Potential New Natural Cancer Treatments: Turkey Tail and Tocotrienols

It’s 2011 researchers in Canberra declare PSP, an extract from Turkey Tail Mushrooms, 100% effective at suppressing prostate cancer stem cells in mice. Many researchers and doctors currently believed cancer stem cells are responsible for prostate cancer’s initiation and growth. PSP stands for polysaccharopeptide. Researchers further concluded that dose dependent PSP was effective at suppressing cancer formation and an agent for preventing cancer. Additional studies have found with the inclusion of gamma-tocotrienol, a component of Vitamin-E, healing results are further enhanced. Gamma-tocotrienol appears to work synergistically with PSP by sensitizing the cancer cells to allow a faster action of PSP. This has led to a reduction of cancer colonies by as much as 85% over a short time. Now realize this work was completed on mice, though certainly it brings the question as to why there is no immediate follow-up for human U.S. trials especially considering for decades PSP and PSK have been official government approved healing drugs in Japan and China for decades.

Researchers have been looking at turkey tail and gamma-tocotrienol for many years due to their unique properties. The turkey tail mushroom, also known as Yun Zhi in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Trametes Versicolor, Coriolus Versicolor, Polyporus Versicolor, and Kwaratake in Japanese medicine has been used throughout Asia for hundreds of years in soups to boost health and treat serious illness. Derivatives from turkey tail mushrooms have exhibited immune system enhancement, antimicrobial, antiviral and mutative cell inhibiting qualities. The two most studied components of turkey tail are PSK and PSP. PSK is a polysaccharide and PSP is a polysaccharide-peptide.

Both PSK and PSP are known to boost immune cell production, improve traditional cancer treatments, and relieve symptoms from chemotherapy. Sold commercially as Krestin in Japan, PSK has been used as a government ‘approved cancer drug’ since 1977. When used along with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation it has shown significant improvement in overall results. Not only does PSK have excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, it also inhibits cancer’s spread by reducing adhesion, motility and cancer cell attachment to blood vessels. Reports have further shown the restoration of depressed immune systems and enhanced activity of natural killer cells, T-cells, macrophages and peripheral blood lymphocytes. As an example, in one 1997 study, when PSK was used in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat breast cancer patients, 5 and 10-year survival rates were 100% for PSK treated patients and only 76% and 55% respectively for those treated with chemotherapy alone. These are exciting results, and breast cancer has many similar characteristics to prostate cancer. PSK supplemental treatment appears to be received well with only a few patients experiencing gastrointestinal upset or some darkening of the fingernails. Research has shown that ingesting PSK in as much as 9 grams per day in Japan is considered safe. As a bonus it does not appear to reduce activity of chemotherapy drugs nor cause genetic damage while enhancing the healing process.

PSP, a Chinese developed medicine, was ‘approved as an official cancer medicine’ by the Chinese government in 1992/1993. PSP is believed to be more effective than PSK due to the bonding of a peptide during the extraction process. This allows for easier and more complete absorption by the body. It’s believed PSP passes through the intestine and bonds to glucose receptors on lymphocyte macrophages, NK cells and T-cells. This causes these cells to create disease resistant chemicals like interferon, interleukins, prostaglandin and other mutation resistant factors. It also has been shown to stabilize white blood cell count and improve the overall quality of life for cancer patients. Prostate cancer cells thrive on glucose, so they also tend to suck up the PSP. Research has shown when PSP enters cancer cells it down regulates prostate cancer stem cells. Since these are a foundational factor to cancer’s initiation and progression, targeting these cancer stem cells is of prime importance.

It is also believed that approved conventional therapies do little to target cancer stem cells, leaving new cancer to grow after initial treatment. In addition to targeting cancer stem cells, PSP suppressed the ability of cancer cells to form prostaspheres and inhibited their tumorgenicity. This puts a halt to the self-renewal and growth process of cancer.

Both PSK and PSP from turkey tail resemble each other but are structurally different. PSK comes from a CM-101 strain of turkey tail with extraction completed using hot water and then a salting out with ammonium sulfate. PSP originates from a Cov-1 strain of turkey tail using hot water extraction and then an alcohol precipitation process. Chemically they are similar, though PSK contains fucose and PSP contains rhamnose and arabinose.

Now let’s add Gamma or Delta Tocotrienols into the mix. These come from Vitamin-E. There are four tocopherols and four tocotrienols in Vitamin-E, each divided into four components labeled Alpha, Beta, Delta and Gamma. Both tocopherol and tocotrienol molecules are similar shaped but the tocotrienols have smaller heads, shorter tails and a higher electron density. This makes them incredibly more effective and faster at bonding with cell membranes. In addition researchers have found tocotrienols to be 40 to 60 times more effective as antioxidants than tocopherols. Natural sources for varying amounts of tocotrienol and tocopherol include rye, amaranth, barley, rice bran, ancient wheat, palm fruit, annatto, walnuts, hazelnuts, poppy, safflower, maize, and the seeds of flax, grape, and pumpkin. The three sources most used for supplements are rice bran, palm fruit and annatto. Rice and palm have approximately 25% and 50% tocotrienols respectively with a lot of tocopherols. Only annatto provides a high source of tocotrienols without the tocopherols. Annatto is approximately 90% delta-tocotrienol and 10% gamma-tocotrienol. So why is this important?

Studies have shown tocopherol found abundantly in most Vitamin-E products may interfere with the healing activity to tocotrienol. It’s like one component is racing around to treat your cancer while the other is putting on the brakes. During a University of Wisconsin study, researchers looking at the ability of combined tocotrienol and tocopherol to reduce cholesterol found a general 10% to 22% improvement. But when they put a non-responsive group of subjects on only delta and gamma tocotrienols after just 4 weeks they witnessed a 35% to 40% drop in their cholesterol. From their research they determined delta- and gamma-tocotrienols exhibited the highest health benefits of all the eight forms of Vitamin-E. Further research has gone on to support similar findings leading to the suggestion to not take supplements with tocopherols within six hours of supplementing with high tocotrienols. This suggestion can be extremely difficult, as most supplement manufacturers love to combine all tocopherols and tocotrienols in one gel cap. Another source suggested taking multi-vitamins with mixed component Vitamin-E in the morning, and high source tocotrienols in the evening with dinner, so they peak in the blood about the same time cholesterol production peaks.

Then there is the problem with ‘Synthetic’ Alpha Tocopherol also on the market. Vitamin-E actually received a bad report not too long ago when a study found synthetic alpha tocopherol may increase prostate cancer, and the results were generalized to Vitamin-E. The problem was, most medical professionals didn’t take into account the difference between synthetic and natural products, and the fact that synthetic alpha tocopherol was used in the study without gamma tocopherol to compensate. With all this said, the main point to remember is that natural delta- and gamma-tocotrienols are believed to be the most effective components of Vitamin-E when used to treat cancer.

