by Dr. Joseph Mercola
September 19, 2024
from
Mercola Website
Better Than Chemo,
Vitamin C + This Staple Medicine
Combined with vitamin C,
this
staple in medicine cabinets worldwide
shrinks
tumors better than chemo.
What's
more, it's far less harmful to your cells,
just be
sure to use this
'immediate-release'
option for
the best results...
Story at-a-glance
-
Aspirin,
traditionally used for pain relief, shows promising
anticancer properties. Recent research highlights its
potential in cancer prevention and treatment, with a
more potent analog, 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, showing
even greater promise
-
Combining aspirin
with vitamin C demonstrates superior results in
shrinking tumors and extending survival times compared
to either compound alone or conventional chemotherapy
drugs, while being gentler on healthy cells
-
Long-term, low-dose
aspirin use (75 mg+ daily for several years) can
significantly reduce colorectal cancer incidence and
mortality, with benefits most pronounced for proximal
colon cancers and after 20+ years of use
-
Aspirin's
cancer-fighting potential extends beyond colorectal
cancer, showing promise in reducing risks for
esophageal, stomach, lung, prostate and breast cancers,
with overall cancer incidence potentially reduced by 20%
to 30% after three to five years of use
-
For maximum
benefit, choose immediate-release aspirin without
additives. Optimal dosage ranges from 82 mg to 325 mg
daily, taken with meals. Genetic testing may help
personalize aspirin use for cancer prevention in the
future
Aspirin is a staple in medicine cabinets worldwide, known primarily
for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. However,
recent research is shedding light on a potentially game-changing
role for this common medication: cancer prevention and treatment.
1
While aspirin's anticancer properties have been hinted at in various
studies over the years, 2 this function has largely been overlooked
in favor of newer, more expensive drugs.
Now, groundbreaking
experiments,
are not only reaffirming aspirin's potential in fighting
cancer but also uncovering a more potent analog that could
revolutionize our approach to cancer treatment.
This
forgotten function of aspirin, and its even more powerful
cousin, may offer new hope in the battle against one of humanity's
most persistent health challenges.
Let's explore the exciting
developments that are causing researchers to take a fresh look at
this familiar drug.
Aspirin and Cancer - Introducing
2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid
In my interview with Georgi Dinkov,
far below, he discusses his
experiments with mice using a combination of B vitamins - B1,
B3 and B7 - and aspirin to combat a highly lethal form of human mantle cell
lymphoma.
He found that while the vitamins alone stopped tumor
growth, adding aspirin at a human-equivalent dose of about 1.5 grams
per day led to complete tumor regression in all three test subjects.
Building on the success with aspirin, Dinkov introduced a more
potent analog of aspirin known as
2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid.
Not
only is it much stronger, it's also much more lipophilic, meaning it
has a greater affinity for lipids (fats) than water. Lipophilic
compounds tend to be more easily absorbed through cell membranes.
Dinkov explains the theoretical basis for using this compound, which
is based on lowering intracellular pH to
induce cancer cell death: 3
"One of Ray [Peat]'s main theories was that... cancer cells... [are]
metabolically dysfunctional, we all know that, and typically a cell
like that commits apoptosis.
But in order to commit
apoptosis, that
mechanism is controlled almost entirely by the intracellular pH. And
in order for apoptosis to occur, it needs to be in the acidic range.
But the cancer cells are alkaline due to exporting lactate and
hydrogen ions.
So, if anything can drop the intracellular pH, those
cancer cells, because they're deranged, should actually disappear by
themselves.
And one of Peat's suggestions at the time was,
'Why don't you use
the drug
acetazolamide?' which as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor,
increases carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide is acidic, and then that
should allow cancer cells to commit apoptosis.
There are some studies in vitro and in vivo showing that
acetazolamide may work, but it didn't really cure the tumors. It was
a slower growth, partial regression, but it showed that the idea was
on the right track.
So, I said,
'Let's find something that's much more acidic than
carbon dioxide.'
And that is this 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid, which
is just one extra hydroxyl group on top of aspirin. Salicylic acid,
really, which is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid.
And then this thing is about
10 times more potent than aspirin."
Follow-up studies have yielded promising results, with
tumors
regressing after one week...!
Dinkov notes that 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic
acid is,
"Freely available.
