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Germanium sesquioxide is a novel mineral supplement with significant potential for maintaining health and extending life. The high-purity organic complex is safe, with much lower toxicity than the inorganic form. This product has been in use since 1967 in Japan, and is now gaining popularity in the West. Germanium sesquioxide aids the body's natural defenses against disease and aging. Its primary action is the restoration of the natural balance of cells in the immune system.
Germanium is a mineral found in the soil, in foods and many healing herbs such as Aloe Vera, garlic and ginseng. It is known to initiate healthy oxygen flow in the body tissues and aids in the normal functioning of the immune cells. It is also known to maintain a healthy balance between various body functions and is a water-soluble dietary supplement.
Germanium is not classified as a trace mineral but as an ultratrace element in human nutrition and is said to possess a variety of health benefits. Japanese Shitake Mushrooms, ginseng, garlic and other folk remedies which have survived the test of time are all rich in Germanium. Germanium is, of course, not the only active ingredient in these plants but the fact remains that these are healing plants and germanium alone has been found to be a highly successful adjunct in the treatment of cancer.
Various studies have been performed to measure the amounts of ultratrace elements in human diets. For germanium, the typical dietary intake for humans is 0.4 to 3.4mcg per day.
History; Source
As a supplementary mineral it came to the attention of the health industry on account of the works of Doctor Kazuhika Asai of Japan in 1950. The results of his research determined that Germanium will be helpful in protecting the liver from toxic damage and support various aspects of the immune system.
The remarkable success of germanium as a semiconductor in the electronics industry motivated Dr. Asai to study the biochemical potential of this element. Because the inorganic form used in the semiconductor industry can cause kidney failure, Dr. Asai's chemical intuition told him that a water-soluble, organic complex of germanium would be a better answer. He expected this complex to change the oxidation state of the human body and correct the chemical imbalances responsible for most illnesses. To check his hypothesis, he measured the germanium content of various plants. He found notably high levels in a number of plants which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. From this data, Dr. Asai concluded that an organic form of germanium would be safer and more beneficial, while maintaining the unique electronic properties of the mineral.
Dr. Asai established the Germanium Research Institute to produce a water-soluble organic complex of germanium. The result, first found in 1967, was bis-betacarboxy-ethylgermanium sesquioxide, often shortened to germanium sesquioxide or germanium-132.
Throughout the 1970s, Dr. Asai operated the Organic Germanium Clinic in a suburb of Tokyo. He and his staff offered germanium sesquioxide treatment to all who came, regardless of illness. This bold experiment led to a number of satisfied customers and academic research papers. Dr. Asai reported the results from his clinic in his book, Miracle Cure: Organic Germanium in 1980. The book reports that several thousand patients used the clinic without a single complaint. Some 20% of the patients became germanium believers, continuing to take the compound on a regular basis. Three medical doctors added chapters to the book describing their positive experiences with germanium: Drs. Shigeru Makiuchi, Takahiro Tanaka, and Mieko Okazawa.
Western scientists discovered the benefits of germanium sesquioxide through an entirely different route. A detailed study of various organometallic complexes as possible cancer drugs was reported in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 1994. Both clinical and animal studies were used. The rationale for these experiments was the success of an organic platinum complex called cisplatin.
Two organogermanium compounds were studied extensively: spirogermanium and germanium sesquioxide. While both were effective against some cancers, their mechanisms of action were completely different. Spirogermanium was found to be effective in killing cancer cells, even when the cells were cultured outside the body (in vitro). Germanium sesquioxide, on the other hand, does not kill cancer cells directly. Researchers concluded that germanium sesquioxide stimulates immunopotentiating mechanisms, leading to augmentation of natural killer cell activity and activation of macrophages.
Germanium is a constituent of various natural foods in the amount of around 1mg per day for the average diet.
Sources of germanium include Shelf fungus (Trametes cinnabarina), Ginseng, Sanzukon (Codonopsis Tangshen), Sushi (Angelica pubescens), Waternut (Trapa japonica), Boxthorn seed (Lycium Chinese), Wisteria Knob (Wisteria floribunda), Pearl Barley (Coicis semen), Gromwell (Lithosemi radix), Aloe, Comfrey, Ginseng, Chlorella, and Garlic, all of which are considered healthful in modern nutrition.
