, 1 randomized controlled trial, 2 clinical observational studies, and 1 quasi-experimental study. Existing evidence indicated that kaempferol or compound preparations containing kaempferol increased peripheral blood leukocyte counts to a certain extent and promoted the proliferation of bone marrow nucleated cells. Mechanistic studies suggested that kaempferol exerted bone marrow protective effects through multi-target synergistic actions, including regulation of oxidative stress levels, enhancement of immune function, and inhibition of hematopoietic cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Kaempferol shows considerable research potential and certain clinical application prospects in improving CIM. However, existing evidence is still mainly based on traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations and predictive analyses, and high-quality basic research and large-scale clinical studies focusing on kaempferol monotherapy remain insufficient. In the future, rigorously designed empirical studies are needed to further clarify its independent efficacy and mechanisms of action, so as to promote standardized translational application in the prevention and treatment of CIM.