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This information regarding Naltrexone is being presented here because of its potential importance to seriously ill individuals and its record of safety.
History
Dr. Bernard Bihari, MD pioneered the use of Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in 1985.
Function; Reasons For Use
By blocking opioid receptors, naltrexone also blocks the reception of the opioid hormones (endorphins) that the brain and adrenal glands produce. Many body tissues have receptors for the endorphins, including virtually every cell of the body's immune system.
Naltrexone is usually used in 50mg doses as a drug to help heroin or opium addicts, by blocking the effect of such drugs. FDA-approved naltrexone, in a low dose (only 3mg), can boost the immune system, helping those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. LDN is currently under experimental use for many conditions. Preliminary results are very encouraging: Naltrexone increases the body's production of the beta and metenkephalin endorphins and blood tests have indicated that it can double or even triple the activity of natural killer cells. The web site that presents the current available information on this therapy can be accessed by clicking here.
The following diseases have been benefited by LDN use according to Dr. Bernard Bihari, MD.:How is it possible that one medication can impact such a wide range of disorders? The disorders listed above all share a particular feature: the immune system plays a central role in all of them. Indeed, research by others has found opioid (endorphin) receptors in brain tumors (both astrocytoma and glioblastoma), breast cancer, endometrial cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, myeloid leukemia, lung cancer (both small cell and non- small cell), and in neuroblastoma. These findings suggest the possibility for a beneficial effect in a wide variety of other cancers.
The brief blockade of opioid (endorphin) receptors that is caused by taking LDN at bedtime each night is believed to produce a prolonged improvement in vital elements of the immune system by causing an increase in endorphin production. Normal volunteers who have taken LDN in this fashion have been found to have much higher levels of beta-endorphins circulating in their blood in the following days.
The treatment seems to work by causing the body to secrete endorphins (metenkephalin and beta-endorphin) which attach to cancers having opiate receptors, shrinking the tumors and inhibiting their growth. When metenkephalin and/or beta-endorphins are attached to cancer cells while they are dividing, it seems to stimulate a process of programmed cell death or apoptosis, thus killing some cancer cells. In addition, it is believed that the endorphins act to increase natural killer cells and other healthy immune defenses against cancer.
Directions
LDN comes in 3mg capsules and is taken once a day at bedtime.
Side-Effects
LDN is non-toxic and has no side-effects. Its only interaction with other drugs is with narcotics (such as morphine, Demerol and Percocet), which it briefly blocks.
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LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone can help with the following: | | | | | Autoimmune |  Multiple Sclerosis
Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn's Disease
Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
Sarcoidosis
Periarteritis |
Immunity |
HIV/AIDS
 Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance) |
Musculo-Skeletal |
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Polymyositis |
Respiratory |
Asthma |
Skin-Hair-Nails |
Eczema
Psoriasis |
Tumors, Malignant |
 Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Multiple Myeloma
Prostate Cancer | Dr. Bihari, MD has found that the treatment does not seem to work for prostate cancer patients who have received or are receiving some form of hormone manipulation treatment prior to starting the low dose naltrexone. This includes patients who have received Lupron, Casodex, Eulexin, DES, or other drugs designed to reduce testosterone. In addition, patients who have been treated with PC Spes, the herbal preparation with estrogenic effects, also do not seem to respond. |
Colon Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Carcinoid Cancer
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)| | CLL is one of the cancers that may respond to LDN. |
Small Intestine Cancer
Rectal Cancer
Brain Tumor| | The presence of opioid receptors on tumor cells is considered necessary for low dose naltrexone to be beneficial. Glioblastomas and astrocytomas were thought to be low in these receptors, but this assumption has turned out to be inaccurate. These tumor types contain sizable numbers of opioid receptors on their cell membranes. |
Ovarian Cancer| | Dr. Bihari reports some success using LDN on ovarian cancers. |
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LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone can help prevent the following: | | | | | Tumors, Malignant | Lung Cancer| | Although lung cancer tissue is low in opiod receptors and thus not so likely to respond to LDN, there may be benefit due to LDN's abililty to increase natural killer cell function. |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.
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.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death as signaled by the nuclei in normally functioning human and animal cells when age or state of cell health and condition dictates. Cancerous cells, however, are unable to experience the normal cell transduction or apoptosis-driven natural cell death process.
Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.
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.
Carcinoma
Malignant growth of epithelial cells tending to infiltrate the surrounding tissue and giving rise to metastasis: An invasive malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue that tends to metastasize to other areas of the body.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, Chronic Fatigue)
A disorder of unknown cause that lasts for prolonged periods and causes extreme and debilitating exhaustion as well as a wide range of other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache and joint pain, often resembling flu and other viral infections. Also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), "Yuppy Flu" and other names, it is frequently misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression, because routine medical tests do not detect any problems.
Colorectal Cancer
A cancerous tumor of the large intestine. It is marked by dark, sticky stools containing blood and a change in bowel habits.
Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).
Endorphins (Endorphin)
Natural polypeptide opiate-like substances in the brain. One function of endorphins is the suppression of pain.
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.
Hodgkin's Disease (Hodgkin's)
Cancer of the lymphatic system and lymph nodes.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
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).
Leukemia
Cancer of the lymph glands and bone marrow resulting in overproduction of white blood cells (related to Hodgkin's disease).
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Lymphoma (Lymphomas)
Any tumor of the lymphatic tissues.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system, causing patches of sclerosis (plaques) in the brain and spinal cord, manifested by loss of normal neurological functions, e.g. muscle weakness, loss of vision, and mood alterations.
Narcotic (Narcotics)
A substance that depresses central nervous system function, bringing sleep and lessening pain. By definition, narcotics can be toxic in excess.
Natural Killer Cells (NK, NK Cells)
An important first line of defense against newly arising malignant cells and cells infected with viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. They form a distinct group of lymphocytes with no immunological memory and are independent of the adaptive immune system. Natural Killer Cells constitute 5 to 16% of the total lymphocyte population. Their specific function is to kill infected and cancerous cells.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Psoriasis
An inherited skin disorder in which there are red patches with thick, dry silvery scales. It is caused by the body making too-many skin cells. Sores may be anywhere on the body but are more common on the arms, scalp, ears, and the pubic area. A swelling of small joints may go along with the skin disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Tumor (Tumors, Tumour, Tumours)
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm. Literally, a swelling; in the past the term has been used in reference to any swelling of the body, no matter what the cause. However, the word is now being used almost exclusively to refer to a neoplastic mass, and the more general usage is being discarded.
Last updated: Sep 28, 2008
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