N-TENSE combines the rainforest's most potent and powerful plants into one synergistic formula. These power plants of the rainforest have been independently documented around the world with biological actions against cancer (see published independent reseach below).* This unique formula contains 50% graviola combined with 7 other plants that have similar properties and actions as graviola. Most find this unique blend of rainforest plants to have synergistic actions and provide better results than graviola alone.
This product was featured in three articles by the Health Sciences Institute:For more information on the individual ingredients in N-Tense, follow the links provided below to the plant database files in the Tropical Plant Database. More information can also be found in the new Anti-Cancerous Guide.
Ingredients: A synergistic blend of graviola, mullaca, guacatonga, espinheira santa, bitter melon, vassourinha, mutamba, and cat’s claw. To prepare this natural remedy yourself: use 10 parts graviola, 2 parts mullaca, 2 parts guacatonga, 2 parts espinheira santa, and 1 part each of bitter melon, vassourinha, mutamba and cat's claw. To make a small amount... 1 part could be a tablespoon (you'd have 20 tablespoons of the blended herbal formula). For larger amounts use 1 part as one ounce or one cup or one pound. Combine all the herbs together well. The formula can then be stuffed into capsules or brewed into tea, stirred into juice or other liquid, or taken however you'd like.
Suggested Use: Take 2-3 grams by weight (or about 1 1/2 teaspoon by volume) three times daily, or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Graviola (Annona muricata)
Graviola contains over 100 Annonaceous acetogenins which have shown in laboratory studies to be selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells without toxicity to healthy cells. Many published studies report that these acetogenins have demonstrated selective cytotoxicity to tumor cells with as little as 1 part per million.
Anticancerous & Antitumor Actions:
Indrawati, L., et al. "The effect of an Annona muricata leaf extract on nutritional status and
cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial." Asia Pac. J. Clin. Nutr. 2017;
26(4): 606-612. [Free full article]
Rady, I., et al. “Anticancer properties of graviola (Annona muricata): A comprehensive mechanistic review.” Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2018 Jul; 2018: 1826170. [Free PMC Article]
Quílez, A., et al. “Potential therapeutic applications of the genus Annona: Local and traditional uses and pharmacology.” J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Oct; 225: 244-270.
Yajid, A. et al. “Potential Benefits of Annona muricata in Combating Cancer: A Review. Malays. J. Med. Sci. 2018 Feb; 25(1): 5-15. [PMC free article]
Qazi, A., et al. “Emerging therapeutic potential of graviola and its constituents in cancers.” Carcinogenesis. 2018 Apr; 39(4): 522-533.
Gavamukulya, Y., et al. “Annona muricata: Is the natural therapy to most disease conditions including cancer growing in our backyard? A systematic review of its research history and future prospects.” Asian Pac. J. Trop. Med. 2017 Sept; 10(9): 835-848 [ScienceDirect free article]
Moghadamtousi, S., et al. “Annona muricata (Annonaceae): A review of its traditional uses, isolated acetogenins and biological activities.” Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2015 Jul; 16(7): 15625-58. [PMC Free article]
Mangal, M., et al. “Acetogenins as Potential Anticancer Agents.” Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 2015; 16(2): 138-59.
Ma, C., et al. “Non-targeted metabolomic analysis on multidrug resistance hepatocellular carcinoma cell and reversal effect of annonaceous acetogenins.” J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 2019 Feb; 164: 489-495.
Sabapati, M., et al. "Solid lipid nanoparticles of Annona muricata fruit extract: formulation, optimization and in vitro cytotoxicity studies." Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm. 2019 Jan 19:1-10.
Torres, C., Effect of Morinda citrifolia and Annona muricata on Erhlich tumor cells in Swiss albino mice and in vitro fibroblast cells." J. Med. Food. 2019 Jan; 22(1): 46-51.
Kim, J., "Annona muricata leaf extract triggered intrinsic apoptotic pathway to attenuate cancerous features of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231." Cells. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2018 Jul; 2018: 7972916.
Rady, I., et al. "Anticancer properties of graviola (Annona muricata): A comprehensive
mechanistic review." Oxid. Med. Cell Longev. 2018 Jul; 2018: 1826170.
Sánchez-Navarro, M., et al. "Cytotoxic and bactericidal effect of silver nanoparticles obtained by
green synthesis method using Annona muricata aqueous extract and functionalized with 5-Fluorouracil." Bioinorg. Chem. Appl. 2018 Oct; 2018: 6506381.
Moreau, D., et al. "[Self medication with Annona muricata L. (corossol) as an anti-cancer agent
in Reunion]." Rev. Mal. Respir. 2018 Nov; 35(9): 948-955.
Abdul Wahab, S., et at. "Exploring the leaves of Annona muricata L. as a source of potential
anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents." Front. Pharmacol. 2018 Jun; 9: 661.
Chamcheu, J., "Graviola (Annona muricata) exerts anti-proliferative, anti-clonogenic and pro-apoptotic effects in human non-melanoma skin cancer UW-BCC1 and A431 cells in vitro:
involvement of hedgehog signaling." Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018 Jun; 19(6).
