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Immune - More on the Hoxsey formula

by Paul Bergner

Medical Herbalism 07-31-95 9(2/3) : 24

In our last issue, we reported on the apparent success of cancer treatment using herbs at the Hoxsey Clinic in Mexico. A group of sixteen biopsy-diagnosed patients with cancer of various sorts was followed for five years, and six remained alive and apparently disease-free five years later. One patient had advanced lung cancer and another had advanced melanoma, which are normally terminal stages of the diseases (Austin et al).

When we listed the Hoxsey Formula, we neglected to mention that the complete Hoxsey treatment of any external cancers includes both internal use of the tincture and external use of a Hoxsey salve. This could have had a synergistic effect on the patient with melanoma. Three salves are reportedly used at the clinic, but their composition or manner of application is not described in patient literature. Hoxsey’s original “yellow powder” contained arsenic sulfide, talc, sulfur, and another ingredient Hoxsey called “yellow precipitate.” He also used a clear liquid composed of trichloroacetic acid, probably as a wash before using his “red paste.” The red paste was made of zinc chloride, antimony trisulfide, and bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), and was used on non-melanoma skin cancers. This treatment is basically chemical-herbal surgery. The caustic paste kills the tumor and causes it (and surrounding tissue) to slough off in a procedure that is less precise and more painful than conventional minor surgery or for skin cancer. Hoxsey patients also receive daily supplements of yeast tablets, vitamin C, calcium, laxative tablets, antiseptic douches, antiseptic washes, and other herbal tablets before and after meals.

Science and Hoxsey

A number of animal and in-vitro trials in cancer modeling systems have shown that Hoxsey formula herbs or their constituents may have anti-tumor activity (See references below). None have been formally tested in humans. These trials often use doses that are not relevant to human administration. They also do not test for systemic effects such as detoxification through laxative effects, liver support, improved nutrition, and so on, all of which may strengthen the immune system and favorably affect the cancer-status of a human patient. The late Harry Hoxsey repeatedly tried to have the National Cancer Institute evaluate the treatment in the 1950s, but to no avail. A subsequent congressional investigation concluded that the NCI “took sides and sought in every way to hinder, suppress, and restrict the Hoxsey Cancer Clinic in their treatment of cancer.” Dr. Austin’s case review is the first evaluation of the therapy since that era.

General references

Austin S, Dale EB, DeKadt S. “Long term follow-up of cancer patients using Contreras, Hoxsey, and Gerson therapies.” Journal of Naturopathic Medicine 1994;5(1):74-76

Office of Technology Assessment. Unconventional Cancer Treatments, U.S Government Printing Office document OTA-H-405, 1990.
 
Copyright 2001 Paul Bergner    201

 

    Medical Herbalism: Clinical Articles and Case Studies

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Dombradi CA, Foldeak S. “Screening report on the antitumor activity of purified Arctium lappa extracts.” Tumori 1966;52:173

Foldeak S, Dombradi CA. “Tumor growth inhibiting substances of plant origen. I. Isolation of the active principle of Arctium lappa” Acta Phys Chem 1964; 10:91-93

Takeuchi S, Kochi M, Sakaguchi K, et al. “Benzaldehyde as a carcinostatic principle in figs.’ Agr Biol Chem 1978; 42:1449

Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)

Kupchan SM, Karim A. “Tumor inhibitors. Aloe emodin: Antileukemic principle isolated from Rhamnus frangula.” Lloydia 1976; 39:223

Hartwell JL. “Types of anticancer agents isolated from plants.” Cancer Treat Rep 1976; 60(8):1031-1067

Office of Technology Assessment. Unconventional Cancer Treatments, U.S Government Printing Office document OTA-H-405, 1990.

Cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana)

Kupchan SM, Karim A. “Tumor inhibitors. Aloe emodin: Antileukemic principle isolated from Rhamnus frangula.” Lloydia 1976; 39:223

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)

Hoshi A, Ikekawa T, Ikeda Y, et al. “Antitumor activity of berberine derivatives.” Jpn J Cancer Res (Gann) 1976; 67:321-325

Owne TY, Wang SY, Chang SY, et al. “A new antitumor substance — lycobetaine.” K’o Hsueh T’ung Pao 1976; 21 (6):285-287

Licorice (Glycyhhriza glabra)

Belkin M, Fitzgerald DB. “Tumor damaging capacity of plant materials. 1. Plants used as cathartics.” J Natl Cancer Inst. 1952; 13:139-155

Kitegawa k et al. “Inhibition of the specific binding of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate to mouse epidermal membrane fractions by glycerrhetic acid.” Oncology 1986; 43:127-130

Nishino H et al. “Antitumor activity of glycerrhetic acid in mouse skin tumor promotion induces 7,12,-demethylben[a]anthracene plus teleocidin.” Carcinogenesis 1984; 5:1529-1530
 
Copyright 2001 Paul Bergner    202