Yair Maimon                 Dr. of Chinese medicine  

 

  NEW   Effect of the botanical compound LCS102 on innate immunity

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Authors: 

 Zoya Cohen, Yair Maimon, Raanan Berger, Ofir Morag, Talia Golan, Noah Samuels

  

ABSTRACT

Innate immunity serves an important role in the healthy population, providing surveillance and protection against infections. Chemotherapy suppresses the body's immune system, including neutrophil and natural killer (NK) cell numbers and activity. This leads to an increased risk of infection which often requires the reduction or even discontinuation of the chemotherapeutic regimens. The botanical formula LCS102 was designed to stimulate the body's immune system. The effect of the formula on innate immunity was examined in human blood samples, as were its effect on the anti‑cancer activity of chemotherapeutic agents on human cancer cells. 

 

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A Prospective, Controlled Study of the Botanical Compound Mixture LCS101 for Chemotherapy-Induced Hematological Complications in Breast Cancer

 

Neora Yaal-Hahoshen,A Yair Maimon,b,e Nava Siegelmann-Danieli,D Shahar Lev-Ari,B

Ilan g. Ron,A Fani Sperber,C Noah Samuels,F Jacob Shoham,G Ofer MerimskyA

 

A. Department of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of   

   Medicine,Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel;

B.Unit of Complementary Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center

C. Breast Imaging Unit, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel;

D. Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel;

E. Refuot Integrative Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel;

F. Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel;

  Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel

 

ABSTRACT

Background. This prospective, controlled study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the mixture

of botanical compounds known as LCS101 in preventing chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicity in

breast cancer patients.

Methods. Female patients diagnosed with localized breast cancer were randomly allocated to receive

treatment with either LCS101 or placebo capsules, in addition to conventional chemotherapy. The study intervention was initiated 2 weeks prior to the initiation of chemotherapy and continued until chemotherapy was completed, with participants receiving 2 g of LCS101 capsules thrice daily. Subjects were assessed for the development of hematological and nonhematological toxicities, as well as the tolerability and safety of the study intervention.

Results. Sixty-five breast cancer patients were recruited, with 34 allocated to LCS101 and 31 allocated to

placebo treatment. Patients in the treatment group developed significantly less severe (grades 2– 4) anemia

(p < .01) and leukopenia (p < .03) when comparing grades 0–1 with grades 2–4, with significantly less neutropenia (p < .04) when comparing grades 0 –2 with grades 3–4. This effect was more significant among patients undergoing a dose-dense regimen. No statistically significant effect was found with respect to nonhematological toxicities, and side effect rates were not significantly different between the groups, with no severe or life-threatening events observed in either group.

Conclusion. The addition of LCS101 to anthracyclineand taxane-based chemotherapy is safe and well tolerated, and may significantly prevent some chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicities in early breast cancer patients. These results should encourage further larger and more extensive

clinical trials.

 The Oncologist  2011; 16: 1197-1202

http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/16/9/1197.long

In reply

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3360915/

 

Immunomodulatory effects of the botanical compound

LCS101: implications for cancer treatment.

 

Rachmut I 1; Samuels N 2† (†co-first author); Melnick SJ 3; Ramachandran C 4; Sharabi Y 1; Pavlovsky A 1; Maimon Y 5; Shoham J 1.

 

1  Faculty of Life Sciences, The Gonda-Goldschmied Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.

2  Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

3  Department of Pathology Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA.

4 Research Institute, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA.

5  Refuot Integrative Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.

 

ABSTRACT

 

Objective: To examine the effects of LSC101, a botanical compound, on adaptive and innate immunity.  

Materials and methods: LCS101 preparations were tested for batch-to-batch consistency using HPLC. T cell activation was quantified in murine spleen cells using 3H-Thymidine incorporation, and cytokine production analyzed with ELISA. NK cell activity was tested on human blood cells using flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity measured by MTT and apoptosis using a FACS caliber. Effects on interferon-γ production in 5-FU/doxorubicin-treated mice were tested with ELISA.

Results: HPLC analysis demonstrated batch-to-batch consistency. T cell proliferation was increased, and a dose-dependent activation of NK cells and macrophage TNFα secretion were observed with LCS101 treatment. IFN-γ levels, reduced by 5-FU treatment, were corrected in treated animals. No toxicity or compromised treatment outcomes were associated with LCS101 exposure. 

