Pet cancer awareness month- top 3 research backed supplements

In honor of Pet Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to write this blog in the hopes that it can truly help someone.

No one wants to receive this diagnosis for any member of their family, and although it is a serious disease, there are many things one can do. Statistics show that even with a high percentage of heritability, lifestyle choices make up for a huge percentage of prevention and even treatment.

Before I give my top 3 supplemental recommendations based on numerous research studies, I want to first disclose that diet is absolutely crucial, and that is something I would address first. Now, an anti-inflammatory/anti-cancer diet is going to look different for pet A as it will for pet B, and because of that, I won’t get into diet specifications, but I wanted to mention it first because it is very important, and you can’t out-supplement a bad or inappropriate diet.
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My passion for writing this article stems from seeing those individuals who combine natural (or alternative) medicine with conventional, and seeing the success rate first hand vs. those who only do conventional treatment with no natural or alternative medicinal support.
So, here are some of the most researched anticancer supplements to date;

1. Lactofferin-

 
Lactofferin is an iron-binding glycoprotein found in human and bovine milk that has powerful immune boosting benefits. It has a multifunctional role in that it encompasses anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and immune regulating activities. It has been recognized particularly for its safe and immune enhancing effects while used as an adjunct to chemotherapy, improving the immunity of cancer patients and reducing treatment side effects. In addition to boosting immunity, it also helps to regulate the immune system by managing the inflammatory response.
Lactofferin has both canine and feline cancer research studies;
 
A notable canine in vitro study showed that lactofferin inhibited the proliferation of canine mammillary gland tumor cells by inducing G1 cell cycle arrest. What is more profound is that this effect was more pronounced in tumor cells versus normal healthy cells, suggesting selective anti-tumor activity- wow!
In feline research studies, lactofferin showed that it modulated immune function in feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats, specifically, lactofferin suppressed over activation of lymphocytes and improved immune system response, which could be beneficial in managing chronic conditions.
Beyond veterinary studies, lactofferin has been extensively studied for its anti-cancer properties in various models, it has been shown to inhibit tumor cell growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and to safely enhance the effect of chemotherapy.
Apart from cancer, lactofferin has been shown to help improve the symptoms of various inflammatory conditions such as high cholesterol, gastrointestinal inflammation, respiratory tract inflammation, and skin disorders. Evidence also suggests it may stimulate cells responsible for bone growth, and greatly improves absorption of iron.
Note: Lactofferin contains no lactose, which makes it a safe supplement for those that are dairy Sensitive.

Studies:
lactofferin-_canine.pdf
lactofferin-feline.pdf

  2. Curcumin-

Curcumin is the active anti-inflammatory phytochemical component of turmeric. Although raw turmeric is very poorly absorbed, and can even slow down phase 1 detoxification pathways in the body, curcumin (the Lucy approved ones) has a different story. Much different in fact.
There are many, many research articles of curcumin proving its anti-cancer properties, especially because it has been around for quite some time.
Cancer is a complex disease that uses multiple targets and pathways, most cancer therapies often address only one pathway. Curcumin on the other hand, is able to affect multiple pathways, including down-regulating pro-inflammatory enzymes, growth factors, cytokines, and transcription factors that lead to carcinogenesis and tumor growth (Lawenda, 2013; Robinson, 2008; Wilken et al., 2011).
Curcumins anti-cancer properties include:

• Decreases cell growth
• Induces cancer cell apoptosis
• Inhibits cancer cell division and growth
• Inhibits enzymes that aid in the spread of cancer
• Boosts the immune system
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Decreases metastasis
• Antioxidant properties

 
Curcumin in dog trials have shown anti-cancer effects in canine cancer cell lines, including osteosarcoma, melanoma, mammary carcinoma, and mast cell tumors.
Feline mammary gland tumors (FMGTs) are among the most common cancers in cats. A study investigated the effects of curcumin on primary cell lines from FMGT tissue samples showing that, curcumin had anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest on FMGT cells. This suggests that curcumin may have therapeutic potential in treating aggressive feline cancers.

Curcumin also turns on Nrf2 in the body, the 'mac daddy' system in the body for aging and disease.

Studies:
curcumin_feline_study.pdf
canine_curcumin_study.pdf

3. Medicinal Mushrooms-
 
There are a few anti-cancer medicinal mushrooms with various immune benefits, my top three are; coriolus versicolor (turkey tail), lentinula edodes (shiitake) and ganoderma lucidum (reishi).
 Researchers at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine used a polysaccharopeptide (PSP) compound extracted from coriolus versicolor mushroom to treat dogs with a very aggressive, invasive cancer called hemangiosarcoma. The dogs given this PSP achieved the longest survival times ever reported. (Brown & Reetz, 2012).
 
In Dr. Dodd’s book, ‘Canine Nutrigenomics’, she states that these 3 medicinal mushrooms are the ones Dr. Fougere recommends for pets with cancer, and are one of the most researched and studied for sever immunological conditions, including cancer.
In Asia, it is a shiitake specific beta-glucan polysaccharide that is recognised as an immunotherapeutic agent. In a late 1969 research study, researchers found evidence of mouse tumor inhibition with shiitake polysaccharide extracts. Researchers also discovered that when shiitake extract was given with chemotherapy, they found that the immunoregulatory effects of shiitake improved the efficacy of treatment.
Shiitake also contains an antioxidant called Ergotheanine, which scientists call it Vitamin L (the longevity vitamin), to which it has numerous cellular benefits.
 
 Whichever route you decided to take with your pets’ health and wellness journey, these 3 supplements show very promising anti-cancer benefits, and even prevention. Always discuss with your vet which supplement is right for your pet, especially if they are on cancer treatments, as some things can counteract medication effects.
If you would like a holistic approach to your pets’ health, while they are on conventional treatment, you can contact us here to book in your consultation.
 
 
 
*Note* Always consult with your vet or holistic vet prior to starting any supplement regimen to make sure it’s right for your pet, especially if they are on medications.