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    Psychedelics and cancer

    Can 5-MeO-DMT help cure cancer?

    Studies on the therapeutic potential of 5-MeO-DMT for cancer are very promising. For instance, it has been shown to exert strong anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects through the modulation of innate and adaptive immune processes. Its regulatory effect on the sigma-1 receptor, which plays a significant role in cancer, is especially interesting.

    Classical psychedelics are psychoactive substances, which, besides their psychopharmacological activity, also exert significant modulatory effects on immune responses by altering signaling pathways involved in inflammation, cellular proliferation, and cell survival via activating NF-kB and mitogen-activated protein kinases. Recently, several neurotransmitter receptors involved in the pharmacology of psychedelics, such as serotonin and sigma-1 receptors, have also been shown to play crucial roles in numerous immunological processes. This emerging field also offers promising treatment modalities in the therapy of various diseases including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions, infections, and cancer.

    In this paper, the immunomodulatory potential of classical serotonergic psychedelics, including N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine is discussed from a perspective of molecular immunology and pharmacology. Special attention is given to the functional interaction of serotonin and sigma-1 receptors and their cross-talk with toll-like and RIG-I-like pattern-recognition receptor-mediated signaling. Since both NF-kB and type I IFN signaling contribute to the transcriptional regulation of genes that are involved in cellular proliferation and survival, and many psychedelics exhibit in vitro anti-cancer potential through 5-HTRs, these compounds could be promising candidates in novel therapies of cancer.

    Thus, as a target for future pharmacological investigations, DMT emerges as a potent and promising candidate in novel therapies of peripheral and CNS autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and cancer.

    Here we demonstrate for the first time the immunomodulatory potential of NN-DMT and 5-MeO-DMT on human moDC functions via sigmar-1 that could be harnessed for the pharmacological treatment of autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions of the CNS or peripheral tissues. Our findings also point out a new biological role for dimethyltryptamines, which may act as systemic endogenous regulators of inflammation and immune homeostasis through the sigma-1 receptor.

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    New research makes a compelling case for 5-MeO-DMT as cancer fighter

    Toad venom, used by ancient cultures as medicine to treat things like heart failure, tumors, and pain, is the focus of a new study out of China recently.

    Released in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, the paper is the most comprehensive look at the medical benefits of toad venom and toad skin thus far. For researchers at the Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health in China where it was performed, it’s also a significant sign that the drug’s anti-cancer agents are powerful.

    The first major medical studies by Chinese scientists occurred in the 1970s, where they found evidence that it could treat a variety of cancers ranging from liver to lung.

    The paper, which explores 56 different steroids in the venom and skin of toads, comes in the wake of a similar study in Australia in which researchers found Bufo marinus (cane toad) venom to be effective at killing cancerous prostate cells.

    5-MeO-DMT has been found in plant species and toads for thousands of years. In China, the practice of using toad venom to treat cancer is known as Huachansu. Toad venom and toad skin have been widely used for treating various cancers in China. Bufadienolides are regarded as the main anticancer components of toad venom.

    “Our research provides valuable chemical evidence for the appropriate processing method, quality control and rational exploration of toad skin and toad venom for the development of anti-cancer medicines,” the authors conclude.

    Australian researchers found similar anti-cancer properties in cane toad venom, specifically its ability to kill cancerous prostate cells. Their research was so compelling, it prompted Chinese companies to reach out asking if they could buy bundles of the cane toads (found only in Australia).

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    Evaluating Bufadienolides as the main antitumor components in toad venom for Liver and Gastric Cancer Therapy

    In China, the practice of using toad venom to treat cancer is known as HuaChanSu. Toad venom and toad skin have been widely used for treating various cancers in China.
    Bufadienolides are regarded as the main anticancer components in toad venom and toad skin.

