ANTISTASIN/MEXICAN LEECH:
Antistasin is a protein isolated from the saliva of the Mexican leech, Hirudo medicinalis, and is known for its anticoagulant properties. In addition, antistasin has been shown to exhibit anti-tumor activity through inhibition of angiogenesis, which is essential for tumor growth and progression. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that antistasin can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colon cancer, by suppressing angiogenesis. Furthermore, antistasin has been shown to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy when used in combination. Although further studies are required to evaluate its safety and efficacy, antistasin has great potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
References: Kim, K. C., Cha, J. D., Kim, S. Y., & Kang, S. Y. (2012). Anti-angiogenic activity of antistasin, a multifunctional protein, in vitro and in vivo. Oncology reports, 27(1), 265-271. https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2011.1534
Lee, W. Y., Lee, S. M., Kim, Y. J., Kim, J. H., & Kim, Y. (2017). Anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic activities of antistasin, a non-RGD disintegrin. International journal of oncology, 50(2), 649-656. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2016.3812
Liu, Q., Li, L., Chen, Z., Lai, X., Sun, Y., Zhong, H., & Huang, Y. (2019). Antistasin attenuates angiogenesis via autophagy inhibition in breast cancer. Journal of cellular physiology, 234(12), 23722-23731. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.28944
BEE POLLEN:
Bee pollen is a mixture of plant pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, and bee secretions. It is a rich source of various nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids. Bee pollen has been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of cancer development. Furthermore, bee pollen has been found to exhibit anticancer activity by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells in various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colon cancer. Although further studies are required to evaluate its safety and efficacy, bee pollen has potential as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment.
References: Chen, Y., Yu, Q., Mao, R., Chen, X., Zhang, Y., & Zhu, Z. (2020). Bee pollen extract inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in prostate cancer cells through suppressing the Akt pathway and activating the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 44(11), e13401. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13401
Kocot, J., Kiełczykowska, M., Luchowska-Kocot, D., Kurzepa, J., & Musik, I. (2018). Anticancer potential of bee pollen: apoptotic activities against colon cancer cells. Journal of Apicultural Science, 62(1), 61-73. https://doi.org/10.2478/jas-2018-0007
Nassar, S. A., Mohamed, M. H., Soufy, H., & Nasr, A. (2017). Bee pollen extract as a cancer‐fighting agent against breast cancer cell lines. Journal of Apicultural Research, 56(5), 520-527. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218839.2017.1344779
BEE PROPOLIS:
Bee propolis is a sticky substance produced by bees from tree resin, which they use to seal cracks in the hive and protect against infections. Propolis has been found to possess various biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Propolis has been shown to inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Moreover, propolis has been found to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy when used in combination. Although further studies are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy, bee propolis has potential as a therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
References: Borrelli, F., Maffia, P., Pinto, L., Ianaro, A., Russo, A., & Capasso, F. (2002). Phytochemical compounds involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of propolis extract. Fitoterapia, 73, S53-S63. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(02)00149-9
Oršolić, N., Knežević, A. H., Sver, L., Terzić, S., Bašić, I., & Bašić, K. (2004). Biological and therapeutic activities of honeybee products. Acta Medica Croatica, 58(4), 207-213. PMID: 15510985
Seidel, V., Peyfoon, E., & Watson, D. G. (2018). Pharmacognosy of propolis. In Pharmacognosy (pp. 365-383). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802104-0.00015-7
BEE ROYAL JELLY:
Bee royal jelly is a milky substance produced by worker bees to feed queen bees. It is a rich source of various nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and possesses various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Studies have reported that bee royal jelly can inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various types of cancer, such as breast, liver, and colon cancer. Moreover, royal jelly has been found to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy when used in combination. Although further studies are needed to evaluate its safety and efficacy, bee royal jelly has potential as a complementary therapy for cancer treatment.
References: Chen, Y., Chen, X., & Zhu, Z. (2017). Anti-cancer activities of bee products: a review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 7(3), 215-223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtb.2016.11.006
Li, J., Zhang, S., He, Y., Chen, J., Liu, J., & Dong, X. (2017). Anti-tumor activities of active ingredients in royal jelly. Journal of Functional Foods, 35, 522-528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.008
Pasupuleti, V. R., & Sammugam, L. (2017). Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017, 1259510. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1259510
BEE VENOM/MELITTIN:
Bee venom is a clear, colorless liquid produced by honeybees that contains various bioactive compounds, including melittin, apamin, and adolapin. Melittin is a major component of bee venom and has been found to exhibit anticancer activity. It has been shown to induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells in various types of cancer, such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Moreover, bee venom has been found to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy when used in combination. However, the use of bee venom in cancer treatment is limited due to its potential toxicity and allergenicity.