As a cancer killer, delta- and gamma-tocotrienols have showed interesting results. One of their greatest benefits is the ability to provide a multi-targeted approach. Some believe cancer cells are created because of the malfunction of numerous genes and signaling pathways. This is why drugs, designed to only interact with a single gene of pathway like docetaxel, eventually fail. Though the designer drug may address one small issue, the cancer is left with multiple workarounds. Tocotrienols on the other hand have been found to be multi-interactive. They target the COX2, EGFR, TNK, HER2, bct-abl and VEGF pathways along with inhibiting transcription factors, enzymes, growth factors, receptors, kinases and anti-apoptotic proteins. One of the more interesting ways that tocotrienols stop cancer is through an anti-angiogenesis process. Tumor cells need abundant nutrition for all their growth. Through angiogenesis they create more blood vessels to supply their food. Tocotrienols are believed to slow, even stop this process, thereby putting cancer on a starvation diet while preventing further growth.

Then there’s the unique ability gamma-tocotrienol has to down regulate, essentially kill, cancer stem cells (CSC’s). Studies have shown a limited number of cancer stem cells exist within many cancer colonies. They are considered to be the leaders, or the ones in charge. These cells are tenacious, with excellent survival and tumor initiating characteristics. In fact they are so tough that radiation and chemotherapy often leave them behind to development new cancer years after initial treatment. Gamma-tocotrienol has been found to effectively deal with these cancer stem cells, and when paired with other forms of chemotherapy act as a chemo-sensitizing agent for further cancer stem cell destruction.

Bottom line, tocotrienols work on cancer at a multitude of different levels to induce cancer’s demise. Long-term consumption of tocotrienols has been linked to reduce risks of prostate, skin, and breast cancer, with delta- and gamma-tocotrienols having the best results. For a healthy person, a preventative dose of 50mg to 100mg per day has been suggested. For those with cancer some suggest 300mg to 400mg per day though there are no confirming studies. When deciding on which source of tocotrienols to take there are a few important considerations. Most important, the good effects of tocotrienols are reduced by the more tocopherols come with it. So learn to read labels for the highest source of tocotrienols and the lowest amount of tocopherols. If tocopherols are more than 50% of the ingredients, the product may not be right for you. Second, only purchase natural sourced products. There were some ‘synthetic’ alpha-tocopherols used in a clinical trial that severely depleted gamma-tocopherol and caused DNA damage resulting in cancer from reactive nitrogen. This is started an anti alpha-tocopherol and Vitamin-E movement. Much of this research has been questioned.

You may be wondering with the extensive history of positive results and research studies regarding the use of turkey tail and tocotrienols to treat disease and cancer, why the U.S. is not all over researching the benefits of PSP, PSK and gamma-tocotrienol. Could it be the FDA believes humans in Japan and China, having government approved cancer-healing benefits from PSK and PSP over 38 and 22 years respectively, are fundamentally different from humans in the U.S.? More likely, it is because the U.S. is a wealth-reward driven society and there’s no money in it. PSP, PSK and tocotrienol are not newly patentable, cheep to produce, so there’s no money for the massive double blind studies the FDA requires regarding treatment approval. They are widely used already as natural healing substances, even as doctor delivered medicines outside the U.S. Then too, the FDA is not in the business of finding cures for cancer, their job is to regulate, approve or reject U.S. research. And there’s the issue, finding a natural inexpensive cure for cancer would put so many people including doctors out of work, and businesses out of existence.

In 2012 the FDA did approve a $5.4 million Trial of Turkey Tail Mushroom by Bastyr University together with the University of Washington and others, for advanced prostate cancer in conjunction with chemotherapy. I understand the product to be tested was a hot water and alcohol extraction of turkey tail from Host Defense. The Trial was to begin in 2013. Last I heard this Trial was cancelled due to lack of participants, puzzling considering there are over 220,800 new U.S. cases of prostate cancer each year, and over 27,500 Americans who annually die of this terrible disease. Or could it be a reflection on the general medical community’s resistance to change, or their lack of knowledge concerning the benefit of alternative treatments beyond their specialty? Did you know one in four Cancer Trials fails to enroll enough participants?  And that cancer patients who participate in Clinical Trials experience better outcomes than patients who do not.

Clinical Trials occur all the time, but when was the last time as a cancer patient you heard about a Trial from your doctor? Many doctors rarely follow-up on postings that come across their desks for Clinical Trials, they are already swamped and overworked with patients. Often doctors are little aware of a Trial’s existence, unless the Trial is directly related to their specialized field. Most likely you will need to seek out these beneficial Trials on your own, or maybe you will happen to see a sheet of information about a Clinical Trial posted on a bulletin board in some obscure location such as the restroom. Public lack of Clinical Trial information is a travesty, and clearly another contributing factor hampering the cure for cancer. We could be doing such a better job posting Clinical Trial information, and doctors could easily provide more information and support for their clients. Then again, with all the research and results from China and Japan on PSK and PSP, why are we still trying reconfirm a wheel is round? What greater volume of tests do we need to accept a treatment protocols with decades of stellar results, already proven and working extending human life elsewhere on our planet?     

All this brings into question our medical approval system, and how desperately we deserve a new medical approval process, or at the very least a truly non-biased funded non-profit research group dedicated to thoroughly exploring all the non-patentable/orphan, minimal cost, cancer cure options available from here and around the world.

Should this article inspire you to look for PSK or PSP on your own, be careful, as what you see on a general internet search may not provide the results you seek. Many mushroom products available online, including some labeled as turkey tail, PSK, or PSP, are merely a form of ground up dried mushrooms. Regarding these, what you need to know is, mushrooms naturally grow with a cell wall made of chitin. This is an exoskeleton, much like a crab or lobster, to support the thin walls of the mushroom. This chitin is indigestible, so eating mushrooms not properly processed will only provide fiber and basic nutrients with little of the desired medical benefit. Hot water and secondary extraction is the only proven method to break down this chitin releasing the desired polysaccharide structurally intact. Therefore when seeking PSK or PSP, be sure it is a properly processed bio-available product using a multi-step process including hot water extraction.

A few places where you will want to start your search are Half Hill Farm in Tennessee, Host Defense in Olympia, Washington, or contact Wonder Herb Products Ltd for their representative closest to your area. By the way, Wonder Herb Products Ltd is the supplier of PSP used in the Canberra Studies. Wonder Herb also states they have a higher verified activity level than some other sources. To date, the best source of tocotrienol I have discovered is made from the annatto plant found in South America. For around 150 years the seeds of this plant were used to make food coloring. Then in the late 1990’s, high amounts of near pure tocotrienols were discovered from the seeds. It is from this plant that DeltaGold® Tocotrienol is produced and currently sold through multiple distributors. Unfortunately there is not a good source of naturally pure gamma-tocotrienol, as yet. More research needs to be completed with additional sources and better processing. For now, DeltaGold® appears to be the best combination of gamma- and delta-tocotrienol available due to its lack of tocopherols. As always, you will want to talk with your doctor about dosage and supervision during PSP, PSK and tocotrienol use.   

There is still more information to come on Potential New Natural Cancer Treatments. Keep an eye out for the next article in this series to arrive soon.

