The B-vitamin inositol and its derivative IP-6 (Inositol hexaphosphate) is an anti-oxidant with many health benefits for human health. It is important for regulating vital cellular functions such as signal transduction, cell proliferation, and differentiation. IP-6 offers significant protection against cancer and it also helps to lower cholesterol, prevent kidney stones, and reduce the complications of cardiovascular disease.
Recently IP-6 has received much attention for its role in cancer prevention and control of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis. IP-6 works by increasing your body’s Natural Killer Cell activity. NK cells target cancerous cells as well as invaders such as virus, bacteria, fungus, and molds. NK cells are also a part of the Th1 immune system, which is commonly depressed in cancer patients. IP-6 has also shown to revert cancer cells back to normal by its ability to increase the differentiation of malignant cells.
IP-6 is a selective agent against cancer cells. Cancer cells are high in iron content, so IP-6 directs most of its attention to abnormal cells since IP-6 acts as a selective iron chelator. It removes iron from tumor cells (stealing one of its major food sources) which deprives them of their primary growth factor. Importantly, IP-6 does not remove iron from red blood cells which are tightly bound to hemoglobin. Therefore, unlike cancer drugs, healthy cells are not affected by IP-6.
IP-6 and Tumor Suppressor Genes
IP6 has been shown to alter the expression of proteins produced by the p53 (TP53) and p21 genes (cancer suppressor genes) that control cancer growth.
The p53 gene regulates cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way. Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor is a frequent event in tumorigenesis. In most cases for those with cancer, the p53 gene is mutated, and the accumulation of those mutated proteins is regarded as a hallmark of cancer cells. Mutated P53 cannot regulate cell growth and division effectively. Specifically, the altered protein is unable to trigger apoptosis in cells with mutated or damaged DNA. As a result, DNA damage can accumulate in cells (this is common with CHEK2 mutations).
When the DNA in a cell becomes damaged by things such as toxic chemicals or radiation, P53 plays a critical role in determining whether the DNA will be repaired or the damaged cell will self-destruct (undergo apoptosis). If the DNA can be repaired, p53 activates other genes to fix the damage. If the DNA cannot be repaired, this protein prevents the cell from dividing and signals it to undergo apoptosis. By stopping cells with mutated or damaged DNA from dividing, p53 helps prevent the development of tumors.
Mutant p53 proteins not only lose their tumor suppressive activities but often escalate the development of cancerous tumors by providing them with growth and survival mechanisms. Interestingly, mutations in the p53 gene were shown to occur at different phases of the cancer process, contributing to tumor initiation, promotion, aggressiveness, and metastasis.
P21 is controlled by p53, and can be significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastases, advanced TNM stage (a classification of cancer staging that stands for: tumor size, describing nearby lymph nodes, and distant metastasis), depth of invasion, and overall survival rate. To read more on p53, click HERE.
IP-6 also inhibits MMP-9 secretions. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays important roles in tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Secretion of MMP-9 has been reported in various cancer types including lung cancer, colon cancer, and breast cancer.
Circulating Tumor Cells
It is important to remember that it is not the primary tumor that kills us, but rather the metastatic disease post-treatment that kills us. When cancer spreads to other areas in the body it is called metastasis. In order to spread, a cancer cell must first detach from the primary cancer and move though the wall of a blood vessel to get into the bloodstream.
These mobile cancer cells are called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). When CTC’s enter the bloodstream, the circulating blood sweeps them along until they stick somewhere, usually in another opportunistic position that enables it to lodge and multiply.
This is a complicated journey as the immune system is designed to rid the host of these cells. Therefore, some of the time CTC’s are not problematic. However, in a host (you) with cancer and therefore with the likelihood of a weak or dysfunctional immune system, well, you can see how the risk increases. (A simple blood test can determine the existence of circulating tumor cells in the body. At this time, the only lab I know of that will readily offer this test is Quest Diagnostics. If your insurance company does not use Quest, you may need to petition them for it.)
