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]