       

Glucosamine To Treat Prostate Cancer

Recently I received an email from a good friend, and cancer survivor in Australia, relaying a story about a man who believed his prostate cancer cured with the use of a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement. Seems he discovered this process when he heard men in retirement homes given glucosamine and chondroitin to improve their joint mobility for exercise, found their PSA going down. Since he was experiencing a failed prostatectomy, he was open to alternative options rather than the next step of radiation. He asked his doctor about it who said, it couldn’t hurt, so he gave it a try. According to the story he began taking 10 caps per day, though I do not currently know the true dosage or length of time taken. He said after taking the glucosamine with chondroitin, his tests showed a much lower PSA than normal, with no need for further treatment. The story goes on to say other men he has shared this information with, have also received improved results with a much lower PSA. To date I have not been able to verify this story first hand, though it opened to question these supplements in relation to prostate cancer and their potential benefit.

I began to wonder why this appeared to help cancer patients, and completed some preliminary research on the subject. It appears chondroitin is NOT recommended for men with PCa based on a limited 2002 study that found men who had a prostatectomy with high levels of chondroitin experienced a 47% chance of recurrence, whereas men with low levels of chondroitin only experienced a 14% chance of recurrence. Many medical institutions are now saying that chondroitin may cause the spread or recurrence of prostate cancer, though research is minimal, and there is no definitive research for the specific substance ‘chondroitin sulfate’. So until more information and testing are done on chondroitin, why take the risk?

On the other hand, I found very promising results for Glucosamine in relation to prostate cancer. Research has confirmed that dose dependent glucosamine inhibits the growth and spread of certain forms of prostate cancer, and causes cancer’s death. There have been some excellent studies on how glucosamine fights cancer and the mechanisms it employs.

I also discovered glucosamine to be very good at reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Considering how increased CRP is believed to facilitate cancer’s occurrence and growth, this in itself could be worthwhile. In addition, glucosamine is a well-known antioxidant, so it can be paired with tocotrienols that also fight cancer and reduce CRP such as delta and gamma-tocotrienols in the form of DeltaGold®, and EGCG therapy in such forms as CAPSOL-T®.

Supplementing with Glucosamine is considered safe, though in limited instances, mild side effects of nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation have occurred pending on the dose. Most glucosamine is made from shellfish though there is a vegan form available. If you have an allergy to shellfish, you will want to seek medical advise before taking. If you experience any side effects, it is best to reduce the dose and consult your medical professional.

To me, the available research brings up some impressive results for glucosamine in relation to prostate cancer. I now wonder if this is the principal agent that had been helping retirement patients in the story reduce their PSA, regardless of the potentially negative chondroitin action? Hearing that several men have had very positive results using a glucosamine/chondroitin mix is wonderful news; though I believe glucosamine alone may be more effective, and without future risk of recurrence. For someone concerned with prostate cancer glucosamine may be an excellent supplement, though it is unfortunate that glucosamine and chondroitin are so often linked together. At present it is possible to obtain glucosamine by itself from several sources, or with the addition of MSM.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. It is present and necessary for health in all people. It has been principally used for joint health and to reduce inflammation, though it does so much more. It promotes healthy circulation, cleanses the digestive tract, improves liver function, boosts metabolism, helps produce glutathione, and reduces toxic impurities in the body. It also improves cell wall permeability allowing for greater oxygen to enter, a process believed detrimental to cancer cells. Sulfur is so important to our bodies that daily we eat many foods containing sulfur including: meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and grains. Unfortunately processed, overcooked and dried foods have their sulfur content greatly reduced, making sulfur supplementation sometimes necessary. Suggested supplement amounts range from 1,000mg to 4,000mg daily. Supplementing with MSM is considered very safe but if one’s stool becomes too loose, a reduction of dosage is suggested.

With this said Glucosamine with MSM certainly appear to be an interesting possibility for future research to mitigate prostate cancer and lower CRP. As always should you look into these supplements I recommend you have a discussion with your doctor or naturopath concerning their use, the dosage, and overall time employed.

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Potential New Natural Cancer Treatments: Is Marijuana a Cure for Cancer?

Cannabis (Marijuana) kills Cancer. Researchers, even the U.S. government, have acknowledged this as fact. Unfortunately, due to previous controlled substance restrictions, necessary testing hasn’t been done to confirm its full curative power, principal healing components, or most effective dosage. For much of that, we unfortunately rely on unverified anecdotal stories and limited laboratory studies. Even with a Federal Report clearly linking cannabinoids found in cannabis to cancer cell death, retardation of cell growth, and reduction of metastasis that reduce the growth and spread of cancer, we are still in the dark. By the way, this report also suggests when cannabis is used with various forms of chemotherapy; it increases the cancer drug’s uptake, heightening the effectiveness of chemotherapy cancer treatment. 

Cannabis is certainly complex. There are over 85 unique cannabinoids found in cannabis. When cannabis is ingested these cannabinoids travel through the blood to eventually lock onto many different cannabinoid protein receptors on the surface of cells. Some of these receptors are classified as CB1, CB2, and a family of receptors known as GPR. CB1 receptors are more abundant throughout the nervous system. CB2 receptors are mostly in the immune system. CB1 and CB2 receptors are also found on cancer cells assisting with regulation of cell death and growth. And a combined receptor composed of linked CB2R with GPR55 is even more abundant on cancer cells. Because of the nature of cancer, when cannabinoids lock onto cancer cells the reaction is considerably different than when they lock onto healthy cell receptors. Cancer cells have far more receptors than healthy cells and have a different reaction to the THC and CBD than healthy cells. Essentially the cannabis while killing cancer cells leave healthy cells unaffected. For our purpose here we are focusing principally on two cannabinoids, THC and CBD. This in no way implies other cannabinoids do not play a part in the healing process. It’s just not yet understood, needing further research.

THC is the substance that gets you high when you smoke, drink, or eat cannabis, marijuana, or ‘pot’. If you grew up in the 60’s you may understand this process all too well. THC is also one of the principal ingredients in cannabis that kills cancer. When activated, it easily attaches to cancer cells via cannabinoid receptors. This process generates a ceramide, a lipid molecule, disrupting the mitochondria, shutting down the cell’s energy flow. As a result, the mitochondria release ctochrome-c, a protein that catalyzes reactions, and ROS (reactive oxygen species) into the cytosol, the fluid found in each cell. Additionally the calcium chemical process in the mitochondria is further damaged. These actions cause the cancer cell to die. So largely THC works on an oxidative process within cancer cells. For this reason it is important to reduce the amount of antioxidants ingested during cannabis treatment, and be especially careful of any large amount of antioxidant food or supplements within 6-hours before or 4-hours after a cannabis application.

CBD on the other hand operates differently. When it locks onto the cancer cell it disrupts the endoplasmic reticulum that facilitates transportation of proteins within the cancer cell by destroying the calcium functional process of the cell. This causes calcium to flow into the cytosol causing cell death. In addition, it facilitates the break down of proteins and peptides in cancer cells, again causing their death. 