No patent, nothing on it. Quite a few
studies back in the day, but really a very generic molecule ... Dirt
cheap, too. Cheaper than aspirin." 4
Just as aspirin was developed from a natural source (willow bark),
other natural compounds, including those derived from the leaves of
the medicinal plant Lithraea molleoides, 5 also show cytotoxic
effects, adding to the growing body of evidence that plant-derived
compounds can have significant anticancer potential.
Compounds
isolated from Mangifera zeylanica, a species of mango tree native to
Sri Lanka, also have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. 6
Aspirin-Vitamin C combination Treats Solid Tumors
better than Chemo
While research suggests 2,6-dihydroxybenzoic acid could be a
promising tool against cancer, aspirin also shows immense promise.
Your body may benefit even more when aspirin is combined with
vitamin C, which also has antitumor effects.
Recent studies have shown that this combination
can be more effective against cancer cells while remaining gentler
on healthy cells compared to
conventional chemotherapy drugs
like doxorubicin. 7
In laboratory tests, the aspirin-vitamin C combination showed a
strong cytotoxic effect on liver cancer cells but was much less
harmful to normal lung cells. 8
This selectivity is crucial for
reducing the side effects associated with cancer treatments.
The synergy between these two common substances
appears to enhance their individual anticancer properties, offering
a safer alternative to
harsh chemotherapies.
The potential of aspirin and vitamin C extends beyond the lab, with
encouraging results in animal studies.
When tested on rats with chemically induced
liver cancer, the combination therapy showed remarkable results.
9
After 90 days of treatment, the livers of
treated rats had significant improvement in both appearance and
function.
Importantly, most of the liver tissue appeared normal under
microscopic examination.
This combination therapy outperformed
doxorubicin in restoring liver health and reducing tumor markers.
Aspirin Works Synergistically with Vitamin C
In another study, the combination of aspirin, also known as
acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), and vitamin C, or ascorbate (AS), showed
superior results in shrinking tumors compared to either compound
alone. 10
When mice with solid tumors were treated with the
combination, their tumor volume decreased by 46%, versus 40% with ASA alone and 36% with AS alone.
This synergistic effect likely stems from combining aspirin's
anti-inflammatory properties with vitamin C's potent antioxidant
capabilities.
The two compounds appear to work together to create a
more hostile environment for cancer cells, impeding their growth and
proliferation.
By attacking tumors through multiple mechanisms simultaneously, the
aspirin-vitamin C combination may overcome some of the adaptations
cancer cells typically develop to evade single-compound treatments.
Beyond just shrinking tumors, the aspirin-vitamin C combination
significantly extended survival times and appeared to improve
overall health in the tumor-bearing mice.
Mice treated with the
combination survived an average of 93.5 days, compared to just 54
days for untreated tumor-bearing mice - a 73% increase in lifespan.
11
The combination also outperformed either compound alone in
normalizing various biomarkers of liver, kidney and heart function
that had been disrupted by the cancer.
Notably, the combination was
able to increase hemoglobin levels, potentially alleviating the
anemia often associated with cancer.
These improvements in organ function and blood parameters suggest
the aspirin-vitamin C treatment may have wide-ranging benefits for
overall health and quality of life, beyond just its antitumor
effects.
A key mechanism behind the aspirin-vitamin C combination's effects
appears to be its powerful modulation of oxidative stress and
inflammation in the body.
The study found that tumor-bearing mice
had significantly elevated levels of oxidative stress markers like
malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), along with depleted
antioxidant defenses.
Treatment with aspirin and vitamin C dramatically reversed these
imbalances, decreasing MDA and NO while boosting total antioxidant
capacity, glutathione and catalase activity.
By creating a less
inflammatory, less oxidative environment in the body, the
combination may make it harder for cancer cells to thrive and
spread.
This rebalancing of the redox state could have far-reaching effects
throughout the body, potentially explaining the improvements seen in
multiple organ systems.
The study's findings underscore the
importance of addressing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
as part of a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment and
prevention.
Aspirin's promising Role in Colorectal Cancer Prevention
Aspirin may also significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer
(CRC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.
Studies have shown that taking at least 75
milligrams (mg) of aspirin daily for several years can decrease both
the incidence and mortality of CRC. 12
Interestingly, the beneficial effect appears to be most pronounced
for proximal colon cancers, which are typically harder to prevent
through standard screening methods like colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
Long-term aspirin use, particularly for over 20 years, has been
associated with a remarkable 35% reduction in CRC incidence. 13
These findings suggest that incorporating low-dose aspirin into your
long-term health strategy could offer significant protection against
this common form of cancer.