    Cinobufacin injection, also known as HuaChanSu, is a preparation form of Cinobufacini made from Cinobufacin extract liquid. In this study, we demonstrated that Bufadienolides in Cinobufacin injection are the most effective antitumor components for the treatment of liver and gastric cancers. This discovery greatly facilitates further research in improving the therapeutic effects of Cinobufacin injection, meanwhile reducing its adverse reaction.

    Cinobufacin injection is shown to shrink liver and gastric tumors, improving patient survival and life quality. More importantly, very few toxic effects can be observed with Cinobufacin injection.

    Liver and gastric cancer are the most common malignancies worldwide with a high incidence and mortality rate. While surgery is currently the first choice for initial treatment of these cancers, many patients are diagnosed with cancer with advanced stages, making them unsuitable for surgery. About 65% gastric of cancer patients belong to the terminal stage (T3/T4) in the United States, and 85% patients possess lymphatic metastasis. In China, the number of clinical gastric cancer patients at terminal stage is more than 70%. Therefore, treatment of these patients is only based on radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

    In sum, Bufadienolides are the main material basis in Cinobufacin injection for treating gastric and liver cancer. Further research may give birth to one or more drugs for the treatment of liver and gastric cancer. This would also enable studies on elucidating mechanism of Cinobufacin injection in inhibiting tumor growth.

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    In the last two decades, several neurotransmitter receptors involved in the pharmacology of psychedelics have been identified as also being crucial in many immunological processes pointing out to novel therapeutic avenues. This emerging field offers very promising treatment modalities in the therapy of various diseases including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions, infections, and cancer.

    The anti-cancer activity of ayahuasca has already been reviewed in a paper by Eduardo Schenberg. It is important to keep in mind that ayahuasca is a complex decoction that, besides DMT, contains several other components according to the admixture plants used in the making process. Ayahuasca consumption in a highly controlled clinical setting emerges as a very promising model for investigating the possible immunomodulatory effects of DMT in humans.

    These studies demonstrate and propose new biological roles for DMT, which may act as a systemic endogenous regulator of inflammation and immune homeostasis. Thus, as a target for future pharmacological investigations, DMT emerges as a potent and promising candidate in novel therapies of peripheral and CNS autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cancer.

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    Ayahuasca and cancer treatment

    At least nine case reports regarding the use of ayahuasca in the treatment of prostate, brain, ovarian, uterine, stomach, breast, and colon cancers were found. Several of these were considered improvements, one was considered worse, and one was rated too difficult to evaluate. A theoretical model is presented which explains these effects at the cellular, molecular, and psychosocial levels. Particular attention is given to ayahuasca’s pharmacological effects through the activity of N,N-dimethyltryptamine at intracellular sigma-1 receptors. The effects of other components of ayahuasca, such as harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline, are also considered.

    The proposed model, based on the molecular and cellular biology of ayahuasca’s known active components and the available clinical reports, suggests that these accounts may have consistent biological underpinnings. Further study of ayahuasca’s possible anti-tumor effects is important because cancer patients continue to seek out this traditional medicine. Consequently, based on the social and anthropological observations of the use of this brew, suggestions are provided for further research into the safety and efficacy of ayahuasca as a possible medicinal aid in the treatment of cancer.

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    Scientist believes Ayahuasca can cure cancer

    Ayahuasca is being explored as a possible treatment for cancer. Because it contains DMT, which is illegal as a Schedule 1 drug according to the U.S. Controlled Substances Act as well as the International Convention on Psychotropic Substances, it is a difficult subject to approach for research. However, one scientist is stating that he believes it promises real medical benefits particularly for cancer. Eduardo E. Schenberg, who works for the Federal University of Sao Paulo said,

    “There is enough available evidence that ayahuasca’s active principles, especially DMT and harmine, have positive effects in some cell cultures used to study cancer, and in biochemical processes important in cancer treatment, both in vitro and in vivo, therefore the few available reports of people benefiting from ayahuasca in their cancer treatment experiences should be taken seriously, and the hypothesis presented here, fully testable by rigorous scientific experimentation, helps us to understand the available cases paving the way for new experiments.”