Together THC and CBD found in cannabis deal cancer a one-two punch. Limited research has shown THC effective at killing cancer cells and CBD not only assisting with the death of cancer cells but especially effective at stopping metastasis. In the lab, cannabinoids have been found to stop cancer cells from dividing, to prevent new blood vessel growth supplying tumors, and accelerating cancer’s own waste disposal process, called autophage, which also assists in cancer cell death. Bay area researchers McAllister and Desprez recently confirmed cannabis inhibits cancer’s progress keeping it from metastasizing. In addition when used together, CBD assists to mildly reduce the ‘getting high’ effects of THC making the entire treatment process a bit easier. 

Without doubt, cannabis contains many interesting and healing properties. In addition to arresting cancer, it has been linked with reduced inflammation and seizures, moderating stomach issues, reducing anxiety, depression and psychosis, and helping to resolve neurodegenerative disorders. With all of these benefits many have jumped on the bandwagon offering Internet promotions for CBD oil; yet cannabis is still illegal throughout much of the U.S., so what are they really promoting? Unfortunately, what they’re offering on the Internet will be of little use to cancer patients. You see there are two forms of CBD oil, one made from cannabis, the other made from legal commercial hemp. Though in essence the same plant family, they are far different products. So be very careful in what you buy. Commercial hemp oil, also sometimes sold as CBD oil, actually contains very little beneficial CBD, only 25 parts per million; whereas cannabis CBD oil has naturally occurring CBD at around 150,000 parts per million. You will not receive the benefits you need from commercial hemp oil. Also products sold on the street labeled CBD oil or Rick Simpson Oil may include unknown ingredients, may have reduced potency, or have been manufactured in such a way to compromise the healing properties of the cannabis. For prostate cancer you need the highest quality of purified activated THC and CBD, preferably in a one to one ratio. So where can you find these products in the safest possible manner?

You could start by obtaining a legal medical card if you reside in any one of the 23 U.S. States and Washington, DC now approving medical marijuana use. And the list just keeps growing. This has the benefits of providing cannabis in the most standardized form and quality, with the lowest possible price. Most states only require residency along with a valid medical examination or consultation, and proof you have a condition that will benefit from cannabis treatment. Cancer usually tops their list. When going to this appointment, be sure to bring your cancer documentation such as lab tests, scans, and biopsy reports. After the exam, you’ll be issued a medical marijuana card or certificate to take to a licensed dispensary of your choice. There you will be able to purchase product for treatment. Of course if you’re fortunate to live in Colorado or Washington State where recreational marijuana is now legal, you have the benefit of being able to go to the store for purchase, though the specific product you want may not be carried in their inventory. You’ll also find this retail process more expensive and technically you’ll still need to be a state resident. You know, if it came down to it and you really wanted to try cannabis for your cancer, I would not hesitate to move to a state where medical or recreational forms are legal. It keeps you safe, and legal, for the 3-4 months of self-treatment, and it’s a lot less costly with fewer side effects than many accepted cancer treatments.

When purchasing product you want to look for THC and CBD oil combined in roughly a One to One Ratio. Most often attaining this ratio will require combining two or three products. Many of these products, looking like black or amber goo, come in tubes, or small syringes without the needle. They’re sold as CBD Oil, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), or possibly a CO2 extracted oil. When first looking for acceptable product, you’ll find that the ratios of THC to CBD vary greatly from location to location, and product to product. Pay particular attention to ‘fully tested and certified’ product. Before purchasing any product, you need to know the following:

1) What are the percentages of THC and CBD per gram of product?

2) What are the percentages of Activated THC and Activated CBD?

2) Are there any solvent residues present?

4) Are there any traces of foreign material and microbial contaminants present?

Presently a typical product selection may include tested results such as these:

Product A) High CBD oil:

15.34% Total THC, 59.98% Total CBD, with Total Activated Cannabinoids 61.93%

Product B) High THC RSO oil:

81.26% Total THC, 0.24% Total CBD, with Total Activated Cannabinoids 85.40%

Let’s take a look at how these numbers affect your THC and CBD mixing ratio.

In 1 gram of our example High CBD oil there is:

            1,000mg X 15.34% = 153.40mg THC

            1,000mg X 59.98% = 599.80mg CBD

            This equals a THC/CBD ratio of 1 to 3.91 roughly 1:4

Total Activated Cannabinoids in Product-A are listed as = 61.93% of total volume and are in a roughly 1 to 4 ratio. These include all cannabinoids in the product, not just THC and CBD though these are the principal components. Now remember, we are looking for a close 1 to 1 ratio of activated THC and CBD. Thus we need to add some High THC oil into the mix.

Next, in one gram of the example High THC oil there is:

            1,000mg X 81.26% = 812.6mg THC

            1,000mg X 0.24% = 2.4mg CBD

            This equals a THC/CBD ratio of approximately 339 to 1

            Total Activated Cannabinoids in Product B are listed as = 85.40%

Given the THC and CBD numbers in One Gram of Product-A, for a 1-gram daily dose using these products, I might suggest combining approximately 2/3 gram of Product-A and 1/3 gram of Product-B.

This process becomes further complicated when the activated Cannabinoids total much less than total THC and CBD, as activated cannabinoids are required for effective treatment. You can see why having reliable test results and proper labeling of cannabis products is so important. Without product test results, you are only guessing. Can you treat without knowing the numbers, possibly… but most likely not in a successful manner. At this time researchers and doctors tend to agree that keeping your activated THC and activated CBD ratios balanced will provide the best possible results. It may take you some time to find the best product(s). Just keep asking questions, and if one outlet is unable provide you with a verifiable breakdown of their product’s components, go somewhere else!

As a last resort you could make your own product by purchasing unprocessed marijuana and cooking it. There are several strains of marijuana that have been breed for different purposes. Some strains have almost breed out all the CBD in favor of higher THC. For treatment, you will be looking for an Indica Strain, not Sativa, with balanced CBD and THC. Using this product you might try making your own hash-oil, which is a very dangerous process when done improperly. This process is not only toxic, but has caused fires and explosions when performed in a confined space. Besides it stinks, and the neighbors will quickly come to the realization what you’re doing. The person who pioneered this process, and popularized treatment of cancer with cannabis, is Rick Simpson. His story and his hash-oil process may be found on the web at PhoenixTears. But because of the dangers of this extraction process, I do not recommend it.

Recently, a less volatile home based process has been added to create product for treatment. Again you start with the raw marijuana but then you process it with coconut oil over low heat (180 degrees F) for around 11+ hours. This forms a cannabis paste. Since no volatile solvents are involved, the entire process is much safer. Of course, with this process you will still need to pay for your own finished product testing that in itself will be costly in small batches, both in terms of dollars and consuming available product. Full testing can run over $200, and consume from 2-4 grams of finished product. Not an expense an individual user wants to undertake.