Beyond its preventive effects, aspirin may also improve outcomes for
those already diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Research indicates
that regular aspirin use after a CRC diagnosis is linked to reduced
risks of both overall and CRC-specific mortality. This benefit
appears to be particularly pronounced in tumors that overexpress
cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). 14
Moreover, aspirin's protective effects
aren't limited to colorectal cancer alone.
Studies have shown that long-term aspirin use can reduce the 20-year
risk of death from any cancer by 20%, with an even more substantial
35% reduction in gastrointestinal cancer deaths. 15
These findings
suggest that if you're at increased risk for cancer or have already
been diagnosed, aspirin use could be a valuable part of your
treatment and prevention strategy.
Studies suggest aspirin may help suppress tumor growth, reduce
metastasis and even enhance the effectiveness of other cancer
treatments. 16
This multi-pronged approach makes aspirin a
particularly promising agent in the fight against colorectal cancer.
For individuals at higher risk of CRC, such as those with a history
of colorectal neoplasia or genetic predisposition, aspirin may offer
even more promise.
A systematic review of studies involving people with previous
colorectal neoplasia found a non-statistically significant reduction
in advanced neoplasia with low-dose aspirin use. 17
Additionally, for carriers of Lynch syndrome
genes, high-dose aspirin for two years was associated with a
decreased risk of colorectal cancer. 18
Individuals with Lynch syndrome have a significantly higher lifetime
risk of developing colorectal cancer.
The National Institute for
Health and Care Excellence recommends patients diagnosed with Lynch
Syndrome begin daily aspirin therapy to reduce the risk of
colorectal cancer. 19
Aspirin's Broad Cancer-Fighting Potential
Analyses of long-term cardiovascular trials have also revealed
aspirin's unexpected power in fighting cancer across multiple sites.
20
Studies show significant reductions in deaths from
esophageal and stomach cancers among long-term aspirin users, and
data indicate it may also lower your risk of lung, prostate and
breast cancers.
Perhaps most exciting is the potential for a 20% to 30% reduction in
overall cancer incidence after just three to five years of daily
low-dose aspirin use. 21
Further, studies consistently show that low
doses - as little as 75 mg to 100 mg daily - are just as effective
as higher doses in reducing cancer risk. 22
The effectiveness of low-dose regimens also points to a unique
mechanism of action. Rather than directly affecting tissues
throughout your body, aspirin may work by inhibiting platelets,
which play a crucial role in both early cancer development and later
metastasis. 23
While some benefits of aspirin use may appear within a
few years, other reductions in cancer risk emerge with long-term
use.
Studies tracking participants for 20 years or more have found that
aspirin's protective effects against gastrointestinal cancers become
more pronounced over time.
For colorectal cancer, significant reductions in
incidence and mortality were observed 10 to 20 years after the start
of aspirin use. 24
This long-lasting effect suggests
that aspirin may be altering fundamental processes in cancer
development, offering enduring protection against this disease.
Aspirin's potential as a repurposed drug for cancer therapy is
another exciting area of research. 25 Aspirin works by inhibiting COX
enzymes, particularly COX-1 and COX-2.
This mechanism not only helps
prevent heart attacks but may also combat cancer in multiple ways.
By inhibiting COX-1, aspirin reduces platelet
aggregation around tumor cells, making these malignant cells more
visible to your immune system. 26
This could help prevent cancer from spreading
throughout your body.
Additionally, aspirin's effect on COX-2 may directly impact tumor
growth. COX-2 produces prostaglandin E2, which stimulates tumor cell
growth.
By reducing prostaglandin E2 production, aspirin
could slow or prevent tumor development. 27
The future of aspirin in cancer prevention may lie in personalized
medicine. Emerging research has identified several genetic markers
that could help predict who will benefit most from aspirin therapy.
For example, certain variations in genes like
UGT1A6 and ALOX12 have been associated with enhanced aspirin
efficacy in reducing colorectal cancer risk. 28
Additionally, your expression levels of enzymes like 15-PGDH may
influence how well you respond to aspirin's cancer-fighting
properties. 29 These genetic insights open up exciting possibilities
for tailoring aspirin use to your individual genetic profile.
