Carnosine and Ganoderma interest me greatly in their possible immediate use in treatment for someone with existing cancer.
Carnosine
High doses of carnosine (10000 mg - 3000 mg in tablet form, daily) have been used by Russian doctors to treat inoperable tumours, and to protect against the effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In experiments using such high doses in humans, carnosine showed both short-term and long-term improvements, such as protecting against an excessive lowering of valuable white blood cells, the concentration of which usually plummets during chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It also stabilized the cell membrane after it was damaged by radiation. Cancer cells increase sugar production because they need the chemical energy from the sugar in order to survive. Carnosine blocks this by reducing sugar availability, and therefore it has the potential to starve cancer cells to death by blocking their enrgy supply.
Ganoderma
The Chinese mushroom Ling Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum) is known as "the mushroom of immortality". One of the most important benefits of ganoderma is its cancer-fighting action. There are literally dozens of scientific experiments proving that it helps reduce the risk of cancer. In a scientific paper researchers from the Dept. of Medical Biochemistry at Ehime University in Japan, have shown that ganoderma blocks the growth of cancer both in the spleen and in the liver. In addition it does not allow cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. These researchers explained that ganoderma contains triterpenoids, which are very strong natural plant chemicals with very important action - they destroy the blood supply to the tumour cells, thus starving these cancerous cells of oxygen and nutrients.
American scientists working at the Cancer Research Laboratory of the Methodist Research Institute in Indianaplois, have shown that ganoderma, used as spores or in its dry powdered form, blocks several chemicals which stimulate cancer growth. Specifically it blocked AP-1, NF-kappaB and uPA (2), which are chemical factors which encourage cancer cells to develop and spread.
Ganoderma may be a great preventor of cancer as well. It has been shown to protect DNA, scavenge free-radicals and reduce the inflammatory chemical Tumour Necrosis Factor.
The following products might be of interest, the descriptions mention cancer (either prevention or anti) and are available at:
http://www.beyond-a-century.com/
AMINO ACIDS
L-LYSINE an essential amino acid and precursor of L-carnitine. Lysine is lacking in many diets, particularly vegetarian. Linus Pauling recommended Lysine with vit C & Proline to prevent formation of Lp-a, which contributes to arterial plaque formation. Dr Rath claims cancer protection by adding EGCG from green tea to the mixture above.
L-PROLINE, Recommended by Linus Pauling with lysine & vitamin C for prevention & reversal of plaque buildup in arteries, and by Dr. Rath as part of a cancer prevention protocol. Aids in the production & repair of collagen, cartilage, and other connective tissue
ANTI-OXIDANTS
CO-ENZYME Q-10 is a natural substance that plays an essential role in releasing energy from the mitochondria to the rest of the cell, and protecting the mitochondria from oxidation damage. It is a potent antioxidant and immune system stimulant which declines with age. By age 40 you have 40% less CoQ-10 than at age 20. Plays a vital role in heart function and gum health. Dose varies from a preventive dose of 30-100mg to several hundred mg suggested by some doctors for those with cardiovascular or cancer problems. It recently has been shown to help control blood sugar and blood pressure, and may be helpful in neurodegenerative diseases. In a recent study, up to 1200mg/day (with 1200IU Vit E) slowed the progression of Parkinson’s disease by over 40%. Statin drugs cause depletion of CoQ-10. Our gelcaps with vit E and rice bran oil have been shown to increase absorption over 3 times more than powder taken without fat. Always take powder or dry caps with oil or fatty food for proper absorption. Bioperine or PCholine will help absorption as well.
SELENIUM is used by the body in producing a potent antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Studies show vastly lower rates of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, cataracts, even dandruff in human populations which receive 200 mcg per day of this mineral. OPTI-SEL tablets contain 150mcg from sodium selenate and 50mcg from seleno-methionine, providing what some authorities think is the best overall mix for quick and long-term selenium protection.
ATHELETIC AIDS
DIINDOLE METHANE, from cruciferous vegetables, is a tasteless, stable, bioavailable form of indole 3-carbinol (I3C) with up to 10 times the potency of I3C according to some authorities. A pound and one half of broccoli = 300mg I3C = 30-40mg DIM! It boosts amounts of “good” 2-hydroxy estrone and estriol, while lowering cancer-promoting 16-hydroxy estrone. (Ask your health professional about tests to measure the ratio between these estrogens.) DIM helps decrease protein bonding of testosterone, leaving more free (bioavailable) testosterone, while flushing out excess natural estrogens as well as xenoestrogens such as dioxin. It is being tested to treat estrogen dominance, estrogen dependent breast & prostate cancer, and lupus. DIM inhibits free radicals that oxidize fat, helps protect the liver & colon, promotes fat loss, reduces DNA damage, and causes cancer cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). A recent study showed it inhibits the effects of DHT. Daily doses range from 50 to 400mg. Absorption may be enhanced by Bioperine and/or fats & oils. Although our reading of studies confirms the opinion that DIM does most everything attributed to I3C only better, others disagree.
