Cancer Research
M.D. Anderson Overview
Pharmacology and Development of Nerium oleander-based Cancer Therapy
Nerium Biotechnology, Inc. (Nerium) holds a unique position in the international pharmaceutical sector: Nerium has a well-defined Nerium oleander extract-based product that represents the “first of its kind” botanical drug containing cardiac glycosides for potent inhibition of the proliferation of cancer (Anvirzel™).
Nerium’s Lead Researcher and Scientific Advisor is Robert A. Newman Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, former Professor of Experimental Therapeutics, and Founder and former Co-Director of the Pharmaceutical Development Center at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Dr. Newman has recently retired from M. D. Anderson Cancer Center after 24 years. Under his direction, Nerium and the Pharmaceutical Development Center at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center are collaborating on the continuing research of Nerium oleander-based extracts.
Dr. BOB
Nerium oleander extract and its components (oleandrin)
Continuing from his “Eureka Moment!”, Dr. Newman has developed an analytical method for the characterization and quantification of the cardiac glycosides oleandrin, odoroside, neritaloside and the aglycone oleandrigenin, all contained in the extract of Nerium oleander (Anvirzel™). He has applied this analytical method to the determination of oleandrin in human plasma following administration of Anvirzel™. This initial characterization and pharmacology research of the major biochemical and biological properties of the extract has served as a basis for quality control for the production of Anvirzel™. The product is derived from naturally grown Nerium oleander plants in the USA.
After harvesting and processing, the milled leaves are subjected to extraction without use of organic solvents. Anvirzel™ is an aqueous extract of Nerium oleander composed of both polar and non-polar compounds, and containing at least five polysaccharides, two cardiac glycosides, and five proteins.
Dr. Newman’s research has demonstrated that components of Anvirzel™ are active on dual pathways at the cellular level to promote apoptosis and/or autophagy (cell death) in human tumors but not normal cells. This research has led to the publication of twelve peer-reviewed journal articles that describe Anvirzel™ (Nerium oleander extract) and its components (oleandrin). The twelve articles present the body of research conducted by Dr. Newman, Ph.D., as the founder and Co-Director of New Product Development, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.
This preclinical research has shown that Anvirzel™:
- Blocks activation of a potent signal (NF-kB) that leads to tumor cell proliferation and metastases.
- Potently inhibits human tumor cell growth of many types although the therapy is not effective against mouse and rat tumor cell lines.
- Targets a specific enzyme in human tumor…but not normal…cells.
- Can be used safely under appropriate concerns for cardiovascular function.
- Represents a unique way to attack and kill human tumor cells that is not shared by any current available chemotherapy or natural product treatment for malignant disease.
- Acts to enhance radiation mediated killing of human tumor cells.
- Contains a potent cardiac glycoside that can cross the blood-brain barrier and thus gains access to brain cancers.
Anvirzel™ thus offers a unique form of therapy for the treatment of malignant disease that has been well researched.
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Autophagic Cell Death of Human Pancreatic Tumor Cells Mediated by Oleandrin, a Lipid-Soluble Cardiac Glycoside
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