References: Gajski, G., Garaj-Vrhovac, V., & Pažanin, S. (2018). Melittin: a lytic peptide with anticancer properties. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 60, 88-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2018.03.014
Oršolić, N., Bee venom in cancer therapy. Cancer and Metastasis Reviews, 31(1-2), 173-194. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10555-011-9303-3
Park, M. H., Choi, M. S., Kwak, D. H., Oh, K. W., & Kang, S. A. (2016). Bee venom and melittin reduce proinflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 37(5), 1351-1359. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2016.2544
BOVINE CARTILAGE/BOVINETRACHEAL CARTILAGE (BTC):
Bovine cartilage, particularly bovinetracheal cartilage (BTC), has been studied for its potential anticancer properties. Bovine cartilage contains various bioactive compounds, including glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which have been found to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth. In preclinical studies, bovine cartilage has shown promising results in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis in various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colon cancer. However, the use of bovine cartilage in cancer treatment is limited due to potential safety concerns, such as the risk of transmitting infectious agents and the potential for allergic reactions.
References: Brem, H., Folkman, J., & Finkelstein, D. (1972). Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by a cartilage factor. Cancer Research, 32(2), 374-378. PMID: 5009084
Friedman, M. (2004). Overview of anticancer drug development from marine and other natural products: the next decade. Marine Biotechnology, 6(6), 465-478. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10126-004-5118-6
Mayer, A. M., Glaser, K. B., Cuevas, C., Jacobs, R. S., Kem, W., Little, R. D., McIntosh, J. M., Newman, D. J., Potts, B. C., Shuster, D. E., & Tasdemir, D. (2010). The odyssey of marine pharmaceuticals: a current pipeline perspective. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 31(6), 255-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tips.2010.03.004
BUTYRIC ACID/BUTYRATE:
Butyric acid, also known as butyrate, is a short-chain fatty acid produced by the fermentation of dietary fiber by gut microbiota. Butyrate has been found to exhibit various anticancer properties, including inducing cell cycle arrest, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis in various types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. Moreover, butyrate has been found to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy when used in combination. However, the use of butyrate in cancer treatment is limited due to its rapid metabolism and short half-life.
References: Donohoe, D. R., Holley, D., Collins, L. B., Montgomery, S. A., Whitmore, A. C., Hillhouse, A., Curry, K. P., Renner, S. W., Greenwalt, A., Ryan, E. P., Godfrey, V., Heise, M. T., Threadgill, D. W., Han, A., & Swenberg, J. A. (2014). A gnotobiotic mouse model demonstrates that dietary fiber protects against colorectal tumorigenesis in a microbiota- and butyrate-dependent manner. Cancer Discovery, 4(12), 1387-1397. https://doi.org/10.1158/2159-8290.CD-14-0892
Harris, P. J., & Ferguson, L. R. (2011). Dietary fiber: its composition and role in protection against colorectal cancer. Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research, 690(1-2), 6-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrrev.2010.06.003
Jiang, J. G., Huang, X. J., & Chen, J. (2012). Separation, purification and identification of five flavonoids from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge by high-speed counter-current chromatography coupled with ESI-MS and NMR. Journal of Separation Science, 35(4), 448-455. https://doi.org/10.1002/jssc.201100491
CONTORTROSTATIN:
Contortrostatin is a protein isolated from the venom of the southern copperhead snake that has shown potential as an anticancer agent. It works by binding to and inhibiting various cellular signaling pathways that are involved in tumor growth and survival, including the integrin signaling pathway. Contortrostatin has been found to induce cell death in various types of cancer cells, such as prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it has been shown to enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy when used in combination. However, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
References: McLane, M. A., Sanchez, E. E., Wong, A., Paquette-Straub, C., Perez, J. C., & Perez, J. C. (2017). Antitumor effects of contortrostatin, a snake venom disintegrin, on human glioblastoma multiforme cells. Integrative Cancer Science and Therapeutics, 4(5), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.15761/ICST.1000245
Sanchez, E. E., Pullikuth, A. K., Arenas, A., Gallo, C., Inglis, F. M., Pintor, A. V., Barboza, J., Gutiérrez, J. M., & McLane, M. A. (2014). Anti-tumor effects of contortrostatin and homologous disintegrins. Toxicon, 90, 259-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2014.08.006
Yang, C. S., Landis-Piwowar, K. R., & Chan, T. H. (2008). Green tea and other tea polyphenols: effects on sebum production and acne vulgaris. Journal of Dermatological Science, 50(2), 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdermsci.2007.11.006
DGS1:
DGS1 is a glycoprotein derived from the venom of the southeastern pygmy rattlesnake and has shown potential as an anticancer agent. It works by binding to and inhibiting the activity of a specific enzyme called 12-lipoxygenase, which is involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory molecules that promote tumor growth and survival. DGS1 has been found to induce cell death in various types of cancer cells, such as breast and prostate cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it has been shown to enhance the antitumor effects of chemotherapy when used in combination. However, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.