Hence, reducing circulating tumor cells (CTC’s) and using other strategies to prevent metastases should be the focus of treatment once individuals have treated the primary tumor and are addressing the primary cause of the dis-ease. IP-6 seems to be the new kid on the block when it comes to targeting CTC’s (along with Modified Citrus Pectin*).
It is well known that the potent antioxidant and immune enhancing properties of IP6 can play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of cancer cells. Yet sadly IP-6 goes unused as a cancer treatment, which makes no sense. Further, IP-6 enhances the efficacy of cancer drugs such as Adriamycin (a popular chemotherapy) and tamoxifen. Yet again, it goes unused by the traditional medical community even as an adjunct therapy.
It is up to you, the educated patient, to be sure you are taking advantage of all that is available to you to heal from your cancer.
Summary of IP-6 benefits:
• Inhibits cell proliferation and progression
• Helps stop cancer growth
• Induces differentiation of malignant cells
• Supports the p21 and p53 genes (tumor suppressor genes) that control cancer growth
• Inhibits metastasis by interfering with the CTC adhesion, migration, and invasion
• Induces apoptosis (cell death) in many cancer cell lines
• Inhibits angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth for tumors)
IP-6 is easily absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and has been found to be safe. It can be found in many plant sources and in high-fiber foods such as seeds, bran, cereals and legumes. It can also be taken in supplement form. You can find IP-6 in most health and drug stores. However, don’t get the cheap versions of this stuff—be sure to buy a reputable brand. For your convenience, you can find IP-6 here on Amazon.
*Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP): Helps with detoxification and inhibits circulating tumor cells (CTC’s) from latching onto the lining of blood vessel walls, reducing the risk of metastases.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17044765
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14608114
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135636/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3126032/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722839/
Found this article helpful? Please let me know.
Elyn
~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~
Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She brings a plethora of knowledge to her practice and will help you think outside the box so you can incorporate every lifeline you may need for long term survival. Elyn is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. She is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.
Elyn does not endorse alternative modalities as a cure for cancer. She provides information solely for educational purposes only.
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elyn jacobs 
Elyn,Awesome article!!! I am ordering it today from Amazon. I am going out for dinner today. The menu has organic salad but everything is cookedin Safflower Oil. Ulk!!!! I was thinking of having an organic salad. I would love to have the lentil soup but it has safflower oil. Or should I just get something I like and just enjoy? I have been so careful with my oils. I love to eat out but rarely do now. And your boys are just so handsome!!!! Thank you for sending me the Holiday Card .You must be very proud of them!!! Enjoy the Day,Rose
_____________________________________________________________ Rose Green, M.A., R.D., C.H.C.Global Awakening/Miracle Mondays Naturopath Practitioner/Nutritionist Montclair, New Jersey, 07042 973-220-6961 Go Green!!! Have you eaten your 7-9 fruits and vegetables today?
Hi Rose, I am glad you enjoyed it. I think it would be fine to enjoy the soup…while not perfect, we do need a balance of oils, so a bit of safflower will be okay. And thank you, yes, very proud of my boys, glad you enjoyed the card. Enjoy dinner 🙂 best, Elyn
Hello Elyn,
Is IP-6 & Inositol something one should take daily as a preventive?
Thank you,
Patti
Hi Patti,
Yes, as it interferes with all stages of cancer..initiation, promotion, etc. Plus, the P53 gene is a gene that keeps cells under control and growing normally. It is the primary gene that protects men from prostate cancer and women from breast cancer. Supporting the p53 gene will lower cancer development risk.
Best,
Elyn
Mega-interesting! I might go after the supplements but my 6th sense tells me to also continue eating beans, I have read mixed thoughts on beans (lectins) and sometimes wondered if they should get canned (pun intended 😀 ) from my diet but I am leaving them in. ‘Beans, the musical fruit! The more you eat,the more you’- can BOOT cancer!