    “In summary, it is hypothesized that the combined actions of B-carbolines and DMT present in ayahuasca may diminish tumor blood supply, activate apoptotic pathways, diminish cell proliferation, and change the energetic metabolic imbalance of cancer cells, which is known as the Warburg Effect. Therefore, ayahuasca may act on cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, and cell metabolism.”

    "If scientifically proven to have the healing potentials long recorded by anthropologists, explorers, and ethnobotanists, outlawing ayahuasca or its medical use and denying people adequate access to its curative effects could be perceived as an infringement on human rights, a serious issue that demands careful and thorough discussion."

    DMT binds to sigma 1 receptors throughout the body, which has been shown to be involved in many cellular functions – including the death signalling of cancer cells. There is also scientific evidence to suggest that the harmine within the brew can cause the death of some cancer cells, and inhibit cell proliferation.

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    Ayahuasca and cancer: One man’s experience

    In 1998, Donald Topping wrote an article in the MAPS Bulletin entitled Ayahuasca and Cancer: One Man’s Experience. Topper had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and been treated, apparently successfully, with surgery. But, in September 1996, he was told that the cancer had metastasized to his liver; the next month, the right half of his liver was surgically removed. A long-time believer in alternative medicine, he refused follow-up chemotherapy.

    The article he wrote two years after this diagnosis tells an extraordinary story. Beginning four months after his surgery, he drank ayahuasca four times — twice in ceremonies of the Santo Daime church, and twice with an unidentified person who claimed to have studied ayahuasca with shamans in Peru. A week after his fourth ayahuasca session, he was given a blood test for carcinoembryonic antigen, a cancer marker, and the following week the oncologist told him that his CEA count was completely normal. “You’re one of the lucky few,” the oncologist told him. Topping attributed his recovery to ayahuasca.

    A year later, in 1999, he followed up with another article in the Bulletin of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies entitled Ayahuasca and Cancer: A Postscript. Here he said that “the metastasized cancer appears to be in complete remission.”

    Topping died of his cancer on June 29, 2003, at the age of 73, apparently having continued to refuse chemotherapy. Fewer than ten percent of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer survive for three years after the initial diagnosis; fewer than four percent survive for five years. There is no question that Topping’s seven-year survival was remarkable.

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    Nine case reports

    At least nine case reports regarding the use of ayahuasca in the treatment of prostate, brain, ovarian, uterine, stomach, breast, and colon cancers were found. Several of these were considered improvements, one case was considered worse, and one case was rated as difficult to evaluate. A theoretical model is presented which explains these effects at the cellular, molecular, and psychosocial levels. Particular attention is given to ayahuasca’s pharmacological effects through the activity of N,N-dimethyltryptamine at intracellular sigma-1 receptors. The effects of other components of ayahuasca, such as harmine, tetrahydroharmine, and harmaline, are also considered.

    Four cases of ayahuasca use in cancer treatment were reported by Robert Forte. The first two cases, which were only anecdotal, were of melanoma and breast cancer. Inspired by these ayahuasca healing stories, Forte accompanied two patients on their travels and to the sessions and clinical examinations. One patient was a 66-year-old psychiatrist with prostate cancer who underwent surgery many years before trying ayahuasca. The surgery brought the PSA level to 0, but it began to rise again 10 years later. The second patient was a 50-year-old schoolteacher with advanced ovarian cancer with metastasis. Both patients had clinical examinations before and after drinking the Amazonian brew for healing purposes with Maestro Juan Flores, an Ashaninka curandero in Peru, who also uses other medicinal plants. The clinical examinations revealed significant improvements in PSA for the first patient and a CEA-125 drop from 4000 to 600 for the second patient.

    Importantly, independent of any medical examinations or conclusions of being cured or not, all of the patients declared that ayahuasca had a positive impact and none criticized the rituals as negative or worthless. The effects of ayahuasca were frequently described as profound, life-changing and contributing to an individual’s general well-being.

