Artemisinin for Cancer Treatment and Prevention Research

Taking Artemisinin for cancer treatment is currently being studied. This supplement has been shown in limited in vitro studies to target and kill cancer cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.

This supplement is an important treatment for malaria and is an anthelmintic used to get rid of parasites and worms. Artemisinin is also used to strengthen febrile conditions and boosts the immune system. While research into the anti-cancer effects of Artemisinin is in its early stages, the initial results have been promising and warrant more study.

Artemisinin is a lactone component of the Artemisia annua plant known by the common names of sweet wormwood or in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Qing Hao.

Artemisia annua has long been used to boost the immune system and to treat fever, liver conditions and more. Recorded history of its use dates back more than 2,000 years to the Hunan province of China.

Current research has identified Artemisinin derivatives as the active components in this plant. There are three forms of artemisinin: artemisinin, artesunate, and artemether. The half life of artemisinin is 3 to 4 hours, artesunate is 40 minutes and artemether is 12 hours.

Artemisinin

Immunomodulator

Immunity

Anti- Viral

Chinese Medicine

How It Works:

• Anti-viral & immune supporting properties
• Promotes general health & anti-aging
• Used in Chinese medicine to boost Qi

Dosage:

Between 100 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Artemisinin for Cancer

Artemisinin has a pro-oxidant effect when it encounters cells with high iron levels.

While we typically hear about the benefits of anti-oxidants for health, there are certain instances where promoting oxidation can be beneficial.

Cancer researchers are looking at compounds that provide a pro-oxidant effect when they encounter cancer cells. It would appear that Artemisinin may fit this description.

Chemically, the two oxygen atoms in Artemisinin break down in the presence of iron. This then creates selective free radicals that destroy the sequestered iron found in malaria parasites as well as in cancer cells. In other words, when this compound comes into contact with iron, it creates free radicals that damage only the cancer cells.

Iron levels can be 1000 times higher in cancer cells than in normal cells. The effects of Artemisinin only target those cells that have abnormally high iron counts. Therefore, Artemisinin and its derivatives have the potential of being a non-toxic cancer treatment.

A study in Oncology Report, September 2014 showed artemisinin significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation, and caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase in neuroblastoma cell lines. The article was entitled Artemisinin reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis (cell death) in neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common cancer in infancy and extracranial solid cancer in childhood.

This supplement also has anticancer effects in experimental models of the most common form of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A pilot study on the use of the artemisinin derivative artesunate yielded promising results for the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Dr. Hoang, a Vietnamese cancer specialist, reports that 500 mg twice daily of oral artemisinin by itself is the dosage he found the most successful. It should be remembered that these results are all preliminary and more study is necessary before clinical applications become a reality.

How to Best Take Artemisinin

When using Artemisinin, it is suggested to take the supplement with food. Generally, 400 to 800 mg per day can be used for at least 6 to 12 months. After that, dosages can be reduced slowly.

It is also recommended to take Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10), 100 mg once a day with a meal. Cod liver oil, cottage cheese, or fish oil may be administered at the same time to enhance absorption of both of these supplements. Always take this supplement 2-3 hours aside from other antioxidants such as Vitamin C.

The Gordon Research Institute found that a 200 mg dose of this supplement is useful as a general and breast cancer treatment. Dr. Narendra P. Singh, a biochemist at the University of Washington published a paper description the effects of this supplement called Artemisinin and Cancer Treatment.

The articles cites a 1995 study done on the Molt 4 lymphoblastoid Leukemia line. All these cancer cells were killed within 8 hours by 200 micromolar dihydroartemisinin (a form of artemisinin).

Dr Singh also quotes a 2001 study which showed breast cancer cells in vitro (in the lab) treated with dihydroartemisinin and holotransferrin (iron to simulate iron found in diet) were almost completely eliminated after 16 hours.

Taking Vitamin C after breakfast and lunch helps with absorption of iron. This makes the cancer cells, which take in a lot more iron, more susceptible to the Artemisinin treatment. Drinking green tea is also recommended.

It is advised not be take glutathione supplement as well, as this made the Artemisinin less effective in research studies for cancer treatment. Vitamin E supplements should also be avoided.

Doctors recommend that the supplement treatment can be started minimally two weeks after radiation treatment. For smokers, they should stop smoking for at least two months before taking this supplement. Otherwise normal cells will also be targeted due to Benzoapyrene, a carcinogen found in cigarette smoke being in these cells as well.

Following a good anti-cancer diet is also an important aspect of treatment. Getting outdoor exercise (for D3 production, low calcium is a common trait in cancer patients) is also recommended for the best results. Speak to your oncologist to learn more about steps you can take to improve treatment results.

Artemisinin Safe Information

This supplement should not be taken with grapefruit juice.

Abdominal cramps, darkening of the urine, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, itching, low fevers, nausea, skin rashes, sweating, tinnitus and vomiting have all been experience as side effects.

This supplement should not be taken if taking antacids, are a cardiac patient, diabetic, taking histamine-receptor antagonists, on anti-seizure medication, pregnant, on sucraflate or proton pump inhibitors or have hypertension.

Artemisinin for cancer treatment has great potential due to the selective toxicity for the cancer cells that leave healthy cells intact. Wait at least two weeks after radiation treatment to start taking this supplement. Speak to your doctor or oncologist to learn more.

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