Because of this, my preference would be to legally buy your finished, fully tested, product from a reliable source. But if that’s just not possible, here is one cannabis paste process:

Start with at least 4-8 grams of Buds that have been properly tested so you know the ratio of CBD to THC. Spread these on a cookie sheet and dry them in the oven at low temperature (180º F) for 1-2 hours. When sufficiently dried, remove and blend the cooled Bud into a fine powder mixture in an electric coffee grinder, or similar product. Then in a double boiler on the stovetop, like you would use for melting chocolate, cover the powder with roughly an equal volume of melted coconut oil. Heat slowly on a ‘low’ temperature of 180º F to 200º F for at least 11 hours. Check temperature of this mixture with a thermometer often during the process. After cooling have resultant paste tested for mixture ratio and percent of activated product. If you think this sounds like a lengthy process, you’re right. It’s also a mess to clean up, and it stinks. So once again, it’s best to seek out legal pre-made product that’s been properly tested. More about this cannabis paste process is available online.

Why does one desire heated marijuana for treatment? It’s to convert it into an effective product for the body to use. Raw unprocessed cannabis contains mostly THCA; this simply doesn’t fit effectively into the CB1 receptor. The same applies to CBD. When properly heated during the process to convert CBD and THC, the heat causes a carboxyl group to be removed thus creating active THC and active CBD. The process is called decarboxylation. It’s best done at low temperatures over time preventing destruction of cannabinoids and terpenes in the cannabis. This new Activated THC and CBD will now fit perfectly into the CB1 receptors on cancer cells. Regardless if you are using RSO Oil, Cannabis Paste, CO2 Extracted Oil or CBD Oil, the extraction process requires heat over time to decarboxylate and activate the finished product. The problem becomes at what temperature. Too high a heat will destroy the beneficial properties of the cannabis, while too little will not decarboxylate the THCA and CBDA. Biochemist Dennis Hill, who states he successfully treated his Stage 4 prostate cancer with cannabis, suggests the optimal heat is 240 degrees F for 30 to 45 minutes. Heat may also be applied at lower temperatures for a longer time creating the same results, such as in the long processing time of cannabis paste.

Once you have tested product, active THC and CBD, treatment begins. No precise scientific proven dosage recommendations exist. Rick Simpson suggests working your dosage of Rick Simpson Oil gradually up over time to ultimately reach one (1) gram per day for a total of 60 days. Biochemist Dennis Hill having declared he cured his Stage 4 Prostate Cancer using Rick Simpson Oil, suggests simply taking as much as possible in the evening before bed, then smaller amounts during the day. After 6-months of treatment, Mr. Hill’s biopsy confirmed his cancer was gone. Now to assure it doesn’t return he states he takes a maintenance dose at much lower potency with balanced activated THC and CBD.

If you have decided this may be a path to try, above all else remember, THC will make you high, possibly impairing reflexes and judgment. Do not plan on normal activity levels during the course of treatment, and never, ever, put those around you at risk when ‘buzzed’ on THC. Remember this is an experimental cancer treatment, be responsible!

Little has been written about the debilitating effects of short term high-dose cannabis treatments. When taken orally in high doses, you may find yourself unable to function at the most basic tasks. Even a trip to the bathroom can be challenging and difficult to navigate. This is because around half of the ‘oral’ THC is converted in the liver into a strong psychoactive metabolite called 11-Hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol that gets you incredibly ‘high’. Immediate side effects of treating orally with THC include sensory distortion, poor coordination, slower reaction time, lowered blood pressure that may cause fainting, and possible panic or anxiety. There is also the possibility your heart may speed up during the process so be sure to have it checked prior to treatment, and find a doctor who understands cannabis follow your progress. After the initial high, many feel sleepy or even depressed. Suggested long-term side effects could include suppression of the immune system, sexual difficulties, mood changes, and the inability to properly reason. These long-term side effects have been witnessed after years of cannabis self-indulgence, therefore the few months of cancer treatment will most likely not be an issue. Still everyone is biologically different, so beware. Needless to say the side effects most often experienced are far less than those from many standard medical treatments for cancer.

One last note regarding possible side effects and withdrawal symptoms, when taking 1 gram of cannabis per day your body will become attuned to the cannabis. If you quickly stop the treatment, withdrawal symptoms will occur. These could include night sweats, interrupted sleep, vivid dreams, and general flu-like symptoms. Symptoms usually last for 3-5 days, gradually tapering off. To avoid withdrawal, the best process is to lower your cannabis dosage very slowly over several weeks time, and be sure to contact your doctor if symptoms persist.

You may also want to discuss with your doctor using Citicoline during cannabis treatment and/or at withdrawal. This is a readily available supplement in the U.S. with a reasonable safety track record. Most common side effects for large doses include stomach upset and diarrhea. Some believe it can be used during treatment to mitigate the side effects of THC psychoactivity reducing such side effects as paranoia and anxiety, while improving focus and mental energy. This is believed to allow for a quicker dosage ramp-up and easier withdrawal. The suggested use during treatment is to take 250-500mg one hour before a cannabis dose. More research on this product and dosage needs to be done. Citicoline facilitates production of phosphatidylcholine a chemical important for brain function. It may also protect against brain tissue damage, improve visual function, increase brain glucose metabolism, increase dopamine receptors, and prevent memory impairment. Again, few studies have been completed regarding this product and cannabis though it has been used for many years. A June 2014 review of literature regarding Citicoline concludes that it is considered neuroprotective against the neurotoxic effects of drug use thereby reducing withdrawal symptoms. 

Having said all this, there may be a way to avoid the extreme debilitating highs when using cannabis while possibly improving cannabis absorption. Though more testing is needed, the solution appears to be through rectal administration using available, or homemade suppositories, or 1CC slip or soft tip syringes (without needle) with RSO or CO2 extracted oils. Using this method, the THC and CBD avoid the digestive track and liver, and travel into the body through the vena cava allowing for much better bioavailability, higher blood concentrations that begin sooner and last longer, and fewer psychoactive side effects. Suppository molds, and 1CC slip tip syringes are easily available through Amazon.com. Those who make their own suppositories often use cocoa butter as a carrier as it is solid at room temperature, melts in the body, and is generally soothing and non-irritating. If you are fortunate enough to live in Colorado, there already exist legal outlets where properly tested cannabis suppositories are available, along with medical doctors who will provide advise regarding their use. 

In addition to the potential healing properties of THC and CBD, positive side effects of using suppositories in this manner include reduction of hemorrhoids and rectal inflammation, and you are able to function much better on a day-to-day basis during treatment.

Making cannabis suppositories at home is relatively easy, especially with single-use suppository molds available online. Start with a ratio of 10 grams of cocoa butter to 1-2 grams of activated cannabis oil. After doing your calculations regarding percent of activated THC and CBD for each product, you will know what amounts of THC and CBD to combine to achieve the nearest 50/50 ratio of THC and CBD. Cocoa butter is also available online, or from any good chocolate store.

Now use very low heat to slowly melt the cocoa butter. Be careful not to burn the oil. Using a double boiler often used to melt chocolate is recommended. Then add the cannabis oil and stir thoroughly until evenly distributed and mixed. This may take some time. Once mixed, pour the warm fluid into the suppository molds, and set aside to harden. You can facilitate this process by placing the filled molds in the refrigerator or freezer. These low-dose suppositories are now ready for use. As you continue to use the cannabis, gradually increase the amount of activated THC and CBD in the suppositories over time. Your goal is to reach a point where your have 1 gram of a 50/50 THC and CBD blend in each suppository with at least 70-80% activated product. Once this is reached, continue with application for two months and then test your cancer markers. During this treatment time, pay particular attention to staying hydrated. Drink extra water and electrolytes to prevent rectal dehydration that tends to reduce rectal absorption.