Dawood, H., "Integrated in silico-in vitro strategy for screening of some traditional Egyptian
plants for human aromatase inhibitors." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Oct; 224: 359-372.
Rosdi, M., et al. "Molecular docking studies of bioactive compounds from Annona
muricata Linn as potential inhibitors for Bcl-2, Bcl-w and Mcl-1 antiapoptotic proteins."
Apoptosis. 2018 Jan; 23(1): 27-40.
Ma, C., et al. “Metabolomics analysis of the potential anticancer mechanism of annonaceous acetogenins on a multidrug resistant mammary adenocarcinoma cell.” Anal. Biochem. 2018 Jul 15; 553: 1-6.
Roduan, M., "Annona muricata leaves extracts prevent DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumorigenesis
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Abdullah, M., et al. "The value of caspase-3 after the application of Annona muricata leaf extract
in COLO-205 colorectal cancer cell line." Gastroenterol. Res. Pract. 2017; 2017: 4357165.
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Foster, K., et al. "Reliance on medicinal plant therapy among cancer patients in Jamaica."
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Prabhakaran, K., et al. "Polyketide natural products, acetogenins from graviola (Annona muricata
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Sun, L., et al. "Isolation of three new Anonaceous acetogenins from graviola fruit (Annona
muricata) and their anti-proliferation on human prostate cancer cell PC-3." Bioorg. Med. Chem.
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Clement, Y., et al. "Herbal remedies and functional foods used by cancer patients attending
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Kuete, V., et al. "Cytotoxicity of methanol extracts of Annona muricata, Passiflora edulis and
nine other Cameroonian medicinal plants towards multi-factorial drug-resistant cancer cell lines.
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Prabhakaran, K., "Polyketide natural products, acetogenins from graviola (Annona muricata L),
its biochemical, cytotoxic activity and various analyses through computational and bio-programming methods." Curr. Pharm. Des. 2016; 22(34): 5204-5210.
Liu, N., et al. "Functional proteomic analysis reveals that the ethanol extract of Annona muricata L. induces liver cancer cell apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Aug; 189: 210-7.
Antony, P., and Vijayan, R. "Acetogenins from Annona muricata as potential inhibitors of antiapoptotic proteins: a molecular modeling study." Drug Des. Devel. Ther. 2016 Apr; 10: 1399-410.
Shi, Y., et al. "[Structure activity relationship of annonaceous acetogenins against multidrug resistant human lung cancer cell line A549/Taxol in vitro]." Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2016 May; 41(10): 1884-1888.
Liaw, C., et al. “Acetogenins from Annonaceae.” Prog. Chem. Org. Nat. Prod. 2016; 101: 113-230.
Qian, J., et al. “Annonaceous acetogenins reverses drug resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma BEL-7402/5-FU and HepG2/ADM cell lines.” Int. J. Clin. Exp. Pathol. 2015 Sep; 8(9): 11934-44.
Magadi, V. "Evaluation of cytotoxicity of aqueous extract of graviola leaves on squamous cell carcinoma cell-25 cell lines by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and determination of percentage of cell inhibition at G2M phase of cell cycle by flow cytometry: An in vitro study." Contemp. Clin. Dent. 2015 Oct-Dec; 6(4): 529-33.
Yang, C., et al. "Synergistic interactions among flavonoids and acetogenins in graviola (Annona muricata) leaves confer protection against prostate cancer." Carcinogenesis. 2015 Jun; 36(6): 656-65.
Zorofchian, S., et al. "The chemopotential effect of Annona muricata leaves against azoxymethane-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci in rats and the apoptotic effect of acetogenin annomuricin E in HT-29 cells: a bioassay-guided approach." PLoS One. 2015 Apr; 10(4): e0122288.
Asare, G., et al. "Antiproliferative activity of aqueous leaf extract of Annona muricata L. on the prostate, BPH-1 cells, and some target genes." Integr. Cancer Ther. 2015 Jan; 14(1): 65-74.
Yuan, F., et al. “Structure-activity relationships of diverse ACGs against multidrug resistant human lung cancer cell line A549/Taxol.” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2015 Feb; 25(4): 787-90.
Pieme, C., et al. "Antiproliferative activity and induction of apoptosis by Annona muricata (Annonaceae) extract on human cancer cells." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2014 Dec; 14:
516.
Gavamukulya, Y., et al. "Phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant activity and in vitro anticancer potential of ethanolic and water leaves extracts of Annona muricata (Graviola)." Asian Pac. J.
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Moghadamtousi, S., et al. "Annona muricata leaves induced apoptosis in A549 cells through mitochondrial-mediated pathway and involvement of NF-κB." BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 2014 Aug; 14: 299.
Sun, S., et al. "Three new anti-proliferative Annonaceous acetogenins with mono-tetrahydrofuran ring from graviola fruit (Annona muricata)." Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2014 Jun; 24(12): 2773-6.
