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.
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.
• 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.