Throughout this section, I have repeatedly written about using properly tested legal product. With each State creating individual diverse laws for the legalization of medical marijuana, there is much to be desired concerning the quality of available product. In some instances, even with purchasing product from a legal source, you may not receive what’s advertised, or even have available the product you need.

For example, buying product in Washington State at this writing is a bit like buying products in the Old West out of a covered wagon that just pulled into town. Medical marijuana outlets range the gamut from sleazy dives to clean well-run medical facilities. Within each of these facilities, the greater abundance of product is without test results, and staff often has minimal product knowledge. Then when the marijuana does include some published ingredient information on the packaging, the information may not be complete or there is little backup documentation. That’s right, the product may be labeled for THC, and or CBD percentage, but does not come with the test report verifying the printed information, percent of ‘activated’ product, or if there are residual solvents or biological contaminates. Instead the purchaser often hears, “trust me, others are getting good results”. Even finding product can be a problem. Most dispensaries of medical marijuana have little high quality CBD available. You see much of the available plants are now genetically grown to enhance THC, not CBD. For cancer patients, this is a continuous issue.

Then there is the secret shopper Report from New Mexico. A neuropathy patient, working with a local newspaper and testing lab, purchased 14 cannabis products from shops in the Santa Fee and Albuquerque areas. What they discovered was disappointing. While some products tested as advertised for quantities of THC and CBD, many only contained 10% to 50% of labeled quantities. This is a clear case where patients in need were being sold substandard product.

What can be done about these deficiencies and abuse? Until we have Federal approval and uniform product regulation, patients should refuse to purchase any product without full test reports openly available. Further, I believe States that provide approval for medical marijuana need to setup their own ‘secret shopper’ random testing program with large fines for any licensed retailer selling substandard, untested product to medical marijuana patients. Fines and licensing fees could easily cover the cost of shoppers, product purchase, and testing. Clearly the system to date is not perfect, though I believe we are headed in the right direction, and medical marijuana does appear to be getting results.

Does cannabis work to cure cancer or put it into remission? You be the judge. Cancer cure rates are largely unknown; to our disgrace as yet no major patient studies have been completed, though excellent results have been obtained in smaller clinical trials and laboratory settings. All you can do now is read as many smaller studies and personal stories as possible, both the good and the bad, then make your own decision. The good news is the choice is yours.

Laboratory studies have been promising. So much so that one recent 2013 study clearly supports full clinical testing of CBD for treating prostate cancer. From around the world there are many medical studies that support the use of cannabis to treat cancer in many of its forms including brain cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, blood cancer, oral cancer, and pancreatic cancer. A 2006 study with patients suffering from glioblastoma multiforme who previously experienced failed treatment with surgery and radiation found life extension with THC usage. A 2010 breast cancer study confirmed that THC reduced tumor growth and the severity of lung cancer metastases. A 2008 study by Harvard Medical Schoolfound that THC inhibited lung cancer cell migration, and recommended that it be explored to control growth and metastasis of various cancers. A Swedish 2006 study confirmed that cannabinoids kill mantle cell lymphoma. Another study relating to oral tumors showed cannabinoids are toxic to malignant tumors. In addition there are many stories from patients who reported melanoma cures through the use of topical cannabis oil. Foundation for this process is backed through limited recent such as the 2013 paper, ‘Epigenetic control of skin differentiation genes by phytocannabinoids’, and the 2015 research study ‘Differential role of cannabinoids in the pathogenesis of skin cancer’. 

And the list of healing stories and research goes on. For further information you may also want to visit the Alchimia Blog to view a list of 82 studies of marijuana in relation to cancer. Clearly cannabis is providing some form of positive healing results for treating cancer. Why then if we truly want to cure cancer, do we not do everything within our power to explore it further? Could it be the stigma of getting high or that it is not socially and politically correct? More likely it is because there is no major financial return for pharmaceutical companies? Cannabis is easy to grow, much less expensive compared to new approved drugs, and available around the world. Because of this the question becomes, “Regardless of its ability to relieve suffering and save lives, who will fund the millions needed to do the research for its official approval?”

Stay tuned for my next post in this series on Potential New Natural Cancer Treatments.

Potential New Natural Cancer Treatments - Artesunate

Artesunate, Artemisinin & Artemether

Are you looking for a cancer treatment that attacks, and kills cancer cells with little harm to healthy cells? Now add, it should have zero to minimal side effects when administered properly, cost less than $3.00 per day for treatment, and obtain excellent results. The answer may be closer than you think.

One of the most promising new cancer treatment possibilities is Artesunate, a standardized pharmaceutical grade derivative of Artemisinin from the Artemisia annua plant, also known as Sweet Wormwood or Sweet Annie. Artemisia annua has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In fact, records of its use were unearthed in an ancient Han Tomb at Mawangdui outlining treatment for malaria with Artemisia. Also discovered, was a small region in Viet Nam that has been quietly relying on the Artemisia Anna plant for its malaria healing powers.

As a result of these discoveries, in the 1960’s the Chinese began using this plant to treat malaria. In the 1970’s the World Health Organization began investigating Artemisia annua as a malaria cure when Quinine became less effective. And in 1972, Artemisinin was isolated from the plant by Dr. Tu Youyou of China as one of its principal active ingredients. For this discovery and his work with Artemisinin, Dr Tu received a Nobel Prize in 2015.

Since then, Artemisinin, and its two most common derivatives, Artesunate and Artemether, have been used around the world to treat malaria. Artemisinin works because malaria parasites consume large quantities of red blood cells containing iron. They become loaded with iron. Adding Artemisinin causes a reaction with this iron releasing reactive oxygen species that destroy the parasite.

In the U.S., the FDA has also approved a drug made from this research for malaria treatment. In addition, because of Artemisinin’s extended use, there are excellent records for dosage, effectiveness, and side effects regarding the Artemisia annua plant, Artemisinin, Artesunate, and Artemether. So what does this have to do with cancer? The answer revolves around malaria and cancer’s need for iron to survive.

Now fast forward to present time. Due to recent research, some provided by the University of Washington, scientists are looking at the Artemesia family of compounds as a treatment for cancer. In fact, preliminary research has progressed so well that one company in the Pacific Northwest, working to improve Artemisinin’s effectiveness, is ready to initiate phase one trials in relation to breast and prostate cancer, as soon as they are able to fund the project. So you’re probably asking yourself, how does it work? To answer, it’s important first to understand one of the principal processes of cancer cells. This is, cancer’s critical need for iron.

