I just attended a seminar with 200 dietitians, nutritionists, and
physicians held by the Institute for Natural Resources {INR} called
Cancer Smart.
 
1. For those of us using shark cartilage for our ferrets: It has been
discovered that many commercially available SC supplements contain only
fillers without any antiangiogenic activity!!!  I pay $40 a bottle for
this filler.!
 
And SC therapy given daily to cancer patients showed no anticancer
activity.!  Testing with frozen shark cartilage is underway.  But the
bottled stuff we get at the store is garbage.
 
2.PAU D ARCO: It showed definite anticancer activity in vitro.  However, it
can cause significant toxicity, so that in order to achieve sufficiently
high doses, one risks considerable toxicity.  Low doses may cause nausea
and vomiting and interfere with blood clotting.  It has been Removed from
NCI's cancer testing program.!!!!!!!  :-(
 
3. Burdock root: contains benzaldehyde, reported to reduce mutations in
cells in humans.  Possible for ferrets?
 
4. Flaxseed Oil: blocks action of cancer-promoting prostaglandins.  Have
been giving to ferts for 2 years.  Is this O.K?  It is very good for humans
as anticancer alternative therapy.
 
5.Cat's claw: NCI found insufficient activity to warrant further testing!!
 
6.Milk Thistle: acts as liver protective agent.  Reduced kidney toxicity
of drug cisplatin.  ***** Topical application in mice inhibited epidermal
carcinogen and prevented formation of pyrimidine dimers*****  Been using it
for 3 years on all ferts daily.
 
7. Cooking Techniques to minimize Vitamin Losses for Bob C. chicken soup:
Good: boil, microwave in glass container, roast
Moderate: Stew, crockpot for short time---not all day
Poor: Braise, boil
 
Cancer prevention for ferrets:
 
No smoking around them.
No chloride or reduced chloride in water they drink.
Reduce stress.  Stress is a biggy in humans.  Probably more so for the
ferrets.
 
You cannot argue with me on this as I can only read what is on these sheets
and tell you what the doctors said.  I will be happy to fax this info to
anyone seriously interested: especially shelters using Pau D'ARco. THAT
person can then make a decision as to validity of studies.
 
For those of you who will still use Pau D'Arco in spite of its toxicity
reported --I have about $70. of it unopened and will be at Greatest Ferret
Show On Earth and can bring it there.  E-mail me.
 
Somewhat crushing news for me.  Important stuff.  These herbs are expensive
and potentially harmful.
 
How to make Bob C. soup by broiling???  Anyone know???
 
Lisette
[Posted in FML issue 2806]