There are two general forms of germanium: organogermanium and inorganic germanium compounds. Both types have been sold as nutritional supplements for their alleged health benefits. However, because of the possibility of contamination and several unclear and poor-quality scientific reviews, some consider any use of germanium unsafe.
Function; Reasons For Use
Dr. Asai reported that germanium sesquioxide benefited patients with a wide variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, stroke, and stomach ulcers. Researchers investigated both animal models and humans in order to understand how one compound could treat so many disorders. Their conclusions were that germanium sesquioxide aids the body's natural defenses against disease and aging.
Germanium is extremely efficient as an intracellular electrical impulse initiator in the human body. It helps rectify distortions in the electrical aggregate of the body and is a metallic co-factor for the utilization of oxygen. It is essential for optimum nutrition, absorption and raises the level of activity of various organs by enabling them to attract more oxygen. It supports the body's natural immune system and is used to bring about a number of health benefits. Germanium enhances the body's natural capacity to combat viruses.
Germanium plays a key role in the circulation of oxygen to the body tissues and regulates the functioning of cells. It helps ensure proper cell replication. It is a powerful analgesic known to increase the body's endorphin levels.
Germanium deficiency is not recognized but is usually characterized by conditions such as infection, heart disease, increased cholesterol levels, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis and immune disorders.
Germanium is used in the treatment of several diseases such as cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease, malfunction of the immune system and arthritis.
Japanese researchers have found excellent results using germanium sesquioxide to treat cancer. Korean medical literature reports success in treating cancers of the breast, cervix, nervous system, esophagus, and endometrium.
Chinese researchers have found that germanium-132 can inhibit the abnormal growth of fibroblasts in the eye.
There is limited evidence for the use of propagermanium (an organogermanium - organic germanium) in the treatment of Hepatitis B. Additional research is warranted in this area.
Germanium has been used in the treatment of AIDS/HIV since the late 1990s. It activates the production of Interferon, Macrophages and NK-Lymphocytes.
It relieves angina when consumed in therapeutic doses. It helps lower blood pressure and improves the health of arteries. It is known to possess powerful antioxidant properties that enable the body to fight the harmful effects of free radicals.
It is used in the prevention and treatment of cataracts. It relives joint pain, aids in the formation and maintenance of strong bones. It helps in the prevention of Raynaud's Disease and reduces the development of Gangrene.
Directions
Product purity is critical to the safety of germanium sesquioxide. In the thousands of patients who attended Dr. Asai's Germanium Clinic, there were no reported cases of germanium toxicity. The dosage for several patients was reported as 40mg per kg of body weight. That is, a person who weighs 110 pounds would take 2,000mg (2gm) per day. Even at such high doses, the product appeared to be safe. Pure germanium sesquioxide is completely excreted in the urine within 72 hours.
Counter-Indicators and Warnings
High dosage of synthetic germanium (50 to 250 mg per day) is hazardous to health. Organic Germanium (Germanium sequioxide) and Germanium lactate citrate are fairly safe but Germanium dioxide can cause permanent kidney damage.
Potential health hazards caused by certain germanium-containing dietary supplements include nephropathy (leading in some cases to renal failure and death), cardiomyopathy and peripheral myopathy.
Before taking any mineral supplements it is essential to consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the nutrient is required by your body or not. You must also make note of any diseases or ailments you might be suffering from such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, depression, kidney problem, gastro intestinal disease, high cholesterol levels etc. You must also consider your present medical condition, if you are allergic to any prescription or over-the-counter drugs or have a family history of any ailments before taking any mineral. Pregnant and lactating women should take supplements only after consulting a physician.
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Germanium can help with the following:
KEY | | May do some good |
GLOSSARY
AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.
Analgesic
Agent which relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Angina
Angina Pectoris: Severe, restricting chest pain with sensations of suffocation caused by temporary reduction of oxygen to the heart muscle through narrowed diseased coronary arteries. Often triggered by exertion. Angina Vasomotoria: Like the previous, but less dangerous and more frequently caused by purely neurologic stimulus. The pain is more spasmodic and there is usually little actual blood vessel blockage.