Elyn: All is still good. Thank you for all that you do. 🙂
Hello. I am taking IP6 with inositol as a cancer preventive measure.
Recently, however, I came across an article that says Ip6 could repair cancer cells by stimulating the “non- homologous end- joining ( NHEJ) ” mechanism. The article is titled “Enemy Within” published by the John Hopkins Public Health magazine. If this is true, isn’t IP6 doing the opposite of its anti-cancer function?
I am confused now about Ip6.
Thanks for your comment. If you wouldn’t mind sharing that article, I would be interested in reading it. You might find this article interesting: http://www.jbc.org/content/277/13/10756.full, however, I will look into this further. Best, Elyn
Hello. Thank you for commenting/ responding. Here is the link to the 2004 article:
magazine.jhsph.edu/2004/fall/microcosmos/enemy_within/html
I am confused about what this article is saying, as opposed to all the recognition given to IP6 (with Inositol) regarding its potent anti – cancer/inflammatory core functions. ( Also, I read somewhere that the anti cancer effectiveness of IP6 depends on the ” PH” level of the IP6 or its delivery method. What does this mean? That OTC IP6 supplements are useless if not prepared in the right PH level?)
Yes, I think I read the article ( that you mentioned in your second response) from the original doctor/researcher who first pioneered IP6. But has he or others refuted or commented on the above John Hopkins article and about the best PH level for best delivery/absorption?
Thank you, I read your attached article regarding IP6 ku (?). But as a lay person, it adds more confusion for me. Does it mean IP6 is different and that Ip6 is indeed confirmed as a strong anti-cancer ingredient and that it does not promote cancer etc.?
Sincerely
If you look at the research of Abulkalam Shamsuddin, he explains it quite well…He discovered the ability of IP6 to control the rate of abnormal cell division even when administered long after cancer was induced. He then proved that IP6 normalized the sugar production of cancerous cells, thereby altering the gene expression toward a more healthful state. This proven ability to change cancer cell physiology had major implications, since cancer cells that are well behaved have far less negative impact on health.
Although IP6 has been proven to boost Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, for Shamsuddin the value of IP6 lies not in its ability to augment the immune system, but rather its ability to directly affect the physiology of cancerous cells.
Thank you for the article. I admit the research is a bit over my ‘paygrade’ as well, but taken slowly, starts to make sense.. The article you sent adds to my strong argument against radiotherapy. That said, if one were to accept that therapy, s/he most certainly should be on IP6. From what I have researched, IP6 is an excellent add to the anti-cancer protocol. The key, according to some other research I just looked at is a neutral pH. Many people go overboard with high alkaline water, which is detrimental in so many ways. We need stomach acid to digest certain elements, so keeping a neutral pH is very important.
Thank you.
But I am very perplexed and anxious:
Since it is shown that IP6 can repair also cancer cells, this makes all the anti- cancer functions/claims of IP6 contradictory. It is pointless that IP6 can arrest cancer cells (in lab/rat studies), but then it could also reverse all that by repairing them. Makes no sense to us the public who are relying on IP6 as one “key” anti cancer protocol. Which means IP6 could also be dangerous, correct? Are people at risk of getting cancer or worsening their cancer with IP6 and Inositol??
– Are there cases or data showing IP6 causing /worsening cancer in humans or lab studies?
– No follow-up studies on the NHEJ repairing function of IP6 that could worsen or cause cancer?
– Why the pioneers and researchers have not responsibly addressed this dangerous/pro-cancer aspect of IP6, at least to confirm such contradiction and danger and or at least to clarify the confusion??? If the pioneer and researchers and advocates of IP6 are honest, professional and ethical, shouldn’t they at least explain the contradiction, as this affects peoples’ lives?? By not doing so, this gives IP6 a dubious image, doesn’t it?