ENZYMES
5-Loxin® is a potent inhibitor of the 5-LOX enzyme responsible for inflammation that causes breakdown of joint cartilage and other structural protein, and also inhibits ICAM and VCAM, adhesion molecules directly involved in inflammation. These are targeted inhibitions, therefore not causing side effects. In a test-tube study, every available prostate cancer cell line underwent apoptosis (died out) within an hour after inhibiting the 5-Lox enzyne. 5-Loxin® is a standardized extract of boswellia providing 30% AKBA, the most potent of boswellic acids, 10 times more effective compared to 2-3% in other extracts.
ESSENTIAL OILS & FATS
CLA-Conjugated Linoleic Acid is a natural fatty acid found in beef, lamb, and cheese, especially from grass-fed animals. A potent antioxidant, immune stimulant, and cancer-preventive agent in all species of animals tested, it also repartitioned their bodies, decreasing fat and fat cell size, while increasing lean body mass. A human study showed 20% reduced bodyfat over a 12 week period without change in diet or exercise. Recent studies showed CLA caused a 30-80% reduction in fat-pads on even relatively lean rats, and breast cancer cell growth was inhibited 11-20% while preventing metastasis to lungs & bone marrow. CLA decreases allergic & joint inflammation, improves fat transport across cell membranes, and lowers blood glucose and insulin levels while improving insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. Our >77% CLA safflower concentrate gels contain about 37% each of c9, t11 & t10, c12 isomers, shown to be most effective for fat control and immune stimulation. Animal studies suggest 1g/day may offer people some cancer protection, while in human studies 3-4 grams per day seems to be the dose needed for fat loss.
OMEGA 3 Marine Lipids. Essential fatty acids EPA and DHA are found preformed in fish oil. They lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, normalize blood pressure, inhibit abnormal clotting without destroying vit K, and have antiinflammatory properties. University studies showed average 8% increase in VO2 max with regular use by trained athletes. Found in mother’s milk but not in formula, DHA is necessary for development of the nervous system of infants. DHA is the primary structural fatty acid in the brain, and is essential for brain and visual function. Recent studies confirm the connection between DHA and intelligence in infants & children. Most American adults have low DHA and EPA. Some say fish oil is safer than flax oil for those with prostate cancer. High vacuum molecularly distilled, processed, & tested to eliminate mercury (< 0.00001mg/g) & other contaminants to CRN standards.
GREEN FOODS
CHLOROPLEX from Life Extension. Research suggests that chlorophyll may be able to neutralize carcinogens, as well as be an effective internal deodorant. Chloroplex also contains plant flavonoids which research shows to reduce tumor promotion activity, and carotenoids which have anticancer effects.
HERBS
ANDROGRAPHIS PANICULATA (AP) 10% andrographolides. Studies have shown various extracts of this herbal tonic from India and China prevent and reduce symptoms of the common cold, enhance immune function, protect the liver against a number of toxins and increase bile flow, kill and inhibit growth of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, stop diarrhea, inhibit HIV-1 replication, and decrease fertility. Favorite winter tonic in Sweden despite very bitter taste.
BLACKBERRY EXTRACT, 100:1, 25% Anthocyanins. European origin. Blackberries compare with blueberries as powerful antioxidants. Just 200mg of blackberry extract provides the antioxidant and anthocyanin equivalent of about 5 servings of other fruits and vegetables such as apples and broccoli. Studies suggest berries may promote healthy brain and CNS function, cardiovascular function, vision, joint function, blood glucose levels, and reduce risks of some cancers and premature aging. Deep purple powder is bitter, but can provide intense flavor to xylitol/stevia sweetened shakes and cooking. Cost is like buying over 3 cups of berries for less than $1; and it is available year-round in concentrated form.
BROCCOLI SPROUT EXTRACT 20:1. Fresh Broccoli sprouts contain 50 times sulforaphane (a major inducer of anticancer enzymes) as mature broccoli. Recent studies have shown anticancer agents in cabbage family vegetables besides the already known I3C, DIM, D-glucarate, and sulforaphane. 125mg sprout extract = 125 grams (an average 4oz serving) of fresh broccoli!