Paul, J., et al. "Anti cancer activity on graviola, an exciting medicinal plant extract vs various cancer cell lines and a detailed computational study on its potent anti-cancerous leads." Curr. Top. Med. Chem. 2013; 13(14): 1666-73.
de Pedro, N., et al. "Mitochondrial complex I inhibitors, acetogenins, induce HepG2 cell death through the induction of the complete apoptotic mitochondrial pathway." J. Bioenerg. Biomembr. 2013 Feb; 45(1-2): 153-64.
de Pedro, N., et al. "Analysis of cytotoxic activity at short incubation times reveals profound differences among Annonaceus acetogenins, inhibitors of mitochondrial Complex I." J. Bioenerg Biomembr. 2013 Feb; 45(1-2): 145-52
Hamizah, S., et al. "Chemopreventive potential of Annona muricata L leaves on chemically-induced skin papillomagenesis in mice." Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2012; 13(6): 2533-9.
Torres, M., et al. "Graviola: a novel promising natural-derived drug that inhibits tumorigenicity and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo through altering cell metabolism." Cancer Lett. 2012 Oct; 323(1): 29-40.
Chen, Y., et al. "Anti-tumor activity of Annona squamosa seeds extract containing Annonaceous acetogenin compounds." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Jul; 142(2): 462-6.
Chen, Y., et al. "Antitumor activity of Annonaceous acetogenins in HepS and S180 xenografts bearing mice." Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2012 Apr; 22(8): 2717-9.
George, V., et al. "Quantitative assessment of the relative antineoplastic potential of the n-butanolic leaf extract of Annona muricata Linn. in normal and immortalized human cell lines." Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2012; 13(2) :699-704.
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Ko, Y., et al. "Annonacin induces cell cycle-dependent growth arrest and apoptosis in estrogen receptor-a-related pathways in MCF-7 cells." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Oct; 137(3): 1283-90.
Tantithanaporn, S., et al. "Cytotoxic activity of acetogenins and styryl lactones isolated from Goniothalamus undulatus Ridl. root extracts against a lung cancer cell line (COR-L23)." Phytomedicine. 2011 Apr; 18(6): 486-90.
Coothankandaswamy, V., et al. "The alternative medicine pawpaw and its acetogenin constituents suppress tumor angiogenesis via the HIF-1/VEGF pathway." J. Nat. Prod. 2010 May; 73(5): 956-61.
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Mullaca (Physalis angulata)
Mullaca, and its novel plant steroids, have shown strong in vitro and in vivo (mice) cytotoxic activity against numerous types of cancer including leukemia, lung, colon, cervix and melanoma cancer cells.* It has also evidenced significant immunostimulant actions.*
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through increasing intracellular ROS levels to trigger apoptosis and autophagosome formation in
human breast carcinoma cells." Biochem. Pharmacol. 2017 Nov; 143: 90-106.
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their antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory activities. Sci. Rep. 2017 Jun; 7(1): 4057.
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Reyes-Reyes, E., et al. "Physangulidine A, a withanolide from Physalis angulata, perturbs the
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osteoclastogenesis through suppression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and
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Physalis angulata." J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 2006; 58(2): 235-41.
Jacobo-Herrera, N., et al. "Physalins from Witheringia solanacea as modulators of the NF-kappaB cascade." J. Nat. Prod. 2006; 69(3): 328-31.
Magalhaes, H., et al. "In-vitro and in-vivo antitumour activity of physalins B and D from Physalis
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effects on apoptosis in human Hep G2 cells." Life Sci. 2004 Mar; 74(16): 2061-73.
Leyon, P., et al. "Effect of Withania somnifera on B16F-10 melanoma induced metastasis in
mice." Phytother. Res. 2004; 18(2): 118-22.
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Guacatonga (Casearia sylvestris)
Natural plant compounds, called clerodane diterpenes, are found abundantly in guacatonga and
some have been patented as anticancerous agents. Clerodane diterpenes have been documented
with a wide range of biological activities ranging from insect antifeedants, to antitumorous,
anticancerous, and antibiotic agents, to HIV replication inhibitors. Some of the clerodane
diterpenes documented in guacatonga are novel chemicals which scientists have named
casearins (A thru X) and several have shown remarkable anticancerous actions in low dosages.
Moreira da Silva, R., et al. "Characterization of casearin X metabolism by rat and human liver
microsomes." Planta Med. 2019 Mar; 85(4): 282-291.
Ferreira-Silva, G., et al. "Casearin D inhibits ERK phosphorylation and induces downregulation
of cyclin D1 in HepG2 cells." Toxicol. In Vitro. 2017 Feb; 38: 27-32.
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its component Casearin X: in vivo and ex vivo methods and microscopy examinations." J.
Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Jun; 186: 270-279.
Moreira da Silva, R., et al. "Evaluation of the intestinal absorption mechanism of casearin X in
caco-2 cells with modified carboxylesterase activity." J. Nat. Prod. 2016 Apr; 79(4): 1084-90.
De Ford, C., et al. "The clerodane diterpene casearin J induces apoptosis of T-ALL cells through
SERCA inhibition, oxidative stress, and interference with Notch1 signaling." Cell Death Dis.
2016; 7: e2070.