    The final case reported here is from a musician, Margareth De Wys, who described her journey to heal from breast cancer with a Shuar healer from the upper Amazon in a book. Although she went to the Amazon with a diagnosis with breast cancer, she did not tell anyone there about her disease. However, the Shuar healer was able to “see through” her body and diagnosed the cancer as a “Black Smoke” in her breast. This resulted in 11 healing trips to South America, mostly in Ecuador, between 2000 and 2003. The healing was centered on the spiritual and healing powers of this Shuar master, ayahuasca, other plants, and diet, which involved avoiding salt and oil and consuming only foods boiled in water. After the trips to heal with the Shuar, De Wys underwent medical examination and no trace of the cancer was found.

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    Indolethylamine N-methyltransferase (INMT) is the enzyme that synthesizes DMT. Activity of the gene that makes INMT is greatly reduced in certain forms of cancer. Lower INMT activity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. By activating serotonin receptors, DMT helps coordinate the immune system, which may increase its detection of cancerous tissues.

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    Ayahuasca may diminish tumor blood supply

    Ayahuasca is the combination of the quechua words “aya” meaning "soul" and “huasca” meaning “vine," thus the name ayahuasca can be interpreted as “vine of the soul.”

    The scientific name of the vine is Banisteriopsis caapi, a woody liana with high alkaloid concentrations. Banisteriopsis caapi and Psychotria viridis together make up the brew called "ayahuasca." This brew is thought to have been used for over 5,400 years in the Amazon river basin. The caapi vine contains a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which allows the dimethyltriptamine (DMT) containing chakruna to be released into the blood stream, and cross the blood-brain barrier. Without the MAOI, the affects of the DMT would not be felt. The alkaloids found in the vine are both neurogenic and anti-carcinogenic. The following is a detailed functional scientific analysis of ayahuasca's anti-carcinogenic activity:

    “DMT binds to the sigma-1 receptor, which provides new opportunities for understanding how ayahuasca may produce its marked effects on the body and mind and what might be the role of endogenous DMT and how ayahuasca may have effects on cancer. The human sigma-1 receptor has been cloned and shows no homology with other mammalian proteins. The human sigma-1 receptor has been cloned and shows no homology with other mammalian proteins."

    Single-photon emission tomography (SPET) analysis in humans has revealed that these receptors are present in organs such as the lung and liver and most concentrated in the brain. Sigma-1 receptor activity has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, depression, and anxiety. Sigma-1 receptors are found in high densities in many human cancer cell lines, including lung, prostate, colon, ovaries, breast, and brain; thus, sigma ligands are regarded as potential novel antineoplastic tools...

    For these effects to help explain the available case reports of ayahuasca on cancer treatment, DMT’s physiological degradation by enteric monoamine oxidase (primarily MAO-A) after oral consumption should be inhibited, thus allowing the DMT to pass into circulation. The pharmacological activity of B-carbolines (primarily harmine) in ayahuasca inhibits AO, with a high affinity for MAO-A. Therefore, the specific effects of ayahuasca on the different types of cancer could also vary depending on the predominant MAO subtype, given that the ratio of MAO-A to MAO-B varies, for example, from 1:3 in the brain to 4:1 in the intestine, and the placenta has only MAO-A and blood platelets have only MAO-B. Another consequence of inhibiting MAO in different tissues is interference with apoptotic pathways, thus strengthening the synergistic action of B-carbolines and DMT.

    "In summary, it is hypothesized that the combined actions of B-carbolines and DMT in ayahuasca may diminish tumor blood supply, activate apoptotic pathways, diminish cell proliferation, and change the energetic metabolic imbalance of cancer cells, which is known as the Warburg effect. Therefore, ayahuasca may act on cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, apoptosis, and cell metabolism.”

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    Study finds Bufo marinus (cane toad) venom could be used to fight prostate cancer

    University of Queensland student Dr Jing Jing has found similarities between Australia's cane toad and the Asiatic toad, which has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Dr Jing Jing was able to show that the venom from the cane toads is highly effective at killing cancer cells, in particular prostate cancer cells. The research indicates the toad's poison could attack cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. "We have what we believe is a selectively toxic agent which can kill tumor cells but spare healthy cells," said Dr Harendra Parekh.