– Why have they and the IP6 supplements makers not issue a warning of the opposite and potentially lethal (pro cancer) effect of IP6??
I am now confused as to whether to stop using IP 6 supplements and warn others or not.
Shouldn’t there be a petition or some request to ask the main IP 6 researchers/pioneer to address this issue?
Sincerely,
I understand your frustration. However, it likely has to do with research dollars…they have to get the funding to do research, and that is hard to come by for supplements–no patent, no incentive. You could try to contact some of the researchers and ask if they have any follow up information. A petition would have to be to the NCI or some other agency. You could also discuss this with an integrative oncologist or integrative pharmacist. You might also contact Dr Isaac Eliaz, who has done considerable research on the subject. Best, Elyn
I am 67 Singaporean and recently diagnosed with colon cancer Stage II. I did a surgical resection to remove the colon with tumor plus 19 lymph nodes (all zero infection). I have been taking 2 tablets of IP6 from Enzymatic Therapy for at least 10years. So when I develop colon cancer, it was really disappointed. Do u I should continue with this IP6 with larger dosage like 4 tablets a day to prevent or kill these circulating tumor cells. Yr reply is much appreciated.
Hi Jeff, it is important to know that cancer is multfactorial. Any one supplement will not prevent or cure cancer. So yes, in addition to a full protocol, I do recommend you take two, twice daily away from food. If you wish to read our Colon Cancer Handout, please visit our Contact page. There is a small fee of $25.
Hi Elyn,
I am an MGUS (pre multiple Myeloma/Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulonemia) patient. I stumbled across Dr Shamsuddin’s papers after being diagnosed with MGUS. I started taking IP6 and Curcumin and my numbers fell (still not normal but at least not going up.) I had read clinical trials using Curcumin and how it helped, but only Dr Shamsuddin’s general cancer research. So a couple years after using IP6 and Curcumin, I dropped the IP6. On my next 6 month blood test my numbers shot up. I started a double dose of IP6 for the next 6 months and the numbers dramatically dropped again. They continued to drop or remain the same as long as I’m on IP6. So IP6 does seem to help control my disease. I admit it’s limited data but it’s all I’ve got!
My only complaint is how difficult it is to take the amount of IP6 Dr Shamsuddin recommends.
I take 8 Cell Forte IP6 & Inositol a day. Dr Shamsuddin recommends 16 and indeed when I took 16 my numbers dropped dramatically.
Thank you for your comments Jim. I know it can be frustrating to take so many supplements, but it sure is worth it in the long run. Glad to hear it is working for you! Best, Elyn
How much is the cost of the product? is it available here in the philippines?
Just click on the link, which goes to Amazon, but you can look locally for that or a similar product
It is not expensive here…
Hello Elyn, I have read that IP6 can decrease absorption of calcium, do you know anything about that?
Thanks Susan
No, from what I understand, inosital is good for the bones.
Thank you!
Hi, Elyn. I’m GW new guy on the block fighting stage 4 prostate Cancer metastasis to the bone ribs, pelvic and spine just found about Ip6. I read the article on (enemy within) to my understanding it is referring to (Hexakisphosphate Inositol) and not (Hexaphosphate Inositol). Please let know if I’m correct.
Hi Gordon, to the best of my knowledge they are the same thing, but I could be wrong.
If you take minerals, you shouldn’t take IP-6….is that correct?
Kind regards,
Narelle Riley
you should not take it with minerals- best to take it well before a meal or well after, even during the night if you tend to wake up.
Thank you for your reply.
I noticed Cell Forte’ actually contains calcium and magnesium (from calcium magnesium phytate) already! 🤷
So, if one took extra calcium and magnesium, it’s best to take it at least 4 hours away from IP-6.
Kind regards, Narelle Riley.
I don’t really advise taking calcium supplements. There isn’t much magnesium in it and not necessarily the best form, so additional is good there. You might consider pure encaps IP6 which has nothing added.