CAT’S CLAW, from the inner bark of the Uncaria tomentosa vine in the Peruvian rainforest, is the subject of many studies and articles documenting its powerful antioxidant, immune stimulating, antiinflammatory & other properties. Used in traditional Peruvian herbalism for centuries, it is being tested in Europe for treatment of HIV and cancer.
ELLAGIC ACID. Pomegranate extract, over 70% ellagic acid (also found in raspberries, strawberries, etc.), is a powerful antioxidant that detoxifies by binding to carcinogens. Also binds to DNA, preventing alteration. Studies show populations that consume fruit high in ellagic acid have low rates of cancer & heart disease. Clinical tests have shown ellagic acid to inhibit growth and induce normal cell death in cancer cells. Pomegranate has antifungal and antiviral properties. Pharmaceutical companies are (believe it or not) looking into its use as a coating on condoms to give added viral protection!
FRUIT ANTIOXIDANTS, with a full 30mg dose of patented OptiBerry™, judged the best of 20 different blends of wild blueberry & bilberry, cranberry, elderberry, raspberry seed, and strawberry extracts for antioxidant efficacy and cellular safety. Each dose also contains 100mg each of extracts of prune skin, blueberry leaf, apple skin, pomegranate, & white cherry which contain 60-80% polyphenols and have very high ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) values; antioxidant nutrients such as ellagic acid (chemoprotective - prevents cellular and DNA mutations, antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory); dihydroxycinnamic acid; chlorogenic acid (normalizes blood sugar, inhibits carcinogenic nitrosamines, HIV & herpes virus, prevents formation of leukotrienes which cause allergies & asthma); phloridzin (protects brain from some toxins that cause neurodegenerative disorders); and perillyl alcohol in cherries (shown in animal studies to block formation of a variety of cancers).
GRAVIOLA 4:1 powder extract, (Annona muricata) has been featured by several health newsletters including Health Sciences Institute (
http://www.hsibaltimore.com). In tropical countries every part of the tree has been used as food or natural medicine. Recent in vitro studies have shown compounds in graviola leaves selectively kill several types of cancer cells, including prostate, pancreatic, & lung tumor lines, without damage to normal cells. The leaves are also said to have anti-depression and antianxiety properties. Natural substances are not patentable, so there are no expensive published animal or human studies. People have been taking graviola at 1-5 grams per day of dried leaf powder (= to 250-1250 mg of 4:1 extract), with no reported side effects. However, there are some who question graviola’s safety when taken over a long time.
GREEN TEA is a stimulating drink containing powerful polyphenol antioxidants. The most effective are catechins (especially EGCG), believed to be over 200 times more powerful than Vit. E at inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Studies show lower arthritis, cancer, and heart disease rates with regular use of 4 cups or more per day. It improves hormone balance by inhibiting both 5-alpha reductase and aromatase. Catechins have been shown to prevent the breakdown of cartilage and lower COX-2. Tea causes thermogenic fat loss, controls blood sugar, inhibits the digestion of starch, and prevents dental caries. (For a mouth rinse you can swallow, use xylitol & green tea!) Take with meals to help neutralize dietary carcinogens such as nitrosamines. Green tea is the most cost-effective of all the plant antioxidants.
MAITAKE: D-FRACTION®. The orally active beta-glucans in this special extract of the Maitake mushroom activate macrophages and variety of other immune cells. Present research focuses on immune disorders, including cancer and HIV
RESVERATROL, High Potency. Polygonum cuspidatum 200:1 extract. Trans-resveratrol, the active ingredient that makes up 50% of the extract, is 1000 times that found in grape or wine-derived products! It acts as an antioxidant, antimutagenic and antiinflammatory (lowers COX-2). It elevates cAMP, decreases platelet aggregation, and decreases levels and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Research shows it to be a powerful phytoestrogen that can help maintain normal estrogen activity, reduce hot flashes, balance mood swings, & promote bone density for women with PMS or menopausal symptoms. It promotes cardiovascular health, and helps prevent premature aging for both sexes. A recent in vitro study with human cells showed it was 99.9% effective halting reproduction of herpes, shingles, & other viruses; and inhibited growth of cancer cells. Only 4mg of the extract 2 times per day is equal to the resveratrol in 2 liters of wine! Recently in the news for lengthening maximum life-span in yeast & flies, research suggests 20mg per day of resveratrol may be able to promote longevity by stimulating the human cell-survival enzyme known to increase through restricting caloric intake.