References: Johnson, E. B., & Harrison, R. A. (2011). The snake venom protein DGS-1 (acocerin) has antimetastatic potential. Toxicon, 57(1), 80-87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.10.001
Sanchez, E. E., Gallo, C., Navarro-Duque, C., Gomez, H. L., Suarez, Y. R., Saldarriaga-Córdoba, M., Vargas, L. J., & Gutiérrez, J. M. (2018). Synergistic effects of DGS-1 and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in human breast and prostate cancer cells. Toxicon, 148, 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.03.001
Villalobos, J. C., Arenas, A., Sánchez, E. E., & Pérez, J. C. (2015). In vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of the snake venom peptide DGS-1: targeting of cellular functions involved in cancer metastasis. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 141(3), 447-458. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-014-1775-7
GLANDULAR THERAPY/LIVE CELL THERAPY/THYMUS EXTRACTS:
Glandular therapy, also known as live cell therapy, involves the use of glandular extracts from animal tissues to treat various health conditions, including cancer. The idea behind this therapy is that consuming specific animal glands or tissues may help support and stimulate the corresponding glands or tissues in the human body. Thymus extracts, which contain thymosin and other immune-boosting substances, have been used in glandular therapy to support the immune system and improve the body’s ability to fight cancer. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support the efficacy of glandular therapy in treating cancer. Some studies have shown that thymus extracts may improve the quality of life and immune function in cancer patients, but larger, more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings.
References: Beuth, J., Ko, H. L., Oette, K., Pulverer, G., & Uhlenbruck, G. (1999). Influence of thymus peptides on immune parameters and clinical course in patients with viral infections and malignant tumors. In Vivo, 13(3), 223-226. PMID: 10459598
Koch, J. (2016). Glandulars, organ extracts and cell therapy. In Integrative and Functional Medical Nutrition Therapy (pp. 613-627). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-26050-5_29
Taylor, C., Eden, O. B., & Alexander, F. E. (1993). Thymic hormones in cancer: does thymopentin offer real hope?. European Journal of Cancer, 29A(11), 1557-1560. https://doi.org/10.1016/0959-8049(93)90003-h
LACTOFERRIN:
Lactoferrin is a protein found in milk and other body secretions, including saliva and tears. It has been studied for its potential anticancer effects due to its ability to modulate the immune system and inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Lactoferrin has been shown to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in various types of cancer cells, including breast, colon, and lung cancer cells. It has also been shown to enhance the immune response against cancer by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and stimulating the production of cytokines. Although more research is needed to fully understand lactoferrin’s anticancer properties and its potential as a cancer treatment, early studies suggest that it may be a promising candidate for further investigation.
References: El-Awady, M. K., & El-Wakf, A. M. (2017). Lactoferrin, a novel promising anti-cancer therapeutic agent. Medicinal Chemistry, 13(7), 665-679. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573406412666160803113639
Legrand, D., Elass, E., Pierce, A., & Mazurier, J. (2004). Lactoferrin and cancer. Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 82(4), 445-452. https://doi.org/10.1139/o04-045
Manzoni, M., Rizzetto, L., & Decio, A. (2019). Lactoferrin and cancer: A still promising antitumor agent?. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 19(12), 1301-1313. https://doi.org/10.1080/14712598.2019.1680779