    Despite the venom having been used in Asia for a long period of time, the drug can be dangerous in its raw form. Researchers are working to make it more soluble. "Once we determine that the toxicity has been sustained, even after increasing solubility, the next stage will involve packaging it in innovative drug delivery systems, sent to cancer tissue," he said.

    The Asiatic toad is threatened in China because of the demand for traditional medicines, making the animal harder to find. Dr Jing Jing said she could foresee a market for Australian cane toads.

    Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register... the marinus toad, the venom of the alvarius toad contains 5-MeO-DMT, one cancer-researchers-attacks-cancer-cells-spares-healthy-cells.html

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    Cancer and DMT

    By J C (Q4LT)
    October 19, 2017

    We have recently stumbled down the rabbit hole of monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and the potential correlation with endogenous DMT synthesis. As MAO is responsible for the rapid breakdown of DMT, it seems logical that fluctuations in MAO activity might provide a potential bio-marker for DMT formation within the body. There are two forms of MAO within the body… MAO-A and MAO-B. Both are found throughout the nervous system—MAO-A in the liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract and placenta, and MAO-B in the blood platelets.

    The plant that acts as the MAO inhibitor within the psychedelic brew Ayahuasca is Banisteriopsis caapi (B. Caapi). The active compounds in this plant responsible for the MAO inhibitions are harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that B. Caapi suppressed MAO-A activity 2,500 times more potently than it suppressed MAO-B activity.

    Another well-known plant that often accompanies DMT ingestion as a MAOI is Peganum Harmala (Syrian Rue). In a 2010 study published in the journal Food & Chemical Toxicology it was revealed that Peganum Harmala was a potent inhibitor of MAO-A activity while being a poor inhibitor of MAO-B.

    This leads us to believe that one of the main indicators of DMT upregulation in the body might be MAO-A activity suppression. This is why we find it intriguing that a 2008 study in BMC Genomics revealed the following regarding MAO-A activity and cancer: “Our analysis found that significant downregulation of MAO-A, the enzyme that metabolizes serotonin, occurred in multiple tissues from humans, rodents, and fish. MAO-A expression was decreased in 95.4% of human cancer patients and 94.2% of animal cancer cases compared to the non-cancerous controls.” The study proposes that low levels of MAO-A can act as a bio-marker for cancer. It was also noted that this was a significant finding based on the fact that it was a reliable change found in many different types of cancer.

    Switching gears for a moment…

    There are various perspectives regarding the regenerative capabilities of the body. While it’s clear that the body has the ability to heal itself after suffering lacerations to the skin and even broken bones if aligned properly… when it comes to disease, the prevailing medical/scientific narrative is that the body is a “mistake maker”. This is especially prominent when discussing any disease labeled as an “autoimmune disorder” or cancer. For many decades the prevailing “wisdom” was that due to random, faulty genetic expression a person was susceptible to whatever debilitating conditions their fate had in store. However, in more recent times the epigenetic discussion has surged making it clear that the composition of the interior terrain of one’s body such as hormone levels, autonomic signaling, ionic balance, and dominant brainwaves all contribute to genetic upregulation or downregulation.

    *An excellent review of the vast number of organs/systems that can regenerate themselves was summarized in 2012 in the Journal Birth Defects Research. It almost appears
    as though the majority of organs in the human body can regenerate themselves to varying degrees.

    An example of an epigenetic factor influencing genetic expression would be the recent 2017 study in Scientific Reports regarding the effects of 5-MEO-DMT on human “mini-brains”. It was observed that “out of the 6,728 identified proteins, 934 were found differentially expressed in 5-MeO-DMT-treated cerebral organoids.” (Genetic instructions are intimately intertwined with protein formation and expression.) This signifies that biochemical exposure can change genetic signaling.