Iron is essential for each cancer cell’s metabolism, cell division, and survival. It plays a part in DNA synthesis, cellular respiration, and macromolecule biosynthesis. It is vital for cell growth and proliferation. In fact, it is so necessary for cancer cells that without it they die. Now we all need a certain level of iron for proper bodily functions. Too little iron, you become sick and anemic. Too much iron and you could experience chronic fatigue, joint and abdominal pain, even liver and heart failure. And an over-abundance of iron is also believed to fuel cancer’s growth like pouring gasoline on a fire.

Normal cells in your body need minimal iron, but cancer cells need more. It’s their key for cellular division. To gather the iron cancer needs, prostate and breast cancer cells have many more transferrin iron-receptors on their surface than healthy cells, as many as 15 times more! Leukemia cancer cells require the highest concentration of iron. Their iron storage can reach 1,000 times more than healthy cells. All this iron comes from the food we eat.

When we consume foods with iron, the iron is absorbed by the small intestine. It’s then carried to the cells by a plasma protein called transferrin. Our cells have transferrin receptors on their surface. Sort of like a receptacle or dock waiting for its mate or ship to arrive.  As the iron carrying transferrin joins with each cell’s transferrin receptors, it’s transported into the cell by a kind of vesicle, essentially a sac. The transferrin is then released into the cell and the empty receptor is transported back to the cell surface to gather more transferrin. This is a process of continuous repetition, though much more abundant for cancer cells due to their greater quantity of transferrin receptors. In addition to cells collecting iron, much iron is transported to the bone marrow where it’s used to make hemoglobin and red blood cells. These then circulate throughout the body supplying oxygen to tissues and organs. Iron in the blood is an important factor when considering Artemisinin treatment, and it also presents an excellent way of monitoring for side effects. More on this later. 

Now comes the important cancer termination part. The Artemisinin family of compounds contains two oxygen atoms hooked together in an endoperoxide linkage. When put together with iron this bond breaks, thus forming free radicals that destroy the cancer cell from within.

Technically Artesunate, which is readily hydrolyzed back to a DHA metabolite, is activated by iron in the cancer cells. This combination produces highly alkylating carbon-centered radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Because tumor cells are already damaged, they have lower expression of antioxidant compounds and other factors necessary to repair the damage caused by the flood of alkylating carbon-centered radicals and ROS. Thus the cancer cell ceases to function.

Healthy cells require much less iron. They also are better equipped to repair oxidative damage. Because of this, Artemisinin effectively targets cancer cells while leaving healthy cells in tact.

Though few official studies have been completed, reported results from cancer patients taking Artemisinin Compounds are remarkable.

• A 47-year-old male with an egg-sized head lymphoma who took Artemisinin for two weeks experienced complete healing four weeks later. The tumor was gone with no mass remaining.

• A woman with stage-4 breast cancer after receiving Artemisinin derivatives reported renewed wellness, feeling like before she was diagnosed with cancer. Her CT Scan confirmed remission.

• A 40-year-old woman with breast cancer and spine metastases after four months of supplementation with oral Artemisinin derivatives showed no remaining cancer on her spine using a PET scan.

• A woman with metastasized breast cancer was able to stop her drug use of zoledronic acid and Tamoxifen with her oncologist’s understanding because her cancer markers had so improved after taking a course of Artesunate.

• A male, with larynx cancer treated with Artesunate injections for two months was able to shrink his tumor by 70 %.

• A Belgium man with a PSA of 12 reported his PSA dropped to 0.38 with Artemisinin derivative treatment.

• Others with prostate cancer have been able to drop their PSA significantly with Artemisinin and derivative treatment, from 4 to 2, from 7.8 to 1.9, and from 3 to 0.45 respectively, all within 3 to 6 weeks.

Then, there is the recent Colorectal Cancer Study from St George’s University of London combining Artesunate followed by curative resection. This was a 14-day, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Follow-up revealed, of the 11 patients on placebo, six experienced a cancer recurrence within 3.5 years, three of these died. Whereas, only one of the nine patients on Artesunate experienced a recurrence, and none died. Given the very short time on Artesunate, these are fascinating results. 

In all, at least 55 cancer cell lines appear to experience some level of cancer cell death and remission with Artemisinin derivatives… with leukemia, colon, melanoma, breast, renal, CNS, and prostate cancer showing the best results.
 

Additional research papers on the Artemisinin and its derivatives may be found through the University of Washington.

This is exciting information. But do NOT rush out to your local health food store, or onto Amazon.com to purchase Artemisinin. It may not work. Testing on readily available Artemisinin products has revealed capsules containing wide ranges of potency, some with only 5% to 10% active Artemisinin levels. Using these products is most likely a waste of time, money, and your health. There is too little Artemisinin to be effective. This is due to processing, and that different subspecies of Artemesia annua contain different concentrations of Artemisinin. The species with the best yield and quality is found in southwestern China and Vietnam.

Then too, Artemisinin and its derivatives are light sensitive, loosing potency when exposed to light so packaging and storage are very important. And since successful treatment, and side effects are dose-dependent, it is critical to know exactly the amount you’re taking. Therefore, the only Artemisinin family product to consume must be of ‘pharmaceutical grade’ quality. There are several pharmaceutical grade sources for Artemisinin family products, but which form of Artemisinin should be used?

Several derivatives of Artemisinin have been developed since it’s recent discovery in an attempt to improve absorption and stability while reducing toxic effects. Currently, doctors principally use three product forms. Let’s start by looking at each of these.

            Artemisinin – This is the initial product derived directly from the Artemesia annua plant. It is Not Water-Soluble and has poorer absorption than some other forms. When taken, it reaches its peak concentration in the blood in about 40 minutes. The liver quickly breaks it down, and by four hours it has reached the end of its effectiveness.

            Artesunate – This is a semi-synthetic form of Artemisinin. Many sources believe it is the most effective form to use for killing cancer because of its DHA conversion in the body. Artesunate is partially water-soluble. It is available in pill, injection, and IV forms. It has a higher absorption rate, around 61%, but also the shortest activity period.

            Artemether – Another semi-synthetic form of Artemisinin, Artemether lasts longest in the blood and is more fat-soluble. It also exhibits more side effects than the other two products.

Important Note: Because of its higher toxicity, it has been strongly recommended that Artemether dosage not exceed one milligram (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day (<1mg/kg/day).

Now knowing the different forms of Artemisinin, have a conversation with your health care provider to choose which approach may be best. From my own research and medical discussions, I tend to believe Artesunate to be most effective, though in some instances a blend of the three could be explored.

For all three of these forms, most doctors and researchers recommend they be taken on an empty stomach, away from food. If taken near food consumption, the Artemisinin may bind with iron in the food rendering it ineffective before reaching its cancer target. If taking these products twice a day the best times are just before bed at least three hours after eating, or in the morning an hour before food.

