Herbal Formulas versus Pharmaceuticals

DrEliaz

We hear more and more about pharmaceutical drugs either being pulled off the market or receiving a warning from the FDA. From Avendia for diabetes to the most popular asthma medications, consumers are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of prescription medicine. Why is this happening? Is there a flaw in the pharmaceutical model? Yes! With the exception of compounds that are identical to the ones manufactured by our bodies, such as insulin or thyroid hormone, many drugs are simply too toxic.

Herbal formulas don't have this same detrimental effects. Why? The predominant herbs, primarily those with one or two main formula ingredients, are considered "leader" herbs and perform the main function of the formula. However, if used on their own, these herbs may cause unpleasant side effects. For this reason, the primary herbs are supported by "ministers," or other herbs that contribute to their overall function. 

 

thenewme

Hi Dr. Eliaz,

I don't suppose you're trying to promote your products here, are you? And surely you're not suggesting that herbal formulas (and specifically the ones you sell via Econugenics) are nontoxic and safer and more effective than FDA approved medications?  Or that herbal formulas aren't pulled off the market or receiving FDA warnings?

Out of curiosity, I took a look at your BreastDefend product that you recommend for breast cancer/breast health.  You claim that your products are scientifically proven, but when I check the ingredients on a site such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, the most positive thing I find is that some of the ingredients MAY be beneficial in certain conditions, such as when used in combination with chemotherapy?  Some of the ingredients have not been shown to have any benefits at all in BC treatment.  Some of them have potential but, according to the research, need more studies.  In vitro successes don't always translate to humans, and neither do studies with mice.  

Your financial bottom line aside, don't you think it's a bit irresponsible and premature to tout these things as breast cancer treatment/preventative?   Or do you have specific scientific peer-reviewed studies to dispute the information listed on Sloan Kettering and other reputable sites?

dlb823

thenewme, I've been watching Dr. Eliaz' posts on FB, and have been interested in his new product, too.  I missed his original post (it's been removed), but I didn't think he was promoting BreastDefend to treat breast cancer, but as a supplement that supplies preventive nutrients. 

I hope Dr. Eliaz (whom, by the way, I've heard praise for within the integrative community), won't be turned off by your probing questions, and I hope he will come back and answer the ones about research.  I, too, would be very interested in scientific cites to back up the ingredients in this product.    Deanna

thenewme

Hi Deanna,

I didn't report his post because I thought it was a perfect example of why we *should be*  asking probing questions, and IMHO anyone purporting to sell supplements for our health should be absolutely comfortable answering the probing questions truthfully. 

"EcoNugenics utilizes the most advanced form of DIM and combines it with potent antioxidants, botanicals, and medicinal mushrooms. New scientific research on BreastDefend® from Indiana University has now been published in a peer reviewed medical journal."

The Indiana University scientific research he refers to ( HERE )is an IN VITRO study that concludes "Conclusion: BreastDefend inhibits proliferation and invasive behavior of the highly metastatic human breast cancer cells in vitro. BD may have a therapeutic potential for prevention or treatment of highly metastatic breast cancers. " Of course, in vitro studies are notorious for frequently not translating into human benefits, and this is a single study, funded by Econugenics (Dr. Eliaz' own company).

Look at the ingredients of this BreastDefend supplement Dr. Eliaz is selling, along with evidence-based information from Sloan Kettering and NIH.  I'm only asking for Dr. Eliaz' response in support of his claims that contradict (or exaggerate) this information:

Quercetin - "Bottom Line: Quercetin may be helpful in relieving the symptoms of prostatitis, but there is no proof that it can treat cancer, heart disease, asthma, colitis, or any other medical condition. "

MCP (Modified citrus pectin) - "Bottom Line: There is some evidence to support use of pectin for diarrhea and for lowering cholesterol. More studies are needed to determine pectin's benefits for cancer. "

Turmeric rhizome extract (BCM-95®; 95% curcumin) - "Bottom Line: Turmeric demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities in lab studies. Recent clinical trial suggests curcumin has biological activity in some cancer patients but more studies are needed to verify its benefits. "

Astragalus membranaceus root extract - "Bottom Line: Astragalus has immunostimulant effects, but it has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.

Scutellaria barbata herb extract - "Bottom Line: Scutellaria barbata has been studied for its anticancer effects. More research is needed."

Advanced formulation of DIM (3,3'- diindolylmethane) - "Bottom Line: Diindolylmethane (DIM) may have anticancer effects, but this has not been studied in humans.  Diindolylymethane is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. It showed anticancer effects in laboratory and animal studies. However, human studies are limited"

Reishi Mushrooms - "Bottom Line: Reishi mushroom has antioxidant properties and may enhance immune responses."

Coriolus Versicolor - "Bottom Line: Coriolus versicolor extracts have been studied in cancer patients with some positive results. However, more studies are needed to verify such effects.  Coriolus versicolor is a mushroom (...) shown to improve immune function in patients with certain cancers when used in conjuction with chemotherapy."

Phellinius Linteus - "(Phellinus Linteus) suppressed breast cancer cell-mediated angiogenesis of endothelial cells in vitro"

I'm not saying this supplement is necessarily good or bad, but it just doesn't appear to live up to the marketing hype of a recommended supplement for breast cancer patients based on actual cutting-edge scientific research they claim.

asschercut

Whoa!!! Really?? They're the ingredients in one little bottle?

Crap!  They're most of the big gun ingredients currently residing in my pantry, and might I add, many other cancer patients I know.  Where can l get me a bottle?

Victoria