    A 2011 write-up in The Journal of Physiology would document the various manners in which elevated carbon dioxide levels lead to the suppression of genes involved in the regulation of innate immunity and inflammation. A 2016 study in Pharmacogenetics and Genomics observed numerous genetic expression changes in human colon tissue associated with dietary influence. The meat-related genetic upregulation was associated with cancer, organismal injury/abnormalities, and tumor morphology.

    In a 2009 study in the Journal of Biological Chemistry it was observed that over 2,600 different genes exhibited differences in expression in the pineal gland of rats based on time of day (mid-day or midnight). That seems like a significant number of genetic expression changes in one small, single organ… imagine the amount of changes found throughout the entire system!?!?

    These are clear examples that genetic expression is unequivocally influenced by changes in biochemistry, diet, respiratory/metabolic fluctuations, and circadian rhythm/changes in states of consciousness (which are in fact all intimately intertwined). This insinuates that the “random, faulty genetic expression” perspective is rather incomplete and lacking. It should be clear by now (for long-time readers of Q4LT) that we believe the body is constantly in a state of repair. It is an infinitely complex symphony of chemicals, ions, and autonomic signaling that lead to these mechanisms transpiring. There have been many a person now and throughout history that has alleviated their “incurable” disease via drastic changes in lifestyle. This is not mythical or far-fetched when integrating the latest findings regarding basic biological and metabolic principles.

    (When I refer to a drastic change in lifestyle I’m referring to something akin to a hamburger eating, french fry loving, soda/beer swilling, shallow breathing, sunlight shunning, stressed out insomniac… transforming into a person that consumes a predominantly plant-based diet, only drinks high-quality water, receives regular daily sun exposure, practices respiratory exercises daily, and prioritizes getting 8 hours of high quality sleep every night. It would be silly for any person with a science or even non-scientific background to shun the notion that these types of radical changes would quantitatively change one’s own inner terrain and subsequently their genetic expression throughout the system.)

    In a chapter from the book “Recent Advances in the Biology, Therapy and Management of Melanoma”, the effects of oxidative stress on melanoma (a type of skin cancer) development and progression were outlined. Oxidative stress is the term utilized to describe the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as free radicals including: superoxide anion radical (O2•), hydroxyl radical (•OH), and the alkoxyl radical (RO•). It was outlined in the chapter that an accumulation of ROS influenced tumor development of many different types of cancers including melanoma, leukemia, gastric, prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

    As cited in the past, a 2001 study published in the journal Life Sciences observed the effects of increased hydroxyl radical (•OH) generation and the effects on MAO-A and MAO-B activity. It was discovered that the generation of •OH (hydroxyl radical) significantly reduced both MAO-A (85–53 percent) and MAO-B (77–39 percent) activities, exhibiting a linear correlation between both MAO-A and MAO-B activities and the amount of •OH produced.

    This suppression of MAO activity via surges in hydroxyl radical (•OH) levels points us back to the 2008 BMC Genomics study in which significant downregulation of MAO-A activity occurred in multiple tissues in various organisms that expressed different types of cancer. This would point to the potentiality for measurable DMT levels to appear in the vicinity of the greatest concentration of ROS/•OH… in or around the cancer cells themselves.

    In 2014, a study published in Biochemical Pharmacology observed the biosynthesis of DMT in a melanoma (skin cancer) cell line. The researchers reported a never before seen metabolic pathway for DMT synthesis within human cells. A 2016 write-up in the journal Neural Regeneration Research cited the role of the sigma-1 receptor in terms of cellular survival in hypoxia (increased levels of ROS) and resistance against oxidative stress. The write-up also emphasized the affinity that DMT has for the sigma-1 receptor and the potential role of DMT as an anti-inflammatory agent.

    What role does this compound play in terms of cancer? Does it make the disease worse or better? Perhaps DMT is much more than just a “hallucinogenic” molecule?