Ferreira., et al. "Morphological and biochemical alterations activated by antitumor clerodane
diterpenes." Chem. Biol. Interact. 2014 Oct; 222: 112-25.
Felipe, K., et al. "Inhibition of tumor proliferation associated with cell cycle arrest caused by
extract and fraction from Casearia sylvestris (Salicaceae)." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Sep;
155(3): 1492-9.
Dupuy, L., et al. "[In vitro effect of lupeol and casearin G on peripheral blood mononuclear and
tumor cells]." Rev. Med. Chil. 2013 Sep; 141(9): 1150-7.
Bou, D., et al. "Chemical composition and cytotoxicity evaluation of essential oil from leaves of
Casearia sylvestris, its main compound α-zingiberene and derivatives." Molecules. 2013 Aug;
18(8): 9477-87.
Prieto, A., et al. "Assessment of the chemopreventive effect of casearin B, a clerodane diterpene
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Espinheira Santa (Maytenus ilicifolia)
Espinheira santa contains several chemicals with documented anticancerous actions
including maytansine, pristimerin, and maytenin and other triterpene chemicals called
cangorins. The anticancer activities of pristimerin have been illustrated in various cancer cell
lines and animal models in recent research. It has been found to inhibit in vitro and in vivo
proliferation, survival, angiogenesis and metastasis of tumor cells.
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pathway in hypoxic prostate cancer cells." BMC Cancer. 2016 Aug; 16: 701.
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apoptosis in HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells." Biomed. Pharmacother. 2016 Apr; 79: 112-9.
Zhao, H., et al. "Pristimerin triggers AIF-dependent programmed necrosis in glioma cells via
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inducing G1 phase arrest and apoptosis and suppressing various pro-survival signaling proteins."
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pristimerin in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells." Oncol. Rep. 2015 Jul; 34(1): 518-24.
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of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells by pristimerin." Int. J. Oncol. 2014 Oct; 45(4): 1735-41.
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Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
Bitter melon has been shown in studies over the last 10 years to have antitumorous and anticancerous properties.* The plant contains the phytochemicals 5-hydroxytryptamine, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and lanosterol—all of which are documented to be anticancerous, antimutagenic and/or cytoprotective.*
Anticancerous & Cytotoxic Actions:
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Pitchakarn, P., et al. "Induction of G1 arrest and apoptosis in androgen-dependent human prostate
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Kai, H., et al. "Inhibition of proliferation by agricultural plant extracts in seven human adult T-cell leukaemia (ATL)-related cell lines." J Nat Med. 2011 Jul;65(3-4):651-5.
Agrawal, R., et al. "Chemopreventive and anticarcinogenic effects of Momordica charantia
extract." Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2010;11(2):371-5.
Pitchakarn, P., et al. "Momordica charantia leaf extract suppresses rat prostate cancer
progression in vitro and in vivo." Cancer Sci. 2010 Oct;101(10):2234-40.
Okada, Y., et al. "Screening of dried plant seed extracts for adiponectin production activity and
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2010 Sep;65(3):225-32.
Ray, R., et al. "Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract inhibits breast cancer cell
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Rossmann, M., et al. "Eleostearic Acid inhibits breast cancer proliferation by means of an
oxidation-dependent mechanism." Cancer Prev. Res. (Phila Pa). 2009; 2(10): 879-86.
Li, M., "Anti-tumor activity and immunological modification of ribosome-inactivating protein
(RIP) from Momordica charantia by covalent attachment of polyethylene glycol." Acta Biochim.
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Xiong, S., et al. "Ribosome-inactivating proteins isolated from dietary bitter melon induce
apoptosis and inhibit histone deacetylase-1 selectively in premalignant and malignant prostate
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Kobori, M., et al. "Alpha-eleostearic acid and its dihydroxy derivative are major apoptosis-inducing components of bitter gourd." J. Agric. Food Chem. 2008 Nov; 56(22): 10515-20.
Fan, J., et al. "Effects of recombinant MAP30 on cell proliferation and apoptosis of human
colorectal carcinoma LoVo cells." Mol. Biotechnol. 2008 May; 39(1): 79-86.
Akihisa, T., et al. "Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids from the fruits of Momordica charantia and
their cancer chemopreventive effects." J. Nat. Prod. 2007; 70(8):1233-9.
Khan, S., et al. "Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia): a potential mechanism in anti-carcinogenesis of colon." World J. Gastroenterol. 2007 Mar; 13(11): 1761-2.
Hwang, Y., et al. "Momordin I, an inhibitor of AP-1, suppressed osteoclastogenesis through
inhibition of NF-kappaB and AP-1 and also reduced osteoclast activity and survival." Biochem.
Biophys. Res. Commun. 2005 Nov; 337(3): 815-23.
Yasui, Y., et al. "Bitter gourd seed fatty acid rich in 9c,11t,13t-conjugated linolenic acid induces
apoptosis and up-regulates the GADD45, p53 and PPARgamma in human colon cancer Caco-2
cells." Prostaglandins Leukot. Essent. Fatty Acids. 2005 Aug; 73(2): 113-9.
