Avemar (wheat germ extract) in cancer prevention and treatment.
Many healthy foods are derived from wheat germ. The molecular composition of these products, however, greatly differs as shown by normal-phase HPLC-mass spectrometry analysis; thus, experimental data obtained by one of them is not necessarily true for the other. Avemar is a nontoxic wheat germ extract registered as a special nutriment for cancer patients in Hungary. It shows potent anticancer activity on cell lines by deeply interfering with glucose metabolism and affecting expressions of several kinases. In in vivo experimental models, Avemar is also effective by enhancing the activity of the immune system such as stimulating NK cell activity (by reducing MHC I molecule expression), enhancing TNF secretion of the macrophages, increasing ICAM 1 molecule expression on the vascular endothelial cells. All of these lead to apoptosis of tumor cells. The wide range of biological activity of Avemar probably cannot be explained by only one active ingredient. Since there are numerous experimental data and the clinical benefit repeatedly confirmed Avemar can be one of the most potent and best researched food supplements available for cancer patients.
Department of Oncology, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Municipal Hospital, Budapest, Hungary. andras.telekes@bajcsy.hu
András
A
Telekes
Márta
M
Hegedus
Chang-Hoon
CH
Chae
Károly
K
Vékey
D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002100:Cachexia / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019648:Foods, Specialized / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000517:prevention & control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D012639:Seeds / Q000737:chemistry; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014908:Triticum / Q000737:chemistry*
D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; C113915:Avemar; D010936:Plant Extracts