    Earlier in this piece we cited that there are differing perspectives on the regenerative capabilities of the body. When it comes to “disease” such as cancer, there are also differing perspectives. One viewpoint is that cancer occurs due to random DNA damage/mutations leading to tumor growth and eventual death. Another angle is that the internal terrain of the body dictates biological reactions and in the case of cancer… the body is attempting to sequester an overflux of detrimental components (ROS/unassimilable toxic compounds) leading to tumor formation. We find it increasingly interesting that melatonin is one of the body’s most powerful free radical scavengers/DNA regulators and that low levels of melatonin production has been linked to a large number of different types of cancer.

    To put more succinctly, Q4LT believes that a disease such as cancer (as well as many others) is the result of a lack of “garbage men” (ex. melatonin, glutathione), a chronic overflux of garbage (ex. ROS, toxic compounds) and blocked elimination pathways (ex. digestive, lympathic) that induce adaptive mechanisms. We “wildly” speculate that these adaptive mechanisms are our body’s attempt to avoid mass cellular death and possibly poisoning of the bloodstream leading to a more accelerated death process. This might not be the popular perspective amongst mainstream, medical academics but we believe there is more than enough supportive data to warrant this viewpoint.

    We believe that one of DMT’s role in cancer is to provide a protective mechanism to the body by attempting to neutralize the elevated levels of ROS within cancer cells in order to slow down proliferation. Future studies are necessary in order to verify the role of DMT in cancer.

    There are numerous abnormal ionic/electrical based qualities associated with cancer cells such as a more depolarized cell membrane potential, a hyperpolarized mitochondria, elevated intracellular sodium concentrations, and suppressed intracellular chloride concentrations.

    In 2013, a case study report published in SAGE Open Medicine would review 9 separate cases of people reporting the effects of Ayahuasca ingestion on different types of cancer (prostate, brain, ovarian, uterine, stomach, breast, and colon cancers). Seven cases were reported as improvements, one was considered a regression, and one was too difficult to evaluate. The author would propose a theoretical model regarding the mechanisms of how the effects transpired as follows: (warning… there is much technical jargon utilized)

    “DMT binds sigma-1 receptors with moderate affinity and, at high concentrations, is also capable of inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels. Thus, DMT may exert two types of effects through sigma-1 receptors: at low concentrations, it regulates calcium flow from the endoplasmic reticulum to the mitochondria, whereas at higher concentrations, it exerts diverse effects at the plasma membrane region. The effect on calcium influx into the mitochondria may be extremely important for cancer treatment given that an energetic imbalance between excessive cytosolic aerobic glycolysis and reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (the Warburg effect) was recently suggested as the seventh hallmark of cancer. This metabolic profile of cancer cells is accompanied by a hyperpolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential that may be reduced by the calcium influx triggered by DMT binding to the sigma-1 receptor at the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane. This effect may facilitate the electrochemical processes at the electron transport chain inside the mitochondria, thus increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and leading these cells to apoptotic pathways. When high DMT concentrations induce sigma-1 receptor translocation to the plasma membrane, many cellular effects would occur due to the receptor’s interaction with different ion channels. At high concentrations of DMT, a calcium influx and mitochondrial membrane depolarization might be enough to also activate the permeability transition pore (PTP), inducing mitochondria swelling, rupture, and apoptosis.”

    It’s important to note that in the write-up… many of the 7 subjects who recovered from cancer were also noted to integrate a plant-based diet into their habits. Obviously this could play an additional factor in their systemic recovery process.

    The discussion of Ayahuasca and it’s potential therapeutic efficacy regarding cancer is an interesting one as there have been many anecdotal cases of remission of disease following ingestion of the psychedelic brew. Some are reported to be more spontaneous in nature while others have been cited to take months of consistent ingestion. There are numerous studies showcasing various cancers coinciding with dysfunction of autonomic nervous system signaling (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). While the cellular mechanisms correlating with remission will be difficult to verify, we do believe that the neuroplasticity inducing properties of Ayahuasca correlate with alterations (a fix of sorts) in the signaling between the brain and the autonomic nervous system. A recent 2017 write-up in New Scientist addresses nervous system signal dysfunction and the potential therapeutic effects of blocking nerve signaling to cancer cells in an attempt to thwart disease progression. It’s interesting to note the effects of synthetic analgesics cited in the write-up being that the endogenous molecule 5-MEO-DMT has been shown to have analgesic properties as well.