Ike, K., et al. "Induction of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and T helper 1 (Th1) immune
response by bitter gourd extract." J. Vet. Med. Sci. 2005; 67(5): 521-4.
Nagasawa, H., et al. "Effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) or ginger rhizome (Zingiber
offifinale Rosc.) on spontaneous mammary tumorigenesis in SHN mice." Am. J. Clin. Med. 2002;
30(2-3): 195-205.
Kim, J. H., et al. "Induction of apoptosis by momordin I in promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60)
cells." Anticancer Res. 2002 May-Jun; 22(3): 1885-9.
Tazzari, P. L., et al. "An Epstein-Barr virus-infected lymphoblastoid cell line (D430B) that grows
in SCID-mice with the morphologic features of a CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and is
sensitive to anti-CD30 immunotoxins." Haematologica. 1999; 84(11): 988-95.
Lee, D. K., et al. "Momordins inhibit both AP-1 function and cell proliferation." Anticancer Res.
1998 Jan-Feb; 18(1A): 119-24.
Terenzi, A., et al. "Anti-CD30 (BER=H2) immunotoxins containing the type-1 ribosome-inactivating proteins momordin and PAP-S (pokeweed antiviral protein from seeds) display
powerful antitumor activity against CD30+ tumor cells in vitro and in SCID mice." Br. J.
Haematol. 1996; 92(4): 872-79.
Bolognesi, A., et al. "Induction of apoptosis by ribosome-inactivating proteins and related
immunotoxins." Int. J. Cancer. 1996 Nov; 68(3): 349-55.
Battelli, M. G., et al. "Toxicity of ribosome-inactivating proteins-containing immunotoxins to a
human bladder carcinoma cell line." Int. J. Cancer. 1996 Feb; 65(4): 485-90.
Lee-Huang, S., et al. "Anti-HIV and anti-tumor activities of recombinant MAP30 from bitter
melon." Gene. 1995; 161(2):151-56.
Cunnick, J. E., et al. "Induction of tumor cytotoxic immune cells using a protein from the bitter
melon (Momordica charantia)." Cell Immunol. 1990 Apr; 126(2): 278-89.
Zhu, Z. J., et al. "Studies on the active constituents of Momordica charantia l." Yao. Hsueh.
Hsueh. Pao. 1990; 25(12): 898-903.
Stirpe, F., et al. "Selective cytotoxic activity of immunotoxins composed of a monoclonal anti-Thy 1.1 antibody and the ribosome-inactivating proteins bryodin and momordin." Br. J. Cancer.
1988 Nov; 58(5): 558-61.
Takemoto, D. J., et al. "Purification and characterization of a cytostatic factor with anti-viral
activity from the bitter melon. Part 2." Prep Biochem. 1983; 13(5): 397-421.
Takemoto, D. J., et al. "The cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of the bitter melon (Momordica
charantia) on human lymphocytes." Toxicon. 1982; 20: 593-99.
Takemoto, D. J., et al. "Guanylate cyclase activity in human leukemic and normal lymphocytes.
Enzyme inhibition and cytotoxicity of plant extracts." Enzyme. 1982; 27(3): 179-88.
Takemoto, D. J., et al. "Partial purification and characterization of a guanylate cyclase inhibitor
with cytotoxic properties from the bitter melon (Momordica charantia)." Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun. 1980; 94(1): 332-39.
Claflin, A. J., et al. "Inhibition of growth and guanylate cyclase activity of an undifferentiated
prostate adenocarcinoma by an extract of the balsam pear (Momordica charantia abbreviata)."
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 1978; 75(2): 989-93.
Vesely, D. L., et al. "Isolation of a guanylate cyclase inhibitor from the balsam pear (Momordica
charantia abbreviata)." Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1977; 77(4): 1294-99.
Vassourinha (Scoparia dulcis)
Many of vassourinha's active biological properties, including its anticancerous properties, are
attributed to various flavone and terpene chemicals, some only found in vassourinha.. The
main chemicals being studied for their actions against cancer are scopadulcic acids A and B,
scopadiol, scopadulciol, scopadulin, scoparic acids A, B, and C, and betulinic acid.
Wang, W., et al. "Betulinic acid induces apoptosis and suppresses metastasis in hepatocellular
carcinoma cell lines in vitro and in vivo." J. Cell. Mol. Med. 2019 Jan; 23(1): 586-595
Jiao, L., et al. "Betulinic acid suppresses breast cancer aerobic glycolysis via
caveolin-1/NF-kB/c-Myc pathway." Biochem. Pharmacol. 2019 Mar; 161: 149-162.
Sousa, J., et al. "Recent developments in the functionalization of betulinic acid and its natural
analogues: a route to new bioactive compounds." Molecules. 2019 Jan; 24(2).
Zhan, X., et al. "Betulinic acid exerts potent antitumor effects on paclitaxel-resistant human lung
carcinoma cells (H460) via G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and induction of mitochondrial
apoptosis." Oncol. Lett. 2018 Sep; 16(3): 3628-3634.
de Las Pozas, A., "Inhibiting multiple deubiquitinases to reduce androgen receptor expression in
prostate cancer cells." Sci. Rep. 2018 Sep; 8(1): 13146.