In the
coming years, genetic testing could become a routine part of
determining whether aspirin is right for you and at what dose.
Willow Bark - Nature's Time-Tested Pain Reliever
For those with aspirin sensitivity,
salicylic acid or
willow bark
supplements may be alternatives worth considering.
When you consume
aspirin, your body converts the acetylsalicylic acid into salicylic
acid, which is responsible for aspirin's anti-inflammatory,
analgesic and antithrombotic properties.
Willow bark naturally
contains this compound.
This ancient medicinal plant carries with it centuries of
therapeutic wisdom, offering a compelling alternative to modern
pharmaceuticals. Willow bark's efficacy stems from its long-standing
relationship with human physiology.
Unlike laboratory-created drugs,
the active compounds in willow bark have been interacting with our
biochemistry for thousands of years.
This extended coexistence has fostered a natural compatibility that
many synthetic medications struggle to achieve.
Our ancestors' consistent, albeit minimal, consumption of these
compounds over generations has allowed our bodies to develop an
efficient means of processing and utilizing them.
This evolutionary
adaptation underscores the potential advantages of natural remedies
over their synthetic counterparts.
Further, research suggests that
some of willow bark's therapeutic properties are due to synergistic
effects, 30 offering benefits beyond those of salicylic acid alone.
The pharmaceutical industry's development of aspirin in the 19th
century marked a significant shift from nature-based to
laboratory-derived medicine. 31
While this transition led to the
creation of a patentable product, it didn't necessarily improve upon
the original source material. In fact, the enduring popularity of
willow bark serves as a testament to the power of plant-based
remedies.
For those considering willow bark as an alternative to aspirin,
particularly individuals with aspirin sensitivity, understanding
proper dosage is important.
While willow bark and aspirin share
similar active compounds, their metabolism and bioavailability
differ, necessitating distinct dosing strategies.
So, while 240 mg to 600 mg of willow bark extract (15% salicin) is
often estimated to provide a salicin dose that is roughly equivalent
to 325 mg of aspirin, the total amount of willow bark extract needed
is typically larger:
To approximate the effects of 81 mg of aspirin, a dose of 400 mg to
800 mg of willow bark extract (standardized to 15% salicin) is
typically required.
For effects similar to 111 mg of aspirin, a dose of 500 mg to 1 gram
of willow bark extract (standardized to 15% salicin) is generally
needed.
Tips for Aspirin Dosage and Duration
When selecting aspirin, choose immediate-release formulations rather
than coated extended-release versions to avoid unnecessary
additives. Immediate-release aspirin is available on Amazon.
Examine
the inactive ingredients list carefully; ideally, corn starch should
be the only additive listed.
After extensive research, I identified a product meeting these
specifications. The appropriate dosage ranges from 82 mg to 325 mg
daily, taken with your largest meal, depending on your individual
needs.
Based on my research into aspirin's preventive benefits, I
personally take 111 mg daily using
Health Natura's USP grade 60 gram
aspirin powder, which costs less than $20.
This 99% pure USP aspirin
powder appeals to me due to,
its prometabolic, antilipolytic,
anti-inflammatory, anticortisol and anti-estrogen effects.
Its
safety profile is well-established.
When it comes to cancer prevention, the dosage and duration of
aspirin use appear to be crucial factors.
Low doses of aspirin (75
to 300 mg/day) have been shown to be as effective as higher doses in
reducing CRC-related mortality, 32 suggesting that you don't need to
take large amounts to reap the potential benefits.
However,
consistency and long-term use seem to be key.
Studies indicate that the benefits of aspirin increase with duration
of use, with the most significant reductions in cancer risk observed
after five to 7.5 years of regular use. 33
As research progresses,
aspirin may prove to be a powerful new tool in your cancer
prevention and treatment arsenal - one that's been in your medicine
cabinet all along.
Video
Source
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10.1038/nrclinonc.2011.199
3, 4 Brighteon,
Mercola, Exploring How Aspirin and 2,6-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid
Impact Tumor Growth – Interview with Georgi Dinkov
5 Phytomedicine
January 10, 2005
6 Biomedicine
& Pharmacotherapy May 2017, Volume 89, Pages 194-200
7, 8, 9 BMC
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[...]
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|