    In regards to our own perspective of the mechanisms for the effectiveness of Ayahuasca, there lies the potentiality that the reversal of faulty signaling coincides with region specific release of DMT (amongst other biochemicals) in the cancer site that induces cancer remission via a rebalancing of the ionic composition of the cell via sigma-1 receptor activation. While this is highly speculative… if this were to be the case, it might insinuate that DMT has the potential to be synthesized in glial cells found abundantly throughout the central nervous system (we have a sneaky suspicion that DMT is synthesized in the same places that melatonin is synthesized… glial cells included). We don’t believe that it’s a case of DMT release from the pineal finding its way to the tumor site.

    While the cancer-DMT discussion is ultimately very complex and involves many layers of the body, it seems important to discuss when speculating on the mechanisms for healing. Spontaneous remission is a scientifically and medically accepted term for “unexplainable” disappearance of disease within the body. It’s a basic concession that something occurs without understanding the mechanisms for it’s occurrence. In many cases of spontaneous remission, the subjects claim a “spiritual phenomena” that occurs alongside the healing mechanism. We’ve come across many anecdotal claims of this type of healing from Ayahuasca, yoga/meditation, Wim Hof Method, hypnosis, Ajna Light exposure, deep visualization exercises, and even placebo. Interestingly enough… these are all altered states of consciousness that we have speculated to correlate with increased DMT levels. We’ve also touched upon the measurably altered electrical activity in the brain and body during these states as well.

    This is a very complex circus indeed!

    Hopefully more studies can be developed going forward to better understand our endogenous healing mechanisms and DMT’s role within it. However, an acceptance of a distinct change in perspective of physiology might be necessary to better understand what is actually taking place. We believe that DMT has a much more common and functional role in the body other than solely “mystical” experiences.

    PS. In a small percentage of cases, a person is born with a congenital disease that manifests due to numerous factors. We must remain cognizant that even a fetus can be exposed to detrimental environmental factors via the placenta that will ultimately effect their gene expression and formation of disease. However, there are cases of people (a small percentage) suffering rare disease for unknown reason which can be traced back to a gene but that doesn’t necessarily equate to blaming genetics for all disease formation.

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    HuaChanSu as an alternative cancer therapy

    Cancers or malignant neoplasms are one of the major causes of death in the world. Traditional Chinese Medicine has been an alternative cancer therapy in past decades.

    HuaChanSu is a Traditional Chinese medicine extracted from the skin of the Bufo toad, believed by some to slow the spread of cancer cells. The skin of the Bufo toad secretes a venom which is dried and dissolved in water. The solution, HuaChanSu, is injected into the cancerous area and targets specific cancer cells. HuaChanSu has been used in China as a therapy for cancer for over 1000 years. The molecules in HuaChanSu slow the growth of cancer cells and induce cell death upon melanoma cells.

    Huachansu combined with chemotherapy is superior to chemotherapy treatment, reducing gastrointestinal side effects and leucocytopenia. Meta-analysis suggests that HuaChanSu is a promising supplement to routine chemotherapy in treating advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

    Since the 1970s, clinical trials for HuaChanSu have been held in China. These trials showed between 10% and 16% decrease in lung cancer masses. At first, the U.S. was reluctant to invest in the study of HuaChanSu, but in 2005, trials were administered by Americans who applied doses that were 8 times larger than those from the Chinese trials. The trials resulted in 40% of lung and liver cancer patients having tumors stabilized. Although no significant change in tumor sizes was noted, the quality of life of the patients with stabilized tumors improved.

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    Last edited by Sherman Peabody; 12-04-2017, 04:08 PM.
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