Antioxidant (Antioxidants)
A chemical compound that slows or prevents oxygen from reacting with other compounds. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA. Some antioxidants have been shown to have cancer-protecting potential because they neutralize free radicals. Examples include vitamins C and E, beta carotene, the minerals selenium and germanium, superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10, catalase, and some amino acids.
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Arthritis (Arthritic)
Inflammation of a joint, usually accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, and resulting from infection, trauma, degenerative changes, metabolic disturbances, or other causes. It occurs in various forms, such as bacterial arthritis, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is characterized by a gradual loss of cartilage and often an overgrowth of bone at the joints.
Asthma (Asthmatic)
A lung disorder marked by attacks of breathing difficulty, wheezing, coughing, and thick mucus coming from the lungs. The episodes may be triggered by breathing foreign substances (allergens) or pollutants, infection, vigorous exercise, or emotional stress. Extrinsic Asthma is triggered by pollen, chemicals or some other external agent; Intrinsic Asthma is triggered by boggy membranes, congested tissues, or other native causes… even adrenalin stress or exertion.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cataract (Cataracts)
A steadily worsening disease of the eye in which the lens becomes cloudy as a result of the precipitation of proteins. Most cataracts are caused by the functions of the body breaking down. Eye trauma, such as from a puncture wound, may also result in cataracts.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
Chlorella
A freshwater, nutritive, single-celled green algae superfood; a regenerative tonic, blood builder, anti-viral, anti-biotic, and anti-carcinogenic that enhances the immune system. It facilitates heavy metals being removed (chelated) from the body.
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Chronic Renal Failure (Chronic Renal Insufficiency, Kidney Failure, Renal Insufficiency)
(CRF) Irreversible, progressive impaired kidney function. The early stage, when the kidneys no longer function properly but do not yet require dialysis, is known as Chronic Renal Insufficiency (CRI). CRI can be difficult to diagnose, as symptoms are not usually apparent until kidney disease has progressed significantly. Common symptoms include a frequent need to urinate and swelling, as well as possible anemia, fatigue, weakness, headaches and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bad breath and itchy skin may develop as toxic metabolites, normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys, build up to harmful levels. Over time (up to 10 or 20 years), CRF generally progresses from CRI to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, also known as Kidney Failure). Patients with ESRD no longer have kidney function adequate to sustain life and require dialysis or kidney transplantation. Without proper treatment, ESRD is fatal.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Endorphins (Endorphin)
Natural polypeptide opiate-like substances in the brain. One function of endorphins is the suppression of pain.
Esophagus (Esophageal)
Commonly called the "food pipe", it is a narrow muscular tube, about nine and a half inches long, that begins below the tongue and ends at the stomach. It consists of an outer layer of fibrous tissue, a middle layer containing smoother muscle, and an inner membrane, which contains numerous tiny glands. It has muscular sphincters at both its upper and lower ends. The upper sphincter relaxes to allow passage of swallowed food that is then propelled down the esophagus into the stomach by the wave-like peristaltic contractions of the esophageal muscles. There is no protective mucosal layer, so problems can arise when digestive acids reflux into the esophagus from the stomach.
Fibroblast (Fibroblasts)
Any cell or corpuscle from which connective tissue is developed. Fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin.
Free Radical (Free Radicals)
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Germanium
A trace mineral.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Hepatitis B
A serious viral infection with the potential for long term consequences. It is caused by a DNA virus that has been found in virtually all body secretions and excretions. However, only blood, saliva, semen and vaginal fluids have been shown to be infectious. Transmission occurs through sexual contact, blood-to-blood contact (blood products, needle sharing, etc.), and from infected mother to infant. Virtually all affected infants and children, and many adults, receive a lesser, even symptom-free, infection. Symptoms, when present, tend to be more severe and prolonged than those for Hepatitis A: initially flu-like, with malaise, fatigue, muscle pain and chest pain on the right side. This is followed by jaundice (slight skin yellowing), anorexia, nausea, fatigue, pale stools, dark urine and tender liver enlargement, but usually no fever.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Interferon
A protein formed by the cells of the immune system in the presence of a virus, etc. It prevents viral reproduction, and is capable of protecting noninfected cells from viral infection. Several kinds of interferon exist including alpha, beta, and gamma.
Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.
Kilogram (kg, kgs, Kilogramme, Kilogrammes, Kilograms)
1000 grams, 2.2lbs.
Lactation (Lactate, Lactates, Lactating)
Production of milk; period after giving birth during which milk is secreted in the breasts.
Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.
Macrophage (Macrophages)
An immune system cell that scavenges bacterial and other foreign material in the blood and tissues. It is a mature form of what is released from the marrow as a monocyte. A macrophage lives long, can digest much detritus, and is able to wear particles of odd food on its outer membrane. This allows T-cell and B-cell lymphocytes to taste the particle (an epitope) and form an antibody response. Further, these macrophages, traveling as monocytes, will take up permanent residence in many tissues, providing them with immunity. They line the spleen, form the cleansing Kupffer cells in the liver, make up the "dust cells" that protect the lungs, protect the synovial fluids of the joints, and form the microglial cells that provide protection to the brain and nerve tissues. Essentially the macrophages clean up messes and act as the intermediates between innate and acquired immunity.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.
Myopathy
Any disease or abnormal condition of the muscular tissues.
Nervous System
A system in the body that is comprised of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, ganglia and parts of the receptor organs that receive and interpret stimuli and transmit impulses to effector organs.
Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.
Over-The-Counter (OTC, Over The Counter)
A drug or medication that can legally be bought without a doctor's prescription being required.
Raynaud's Phenomenon (Raynaud's, Raynauds Disease, Raynaud's Disease, Raynauds Phenomenon, Raynauds Syndrome, Raynaud's Syndrome)
Raynaud's disease or syndrome is a disorder of blood circulation, mainly in the fingers and toes. It is of unknown cause and characterized by changes of the skin that are aggravated by exposure to cold: first, becoming white with numbness and pain as a result of inadequate oxygenation of the blood, then red/purple with a burning sensation. The sudden constriction of blood vessels causes decreased blood flow to the extremities and can, in extreme cases, lead to gangrene. Also called "white finger", "wax finger" or "dead finger".
Stomach
A hollow, muscular, J-shaped pouch located in the upper part of the abdomen to the left of the midline. The upper end (fundus) is large and dome-shaped; the area just below the fundus is called the body of the stomach. The fundus and the body are often referred to as the cardiac portion of the stomach. The lower (pyloric) portion curves downward and to the right and includes the antrum and the pylorus. The function of the stomach is to begin digestion by physically breaking down food received from the esophagus. The tissues of the stomach wall are composed of three types of muscle fibers: circular, longitudinal and oblique. These fibers create structural elasticity and contractibility, both of which are needed for digestion. The stomach mucosa contains cells which secrete hydrochloric acid and this in turn activates the other gastric enzymes pepsin and rennin. To protect itself from being destroyed by its own enzymes, the stomach’s mucous lining must constantly regenerate itself.
Stroke (Stroke-Type Event)
A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.
Trace Element (Trace Elements, Trace Mineral, Trace Minerals)
A mineral or element that is essential, in small amounts, for good health. Nutritionists prefer to call minerals either minerals or trace minerals depending on the amount needed by the body, while analytical chemists prefer to call minerals 'trace elements'.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Chinese Medicine)
A whole medical system that originated in China. It is based on the concept that disease results from disruption in the flow of qi and imbalance in the forces of yin and yang. Practices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.
Ulcer (Ulceration, Ulcers)
Lesion on the skin or mucous membrane.
Ultratrace
Ultratrace elements in human nutrition are defined as elements that are required in the diet in quantities of around 1mcg per day or less. The ultratrace elements currently recognized by the US Department of Agriculture include boron, chromium, germanium, lithium, molybdenum, selenium, silicon, tin, and vanadium.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Last updated: Aug 30, 2009
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