But if you are taking supplements, Vitamin-C, CoQ10, Fish Oil, etc., taking Artesunate or Artemisinin twice a day may be not practical. You see many supplements are strong antioxidants. The Artemisinin family works largely on the principal of oxidation. An antioxidant will counteract this oxidative process. Your supplements most likely stay in your body at least four to six hours. If taken too close to Artemisinin, your supplements will negate its use. Then too, one must consider your nutritional intake. You wouldn’t want to eat say a couple of oranges close to ingesting Artesunate because of the anti-oxidants. And, there are many foods with higher anti-oxidant activity. Some of these include red beans, blueberries, kidney beans, pinto beans, cranberries, artichoke, blackberries, prunes, raspberries, strawberries, apples, pecans, cherries, plumbs, potatoes, black beans, and the list goes on. Then there are all the exotic super food antioxidants. So what’s a person to do? You shouldn’t stop eating healthy. The answer is to simply separate the two. Enjoy your high antioxidant foods and supplements in the morning, and take Artesunate in one dose at night before bed.

With that said, there is another reason to take Artesunate before bed. Cancer cells grow faster at night. This is when protein receptor molecules on the cell’s surface are more active. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) facilitates cell growth, but is suppressed by another receptor during the day. All this cancer growth activity at night makes the cells more vulnerable, requiring more iron for cellular division. Bedtime then becomes the best time to slip in a little Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether.

Other points to consider are absorption, and absorption resistance. The Artemisinin family is mostly oil-soluble, not water-soluble. Artesunate’s increased absorption rate comes from its partial water solubility. For best absorption, some doctors are researchers suggest taking the dose with a little whole milk as it has fat to facilitate absorption with few antioxidants.

Then, when you ingest Artemisinin continuously your intestines quickly build up a resistance to absorbing the Artemisinin. In only a few days, amounts of Artemisinin absorbed can drop by over 30%. With continued use, this drop in absorption increases until the Artemisinin attained is far too little to be effective. The easy remedy for this issue is an intestinal reset. When one stops taking Artemisinin for a few days, absorption is believed to return to its necessary levels.

Before we continue with this discussion, I want to add an important warning. There can be serious side effects as a result of taking Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether in too large a dose without concurrent monitoring of hemoglobin and other appropriate tests. If you are considering using Artemisinin in any of its forms, it is vital you use it only under the supervision of a medical professional that understands the process, and can perform the safety and evaluation tests required.

With that said, let’s continue by focusing on dosage, and side effects. There are a few studies that provide a hint of dosage for Artesunate and Artemisinin as it relates for cancer treatment, though many studies exist for malaria. Doctors around the World have been using Artemisinin in its three principal forms for malaria treatment for decades. Therefore we do know something about dose tolerance.

Recent research, along with doctors and researchers I have chatted with regarding this subject, generally suggest the following Artesunate protocol for treatment:

            • Prior to use have your iron levels and hemoglobin tested

                        If low - these need to corrected before proceeding

            • Artesunate Dosage:

                        2.5mg to 3.5mg per kilogram of body weight per day

            • Take dose before bed,

                        away from food and antioxidants,

                        with a little milk

            • Take 5 days on then 2 days off for best absorption

            • After 14 days test Hemoglobin Levels –

                                                                                     This is critically important!

                        If no change in Hemoglobin on initial 14-day test–

                                    Talk with doctor about a small dosage increase

                        If Hemoglobin dropping –

                                    Reduce dosage and retest until stability reached

            • Continue for another 14 days – re-check Hemoglobin

                        Once Hemoglobin level is stable – re-check every 30 days

            • Check for liver function

            • Check cancer markers for results at 30 days, and as desired.

Research suggests, if the Artesunate is administered properly, positive results in cancer markers should be seen after the first 28 days. I know cancer survivors who have taken Artesunate for months with desired result starting small, then building. Treatment is without side effects for the most part, though some have experienced issues.

Side Effects are often dose-dependent. When side effects show up they can present as stomach or digestive distress, though in rare instances flu-like symptoms of dizziness, fever, nausea, skin rashes, drowsiness, sweating, even vomiting has occurred. Some people with allergies to ragweed related plants also experience an allergic reaction. In one study with 500 patients, approximately 50% of the participants taking Artemisinin compounds experienced some form of minor side effect with no major side effects during treatment. These side effects though concerning, can be controlled with your doctor’s help. But woe to those who take Artemisinin compounds without counsel and medical supervision.

If taken without regard for proper dosage and monitoring, more serious dose-dependent side effects can exist. There have been rare instances of large doses of Artesunate and Artemisinin attacking bone marrow and red blood cells. Nearly 70% of the iron in your body is stored in red blood cell’s hemoglobin and muscle cells. Too much Artemisinin, Artesunate, or Artemether may begin to attack your hemoglobin, or the bone marrow where red blood cells are made. This can result in anemia or abnormal bone marrow. Too much Artemisinin may also effect to liver.

These situations are thought to be easily avoided by monitoring your hemoglobin level at specific times, then adjusting the dosage of Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether as required to a maintain proper hemoglobin level.

Contraindications for the use of Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether may include allergy, pregnancy, low weight, anemia, hearing or balance problems, liver disease, or adverse drug interactions. Though the Artemisinin family has been successfully tested to enhance 22 cancer drug therapies, in some drugs like doxorubicin, it makes the drug less effective. Again, be sure to cover drug interactions with your doctor.

Lastly, a warning! If you have recently experienced radiation therapy, do not use Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether for up to months. When healthy cells experience radiation they go into a repair mode. This requires extra iron. Adding Artemisinin compounds during the repair time could hinder this cellular repair, disrupting the healing. On the other hand, using Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether before radiation has been show to enhance the cancer killing effect of the radiation.

Now you know the most recent facts, where do you go from here?

There are two quality sources for Artesunate, Artemisinin or Artemether providing tested pharmaceutical grade products. The Artesunate suggested in the one treatment scenario above is labeled Hepasunate 50 and comes from a company called Hepalin. Another quality source of Artemisinin comes from a company named Holley Pharmaceuticals. Both of these companies are located in California.

Is Artesunate a treatment for your cancer? Limited research, medical opinions, and stories from cancer survivors indicate it, or a close form, could well be the treatment to put cancer into remission. One doctor indicated he has only witnessed improvement in his cancer patients using this process, and many of his patients have experienced profound healing. Are there some people where it has no effect? This may also be possible considering there are over 100 different types of prostate cancer with slightly different reactions. Each person’s cancer and body is unique though this oxidative process appears to bridge the gaps between many forms of cancer.  

People around the Globe have been taking Artemisinin and its derivatives for years with success for malaria, and now for cancer. New research is being accomplished, though unfocused and grindingly slow. Much research still needs to be done. You see no pharmaceutical wants to fund a cancer drug’s research without financial return. Artesunate, Artemisinin and Artemether are already commercially available at around $3.00 a pill, and new derivatives will not be that much more. So where’s the profit? And without financial research backing for human trials Artesunate, Artemisinin and Artemether will never see FDA approval. Does lack of FDA approval mean that it doesn’t work. Not in the least. It just means that this is one of those promising cures kept from official approval due to our system and lack of funds

This is the First of Five Promising Cancer Treatments. Over the weeks to come I will cover each treatment with the most updated information available. In each case these potential healing processes, due to lack of future financial return, have been excluded from proper research and trials thus eliminating them from FDA approval. At the end of these articles, I will propose several solutions to this problem and hopefully a process to increase cancer remissions and enhance the quality of our lives.

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