Yang, C., et al. "Betulinic acid induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis of human renal
carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo." J. Cell. Biochem. 2018 Nov; 119(10): 8611-8622.
Fuentes, R., et al. "Scopadulciol, isolated from Scoparia dulcis, induces β-catenin degradation
and overcomes tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis ligand resistance in AGS human gastric
adenocarcinoma cells." J. Nat. Prod. 2015 Apr; 78(4): 864-72.
Wu, W., et al. "Benzoxazinoids from Scoparia dulcis (sweet broomweed) with antiproliferative
activity against the DU-145 human prostate cancer cell line." Phytochemistry. 2012 Nov; 83:
110-5.
Hayashi, T., et al. "Investigation on traditional medicines of Guarany Indio and studies on
diterpenes from Scoparia dulcis." Yakugaku Zasshi. 2011; 131(9): 1259-69.
Kessler, J., et al. "Broad in vitro efficacy of plant-derived betulinic acid against cell lines
derived from the most prevalent human cancer types." Cancer Lett. 2007 Jun; 251(1): 132-45.
Mukherjee, R., et al. "Betulinic acid derivatives as anticancer agents: structure activity
relationship." Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 2006 May; 6(3): 271-9.
Phan, M., et al. "Chemical and biological evaluation on scopadulane-type diterpenoids from
Scoparia dulcis of Vietnamese origin." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2006 Apr; 54(4): 546-9.
Hayashi, K., et al. "The role of a HSV thymidine kinase stimulating substance, scopadulciol, in
improving the efficacy of cancer gene therapy." J. Gene Med. 2006 Aug; 8(8): 1056-67.
Kasperczyk, H., et al. "Betulinic acid as new activator of NF-kappaB: molecular mechanisms and
implications for cancer therapy." Oncogene. 2005 Oct; 24(46): 6945-56.
Fulda, S., et al. "Sensitization for anticancer drug-induced apoptosis by betulinic acid."
Neoplasia. 2005; 7(2): 162-70.
Garg, A., et al. "Chemosensitization and radiosensitization of tumors by plant polyphenols."
Antioxid. Redox. Signal. 2005; 7(11-12): 1630-47.
Wada, S., et al. "Betulinic acid and its derivatives, potent DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors, from
the bark of Bischofia javanica." Chem. Biodivers. 2005 May; 2(5): 689-94.
Hayashi, K., et al. "Evaluation of scopadulciol-related molecules for their stimulatory effect on
the cytotoxicity of acyclovir and ganciclovir against Herpes simplex virus type 1 thymidine
kinase gene-transfected HeLa cells." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 2004; 52(8):1015-7.
Ahsan, M., et al. "Cytotoxic diterpenes from Scoparia dulcis." J. Nat. Prod. 2003; 66(7): 958-61.
Fulda, S., et al. "Betulinic acid induces apoptosis through a direct effect on mitochondria in
neuroecto-dermal tumors." Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 2000; 35(6): 616-18.
Fulda, S., et al. "Betulinic acid: A new cytotoxic agent against malignant brain-tumor cells." Int.
J. Cancer 1999; 82(3): 435-41.
Noda, Y., et al. "Enhanced cytotoxicity of some triterpenes toward leukemia L1210 cells cultured
in low pH media; possibility of a new mode of cell killing." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1997; 45(10):
1665-70.
Arisawa, M. "Cell growth inhibition of KB cells by plant extracts." Natural Med. 1994; 48(4):
338-47.
Nishino, H. "Antitumor-promoting activity of scopadulcic acid B, isolated from the medicinal
plant Scoparia dulcis L." Oncology. 1993; 50(2): 100-3.
Hayashi, T., et al. "Scoparic acid A, a beta-glucuronidase inhibitor from Scoparia dulcis." J. Nat.
Prod. 1992; 55(12): 1748
Hayashi, R., et al. "A cytotoxic flavone from Scoparia dulcis L." Chem. Pharm. Bull. 1988;
36: 4849-51.
Mutamba (Guazuma ulmifolia)
Thus far, mutamba has been documented to contain at least 4 different plant chemicals that have actions against cancer. Several of these chemicals are being synthesized in an attempt to create patentable derivatives as new cancer drugs.
Anticancerous Actions:
Kumar, R., et al. "Procyanidin B2 3,3″-di-O-gallate induces oxidative stress-mediated cell death
in prostate cancer cells via inhibiting MAP kinase phosphatase activity and activating ERK1/2
and AMPK." Mol. Carcinog. 2018 Jan; 57(1): 57-69.
Karthika, V., et al. "Guazuma ulmifolia bark-synthesized Ag, Au and Ag/Au alloy nanoparticles:
Photocatalytic potential, DNA/protein interactions, anticancer activity and toxicity against 14
species of microbial pathogens. J. Photochem. Photobiol B. 2017 Feb; 167: 189-199.
Da'i, M., et al. "Antiproliferative properties of tiliroside from Guazuma ulmifolia lamk (leaves)
on T47D and MCF7 cancer cell lines." Natl. J Physiol. Pharm. Pharmacol.. 2016; 6(6): 627-633.
