AMINO ACIDS AND RELATED SUBSTANCES AGAINST CANCER: LENTINAN AND MELATONIN

April 2nd, 2009

Lentinan

Lentinan is a polysaccharide which boosts the immune system and suppresses the growth and spread (metastasis) of some forms of cancer. Lentinan has the ability to increase the lifespan of breast, stomach and colon cancer patients by preventing the spread of cancer. It stimulates the production of interleukin-1 and interferon’s, strong cancer-fighting compounds. Lentinan has an extremely positive effect on the body’s immune system. The regular use of lentinan possesses virtually no toxic side effects.

Chemotherapy treatment is enhanced through the added use of lentinan. When taken with chemotherapy, it is believed to enhance the lifespan of breast cancer patients.

Lentinan also prevents chemicals and viruses from triggering cancer and shows strong cancer-fighting properties against stomach cancer. Lentinan is found in high amounts in shitake mushrooms.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and it is important for the regulation of many hormones in the body. Melatonin helps to control the body’s circadian rhythm, our internal twenty-four hour timekeeping system that plays a role in when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Melatonin is similar to Coenzyme Ql0 and DHEA in the fact that as we age, our levels of these important compounds found in our body decrease. In addition, evidence suggests that melatonin is a vital key in maintaining a strong level of immunity.

Melatonin is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, particularly the potent cancer-causing agent, safrole. Low plasma melatonin levels are implicated in endometrial cancer. It is an effective addition to the treatment of kidney cancer and it is thought to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer, and hormone-sensitive and oestrogen-dependent tumours. It is also being considered as a possible preventative agent against melanoma skin cancers.

Melatonin is believed to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer including liver and lung cancer. It has been used successfully with cancer patients who do not respond well to chemotherapy and, in addition, it helps to protect against many of the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. Melatonin promotes the release of other pineal gland chemicals, to work hand-in-hand with it in the prevention of cancer.