Dr. Neil Mckinney, B.Sc., N.D. Naturopathic Physician in Oncology

Dr. Neil McKinney, B.Sc., N.D. Naturopathic Physician in Oncology

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125 – 1555 McKenzie Ave., Victoria, B.C. V8N 1A4 Ph: (250) 386-3534 Toll Free: 1-888-722-6401

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ARTEMESIA IN CANCER

Artemisia vulgaris or absinthum is a traditional medicine for parasites, including malaria. Chinese doctors call it Quinghao. It is very useful in cancer.

wormwood herb relieves constipation, particularly moving the upper GI tract. It is a key component of #42 capsules for severe constipation, as seen in patients on opiod narcotic pain-killers. It also rebalances gut flora (probiotic organisms).
increases bile flow, detoxifying the liver.
removes many intestinal worms and parasites.
reduces inflammatory cytokine growth promoters.

Artemesia annua or sweet wormwood is the source of Artemisinin and Artemether, new ideas in cancer treatment.

Artemesinin:

Atrtemisinin is a hormone balancer, particularly reducing excess estrogen and prolactin. It is best studied in breast caner.
It is activated by iron ions, which cancer cells accumulate. Cancer cells have abnormally high numbers of surface receptors for tansferrin, to uptake the excessive levels of iron they need to proliferate. Dihydro-artemisinin has a peroxide bond activated by iron to generate hydrogen peroxide. This stresses cancer cells which are always catalase deficient. The high-valent oxo-iron species create a cascade of reactive oxygen species called endoperoxides, depolarizing the mithochondrial membranes and disrupting the electron transport chain. Cancer cells are approximately 100 times more susceptible to dying from artemesinin than healthy cells.
Induces apoptosis and slows growth in fibrosarcoma.
Inhibits angiogenesis, disrupting the blood supply to tumors.
Targets translationally-controlled tumor protein TCTP.
Inhibits cysteine protease enzyme, and also a SERCA-type calcium transporter enzyme.
It has very short period of action, clearing the bloodstream in about 2 hours.
Common doses run between 1 to 2 mg. per kilogram body weight. ie 160 lb = 72.7 kg = 73 to 146 mg daily . 3 -4 mg/kg can be used for a week in severe cases, but beware of heart and nerve toxicity.
There is evidence showing that the liver rapidly increases its ability to get rid of the drug, so that after a week it is difficult to achieve therapeutic blood levels. Also, the iron levels are largely depleted in the cancer cells after a week. Dr. Yarnell suggests dosing it at 300 mg 3 times daily for one week, then take a week break from the drug. I will sometimes reduce this to 100 to 300 mg 1 to 2 times daily.
Intermittent dosing also allows the cancer cells to recharge with iron, which the artemesinin will then burn up into deadly peroxides. The standard dose had been 100 to 200 mg daily for 1 to 2 months, then take a break for the liver and blood cells to recover. This has been harsh for some people, so the week-on week-off regime is much preferred.
I advise taking iron citrate 30 mg 2 to 3 times daily at meals during the week off the artemesinin, to replenish liver stores, bone marrow stores, and to rebuild the red blood cell levels back to normal. Red meat can also be taken during the week off therapy, but it is best to avoid iron supplements and red meat during the weeks you are on the artemesisin. Poultry and fish are fine anytime.
Take morning and/or evening on an empty stomach, 3 to 4 hours away from food as it interacts with dietary iron.
Artemesinin is not water soluble, so always give with some oil such as omega 3 fish or seal oil supplement or full-fat dairy for optimum absorption.
Synergistic with intravenous vitamin C, amplifying the peroxide stress.

It may synergize with butyrate, which is produced by gut bacteria acting on fiber such as psyllium husks.

As lactoferrin sequesters iron away from tumor cells, this may also prove to be a useful support.

Contraindications:

Sedentary lifestyle – works best in those more physically active
Smokers – must be off tobacco at least 6 months
Radiation therapy or surgery – wait until 2 months after – radiosensitizer and antiangiogenic.

Toxicity:

Mild and transient symptoms can occur, but tend to clear with continued use: cold extremities, numbness, tinnitus, dizziness, headache, GI discomfort, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. If these are severe or persistent, lower the daily dose.
Increased liver enzymes AST and/or ALT, a sign of mild liver damage.
Anemia due to loss of iron. Monitor hemoglobin levels and RDWs, immature replacement red blood cells

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Other forms of artemesia under investigation for use in cancer:

Artemether: 1 mg /kg BW for 8 weeks. Usual adult dose is 40 mg twice daily, but it can all be taken in one dose. This is the more toxic form, and the limiting factor in using combination products. Take well away from food, with whole milk, ice cream, etc. After 8 weeks if responding, continue using it but every second day only, for another 3 to 4 months. Periodic use for up to 2 years can be considered, 5 days on and 5 days off.

Synergize with 250 mg vitamin C and 200 IU vitamin E at breakfast and lunch.

Artemix: Combines artemether, artemesinin and artesunate. Usual dose is 1 capsule twice daily, as for artemether. Said to be easier on the liver than plain arthemeter.