Calixto Júnior, J., et al. "Phenolic composition and antiparasitic activity of plants from the
Brazilian Northeast "Cerrado"" Saudi. J. Biol Sci. 2016 May; 23(3): 434-40.
Shilpi, A., et al. "Mechanisms of DNA methyltransferase-inhibitor interactions: Procyanidin B2
shows new promise for therapeutic intervention of cancer." Chem. Biol. Interact. 2015 May; 233:
122-38.
Shay, J., et al. "Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic effects of (-)-epicatechin and other
polyphenols in cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and neurodegeneration." Oxid. Med. Cell Longev.
2015; 2015: 181260
Maldini, M., et al. "Flavanocoumarins from Guazuma ulmifolia bark and evaluation of their
affinity for STAT1." Phytochemistry. 2013 Feb; 86: 64-71.
Avelar, M., et al. "Procyanidin B2 cytotoxicity to MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells."
Indian J. Pharm Sci. 2012 Jul; 74(4): 351-5.
Jacobo-Salcedo Mdel, R., et al. "Antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of Mexican medicinal
plants." Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Dec; 6(12): 1925-8.
Cuca, L, et al. "Cytotoxic effect of some natural compounds isolated from Lauraceae plants and
synthetic derivatives." Biomedica. 2011 Jul-Sep; 31(3): 335-43.
Hueso-Falcón, I., et al. "Synthesis and induction of apoptosis signaling pathway of ent-kaurane
derivatives." Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2010 Feb 15;18(4):1724-35.
Cavalcanti, B., et al. "Kauren-19-oic acid induces DNA damage followed by apoptosis in human
leukemia cells." J. Appl. Toxicol. 2009 Oct; 29(7): 560-8.
Seigler, D. S. "Cyanogenic glycosides and menisdaurin from Guazuma ulmifolia, Ostrya
virgininana, Tiquilia plicata and Tiquilia canescens." Phytochemistry. 2005 Jul; 66(13): 1567-80.
Ito, H., et al. "Antitumor activity of compounds isolated from leaves of Eriobotrya japonica." J.
Agric. Food Chem. 2002; 50(8): 2400-3.
Kashiwada, Y., et al. "Antitumor agents, 129. Tannins and related compounds as selective
cytotoxic agents." J. Nat. Prod. 1992; 55(8): 1033-43.
Nascimento, S. C., et al. "Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities in plants from Pernambuco,
Brazil." Fitoterapia. 1990; 61(4): 353-55.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)
In addition to it's long documented immune stimulant actions, cat's claw (as well as it's various alkaloids) have been documented with anticancerous actions in the following studies.* One research group has also reported cat's claw might work in a similar fashion as tamoxifen by blocking estrogen receptor sites in breast tissues.*
Ciani, F., et al. "Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of Uncaria tomentosa aqueous
extract in squamous carcinoma cells." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2018 Jan; 211: 285-294.
Allen, L., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa (Willd. ex Schult.) DC (Rubiaceae) Sensitizes THP-1 cells
to radiation-induced cell death." Pharmacognosy Res. 2017 Jul-Sep; 9(3): 221-229.
Navarro, M., et al. "Fractioning of proanthocyanidins of Uncaria tomentosa. Composition and
structure-bioactivity relationship." Antioxidants (Basel). 2017 Jul; 6(3). pii: E60.
Komider, A., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa leaves decoction modulates differently ros production in
cancer and normal cells, and effects cisplatin cytotoxicity." Molecules. 2017 Apr 12; 22(4).
Baraya, Y., et al. "The immunomodulatory potential of selected bioactive plant-based
compounds in breast cancer: A review." Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 2017; 17(6):770-783.
Santos, K., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa extract alters the catabolism of adenine nucleotides and
expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 and P2X7 and A1 receptors in the MDA-MB-231 cell
line." J. Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 24; 194: 108-116.
Kaiser, S., et al. "Genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa
(cat's claw): Chemotype relevance. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Aug; 189: 90-8.
Mentor, J., et al. "Topical AC-11 abates actinic keratoses and early squamous cell cancers in
hairless mice exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation." Dermatol. Online J. 2015 Apr 16;
21(4).
de Paula, L., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa (cat's claw) improves quality of life in patients with
advanced solid tumors." J. Altern. Complement. Med. 2015 Jan; 21(1): 22-30.
Menghini, L., et al. "A natural formulation (imoviral ) increases macrophage resistance
to LPS-induced oxidative and inflammatory stress in vitro." J. Biol. Regul. Homeost.
Agents. 2014 Oct-Dec; 28(4): 775-82.
de Oliveira, L., et al. "Effect of Uncaria tomentosa extract on apoptosis triggered by
Oxaliplatin exposure on HT29 Cells." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med.
2014; 2014: 274786.
Dietrich, F., et al. "Quinovic acid glycosides purified fraction from Uncaria tomentosa induces
cell death by apoptosis in the T24 human bladder cancer cell line." Food Chem. Toxicol. 2014
May; 67: 222-9.
