Although much has yet to be learned about fermented wheat germ extract, it nevertheless is one of the most interesting and perhaps, promising supplements that may be effective in combatting cancer. Clinical and laboratory studies have revealed that fermented wheat germ works to regulate cellular metabolism and supports the immune system. In fact, a 2020 summary paper demonstrated that it may even reverse the abnormal metabolism (the “Warburg effect”) of cancer cells by causing the mitochondria of the cancer cell to become “normal” again. One study published in 2003 found that colorectal patients who consumed  fermented wheat germ extract in combination with conventional cancer therapy resulted in an additional 82% reduction in their tumor re-occurrences, a 67% reduction in metastasis and a 62% reduction in deaths as opposed to those who  received only conventional therapy.[1] Another study revealed that patients with melanoma taking fermented wheat germ increased their survival rate by 50% and doubled the period of time that they remained cancer free, as compared to the group that did not  take fermented wheat germ extract.[2]

Although the studies mentioned above were conducted using human beings, there is another study worth mentioning, even though it was conducted using mice. This study is so significant because its findings were presented at a meeting of the 2008 American Society for Clinical Oncology, an annual gathering of oncologists, many if not all of whom are trained under a western medicine philosophy of cancer treatment, where “natural therapies” often go unmentioned. In this study, fermented wheat germ extract inhibited breast cancer growth in mice better than the world’s three leading hormonal therapies; Tamoxifen, Exemestane, and Anastrozole. [3] The study data showed none of the hormonal therapies was as effective as fermented wheat germ extract alone, and when it was combined with each therapy, the tumor growth inhibition was superior to the hormonal therapies alone. Fermented wheat germ extract also inhibited the growth of breast tumor types that are not dependent on estrogen for growth by 50%; something none of the three hormonal therapies in the study can do, once again supporting the notion that it works in a manner that effects almost all types of cancer.

In all, there are more than 50 published studies on fermented wheat germ extract. Most of these studies suggest that this all-natural ingredient can slow or stop almost every form of cancer’s growth via two primary methods. Firstly, fermented wheat germ extract reduces glucose flow into cells, thereby inhibiting a cancer cell’s growth.[4] Secondly, fermented wheat germ extract enhances programmed cell death, or apoptosis.

A multi-year collaboration between American molecular biologist Dr. James Watson and American BioSciences began in October of 2009, with the goal of proving that fermented wheat germ extract had anti-cancer properties and then find and isolate the “active components” in fermented wheat germ extract.

The scientists labeled this combination of molecules found naturally in fermented wheat germ extract, that is responsible for the “biologic activity”, “Fermented Wheat Germ Extract – Super Concentrate.”  By weight, it accounts for only 0.07% of the whole fermented wheat germ extract, but this “super concentrate” provides 100% of the anti-cancer effect! American BioSciences and the scientists who discovered this “super concentrate” named it “Metatrol,” deriving g from the term “metabolic control.” Studies performed in their lab revealed that when mice implanted with a very deadly and fast-growing melanoma tumor received Metatrol, their tumor growth was inhibited by 62%! [5]  Further analysis, confirmed Dr. Szent-Gyorgi’s early work; compounds contained in wheat germ help cancer cells restore normal cell metabolism.

Many of the steps used to purify Metatrol in the lab, were not suitable for large scale production of a food, or dietary supplement product, so American BioSciences worked to concentrate the “bioactive fraction,” found in fermented wheat germ extract. Side by side chemical and biological comparisons of Metatrol show that it contains the same “biologically active” fraction as whole fermented wheat germ extract and fewer biologically inactive molecules. Metatrol™ is available through The Harmony Company by calling (800) 422-5518 or by visiting their website at www.theharmonycompany.com. You can also use the code “wellmet” for 25% off. 

References:

[1] British Journal of Cancer (2003) 89, 465 – 469, http://fwgeresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1H-AMedicalNutrimentHasSupportiveValueintheTreatmentofColorectalCancer.pdf

[2] CANCER BIOTHERAPY & RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS Volume 23, Number 4, 2008, http://fwgeresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/1A-AdjuvantFermentedWheatGermExtractAvemarNutraceuticalImprovesSurvivalofHigh-RiskSkinMelanomaPatients.pdf

[3] Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition). Vol 25, No 18S (June 20 Supplement), 2007: 21132, http://fwgeresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3A-AvemarInhibitstheGrowthofMouseandHumanXenograftMammaryCarcinomasComparabletoEndocrineTreatments.pdf

[4] Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 1051: 529–542 (2005). © 2005 New York Academy of Sciences. doi: 10.1196/annals.1361.097 http://fwgeresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2C-FermentedWheatGermExtractAvemarintheTreatmentofCancerandAutoimmunediseases.pdf

[5] Fermented Wheat Germ Extract Super Concentrate Scientific Summary, 2015, pg 1 Bencze, Gyula PhD.