SILYMARIN, 80% extract, a powerful antioxidant from milk thistle noted for promoting liver & kidney function. 1999 study shows that it inhibits excess cell proliferation involved in cancer, atherosclerosis, & aging.
HORMONES and Related Products
CALCIUM D-GLUCARATE is a phytonutrient found in many fruits and vegetables that can help the body get rid of fat soluble toxins, estrogens, and other excess steroid hormones by a process called glucuronidation. Studies show inhibited tumor growth and development in breast and prostate cancer; and it may be useful to control estrogen for older men, bodybuilders, women suffering from PMS, or for perimenopausal women.
SPECIAL PRODUCTS
AMINOCARE®A10 is a whole-body nutritional supplement developed by Stanislaw R. Burzynski M.D., Ph.D. to support the body’s natural defenses, to aid in regulation of normal cell division, and to protect against toxic insults. For over 30 years Dr. Burzynski has studied how various protein fragments can turn on the body’s health & youth-promoting genes that may have ceased functioning in the past. His cancer clinic in Texas is world-renown. This mixture of amino acids, a glutamine derivative, and vit B2 is being used personally by a number of antiaging medical professionals who report outstanding results.
LACTOFERRIN (apolactoferrin) powder is the best documented antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal immune enhancing substance found in whey and colostrum. Human milk may contain 15 times that of cow’s whey. It is an antioxidant that scavenges excess iron, prevents development & growth of certain cancer cells, and may suppress autoimmune reactions.
MODIFIED CITRUS PECTIN. Source Naturals, PectaSol® Brand. Taken orally, specially processed sugar molecules from citrus fruits attach themselves to cancer cells, preventing their adherence to healthy cells. MCP has shown to effectively reduce metastasis of prostate and other cancers in animals and with human cells in vitro. Although tests in humans are in progress, nontoxic MCP is already being used clinically by many doctors.
THYMIC PROTEIN A, Pro Boost, is a complete active thymic protein that has been proven to stimulate T-4 helper white blood cells to locate invaders such as viruses, bacteria, or abnormal cells, and send out T-8 killer cells to destroy them. Totally unlike any thymus “extract”, this may be the most active natural immune regulator ever discovered! Thymic functioning decreases with age, thus allowing increasing rates of infection and cancer. Pro Boost is designed to replace missing thymus protein. When ill, the standard dose is one to three 4mcg sublingual packets (12 trillion active molecules each!) per day. When not sick, Dr. Whitaker recommends a maintenance dose of one packet per day or every other day. Recently it has been shown to help an autoimmune problem (CFIDS) because it promoted an increase of suppressor T cells. Some clinics use it as part of an antiaging protocol.
VITAMINS
ASTAXANTHIN, a powerful antioxidant carotenoid obtained from microalgae, is found widely in nature including shellfish and salmon. It has no vitamin A value, but protects against lipid peroxidation that causes plaque formation up to 500 times that of vitamin E, traps more types of free radicals than any other antioxidant, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, protects skin & eyes by quenching singlet and triplet oxygen, boosts the immune system, alleviates oxidative stress, prevents initiation of certain cancer cells, reduces abnormal cells in the liver, and increases muscular endurance 2.8 times compared with placebo in one human study.
LYCOPENE, a carotenoid from tomatoes, watermelons, etc., that may lower prostate cancer rates, protect against cataract development & heart disease, and help lung function & asthma. Recent study showed high blood lycopene levels related to 50% lower risk of heart attack among women.
GAMMA E. 1130 mg powder contains 340mg total tocopherols, 210mg of which are D-gamma, shown to be the most effective in trapping free radicals; and 154 IU Vit E activity in gum acacia base. Recent study shows those with highest blood levels of gamma E have 5x lower risk for prostate cancer. National Academy of Sciences recommends at least 20% of E supplementation be gamma form. The best form of E for use as a food antioxidant.
VITAMIN E, DRY E, D-ALPHA SUCCINATE, 1210 IU/gram (400 IU/cap) found most protective in recent cancer prevention studies.
VITAMIN D-3. 1000 IU per capsule. 250 capsules. Necessary for assimilation of vitamin A and utilization of calcium. Vitamin D3 is identical to natural D produced in the body with the help of UVB sunlight (D2 is a plant analog), and is said to have been used to prevent and treat colon, breast, and prostate cancer and maintain bone density. Dr. Jonathan Wright recommends 1600-2000IU/day in winter. Some caution those taking more than 1300 IU D3 per day should have blood tests regularly to be sure that too much calcium is not being absorbed.