Deiab, S., et al. "High-throughput screening to identify plant derived human LDH-A inhibitors."
European J Med Plants. 2013; 3(4): 603-615.
Kaiser, S., et al. "Cat's claw oxindole alkaloid isomerization induced by cell incubation and
cytotoxic activity against T24 and RT4 human bladder cancer cell lines." Planta Med. 2013 Oct;
79(15): 1413-20.
Santos Araujo Mdo, C., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa - Adjuvant treatment for breast cancer:
Clinical trial." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2012; 2012: 676984.
Farias, I., et al. "Uncaria tomentosa for Reducing side effects caused by chemotherapy in CRC
patients: Clinical Trial." Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2012; 2012: 892182.
Anter, J., et al.. "Antigenotoxicity, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction by apigenin, bisabolol,
and protocatechuic acid." J. Med. Food. 2011 Mar; 14(3): 276-83.
Gurrola-Diaz, C., et al. "Inhibitory mechanisms of two Uncaria tomentosa extracts affecting the
Wnt-signaling pathway." Phytomedicine. 2011 Jun; 18(8-9): 683-90.
Pilarski, R., et al. "Anticancer activity of the Uncaria tomentosa (Willd.) DC. preparations with
different oxindole alkaloid composition." Phytomedicine. 2010 Dec; 17(14): 1133-9.
Dreifuss, A., et al. "Antitumoral and antioxidant effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of cat's claw
(Uncaria tomentosa) (Willd. Ex Roem. & Schult) in an in vivo carcinosarcoma model." J.
Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Jul; 130(1): 127-33.
Garcia Gimenez, D., et al. "Cytotoxic effect of the pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid mitraphylline
isolated from Uncaria tomentosa bark on human Ewing's sarcoma and breast cancer cell lines."
Planta Med. 2010 Feb; 76(2):133-6.
Rinner, B., et al. "Antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of Uncaria tomentosa in human
medullary thyroid carcinoma cells." Anticancer Res. 2009; 29(11): 4519-28.
Erowele, G., et al. "Pharmacology and therapeutic uses of cat's claw." Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm.
2009 Jun 1; 66(11): 992-5.
Pilarski, R., et al. "Antiproliferative activity of various Uncaria tomentosa preparations on HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells." Pharmacol. Rep. 2007 Sep-Oct; 59(5): 565-72.
Chen, A., et al. "Induction of apoptosis by Uncaria tomentosa through reactive oxygen species
production, cytochrome c release, and caspases activation in human leukemia cells." Food Chem.
Toxicol. 2007; 45(11): 2206-18.
Garcia Prado, E., et al. "Antiproliferative effects of mitraphylline, a pentacyclic oxindole alkaloid
of Uncaria tomentosa on human glioma and neuroblastoma cell lines." Phytomedicine. 2007;
14(4): 280-4.
Gonzales, G.F., et al. "Medicinal plants from Peru: a review of plants as potential agents against
cancer." Anticancer Agents Med. Chem. 2006 Sep; 6(5): 429-44.
De Martino, L., et al. "Proapoptotic effect of Uncaria tomentosa extracts." J. Ethnopharmacol.
2006 Aug; 107(1): 91-4.
Bacher, N., et al. "Oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa induce apoptosis in proliferating,
G0/G1-arrested and bcl-2-expressing acute lymphoblastic leukaemia cells." Br. J. Haematol.
2006 Mar; 132(5): 615-22.
Riva, L., et al. "The antiproliferative effects of Uncaria tomentosa extracts and fractions on the
growth of breast cancer cell line." Anticancer Res. 2001; 21(4A): 2457-61.
Muhammad, I., et al. "Investigation of Una de Gato I. 7-Deoxyloganic acid and 15N NMR
spectroscopic studies on pentacyclic oxindole alkaloids from Uncaria tomentosa."
Phytochemistry. 2001; 57(5): 781-5.
Sheng, Y., et al. "Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation in human tumor cells
treated with extracts of Uncaria tomentosa." Anticancer Res. 1998; 18(5A): 3363-68.
Salazar, E. L., et al. "Depletion of specific binding sites for estrogen receptor by Uncaria
tomentosa." Proc. West. Pharmacol. Soc. 1998; 41(1): 123-124.
Stuppner, H., et al. "A differential sensitivity of oxindole alkaloids to normal and leukemic cell
lines." Planta Med. (1993 suppl.); 59: A583.
Rizzi, R., et al. "Mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of Uncaria tomentosa and its extracts."
J. Ethnopharmacol. 1993; 38: 63-77.
Peluso, G., et al. "Effetto antiproliferativo su cellule tumorali di estrattie metaboliti da Uncaria
tomentosa. Studi in vitro sulla loro azione DNA polimerasi." 11 Congreso Italo-Peruano de
Etnomedicina Andina, Lima, Peru, October 27-30, 1993, 21-2.
Rizzi, R., et al. "Bacterial cytotoxicity, mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of Uncaria tomentosa
and its extracts. Antimutagenic activity of Uncaria tomentosa in humans." Premiere Colloque
Européan d'Ethnopharmacologie, Metz, France, March 22-24, 1990.