Conclusions: LCS101 demonstrated significant effects on a number of immune processes. Further research is needed in order to understand the molecular immunomodulatory pathways affected by this compound, as well as clinical implications for treatment.

 

OncoTargets and Therapy 2013:6 1–9

 

http://www.dovepress.com/articles.php?article_id=12857

 

Clinical Roundup: Selected Treatment Options for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting

Alternative and Complementary Therapies  Vol. 18, No. 3

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/act.2012.18308?journalCode=act

 

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Effect of Chinese Herbal Therapy on

Breast Cancer Adenocarcinoma Cell Lines

 

Y MAIMON 1,2, V KARUSH3, N YAAL-HAHOSHEN3, R BEN-YOSEF3, I RON3, A VEXLER3

AND S LEV-ARI1,3

 

1 Unit of Integrative Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre, Tel Aviv, Israel;

2  Refuot Medical Centre, Ramat Aviv, Israel;

3 Department of Oncology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Centre affiliated with The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel

 

ABSTRACT

Despite the widespread use of medicinal herbs to prevent and treat many diseases,

including cancer, there are insufficient scientific data on the safety and efficacy of

the majority of herbal therapies. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a

unique Chinese herbal therapy (CHT) from controlled manufactured

concentrated powders, on an in vitro model of breast cancer. Three breast

adenocarcinoma cell lines (MDA-231, MDA-453, T47D) were exposed to CHT for

72 h. Cell viability was assessed by XTT (sodium 3′-[1-(phenylaminocarbonyl)-3,

4-tetra zolium]-bis(4-methoxy-6-nitro) benzene sulphonic acid hydrate) assay.

Apoptosis and cell cycle stage were determined by fluorescence-activated cell

sorting (FACS) analysis. CHT decreased cell survival in a dose-dependent manner

in all tested cell lines. FACS analysis of treated and non-treated T47D cells

demonstrated that the inhibitory effect of CHT was associated with an increase in

apoptosis. A randomized clinical trial is currently underway to investigate CHT as

supplementary therapy for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

 

The Journal of International Medical Research 2010; 38: 2033-2039

http://imr.sagepub.com/content/38/6/2033.abstract

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Effect of the Botanical Compound LCS101 on Chemotherapy-Induced Symptoms in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Case Series Report

Noah Samuels1*, Yair Maimon2* (*co-first author); and Rachel Y. Zisk-Rony3

1 Center for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

2 Refuot Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.

3  Henrietta Szold Hadassah-Hebrew University School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.

 

ABSTRACT

The treatment of breast cancer invariably results in severe and often debilitating symptoms that can cause significant distress and severely impair daily function and quality-of-life (QOL). We treated a series of 20 female breast cancer patients with the botanical compound LCS101 as adjuvant to conventional chemotherapy. At the end of the treatment regimen, patients rated their symptoms. 70% reported that they had either no or mildly severe levels of fatigue; 60% none to mildly severe weakness; 85% none to mildly severe pain; 70% none to mildly severe nausea; and 80% none to mildly severe vomiting. Only 20% reported severe impairment of overall function, and only 40% severely impaired QOL. No toxic effects were attributed by patients to the LCS101 treatment, and 85% reported that they believed the botanical compound had helped reduce symptoms. The effects of LCS101 on clinical outcomes in breast cancer should be tested further using randomized controlled trials.

 

 Integrative Medicine Insights 2013:8 1–8

 

Link with video abstract presentation:

http://www.la-press.com/effect-of-the-botanical-compound-lcs101-on-chemotherapy-induced-sympto-article-a3482

 

 

Selective anticancer effects and protection from chemotherapy by the botanical compound LCS101: Implications for cancer treatment

 

Zoya Cohen1*, Yair Maimon1*, Merav Yoeli-Lerner1,Peiying Yang2, Noah Samuels1 and Raanan Berger3

1 Tal Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel;

2 Department of General Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center,

Houston, TX, USA;

3 Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

*Contributed equally

 

Abstract:

There is a need for new options for reducing the side effects of cancer treatment, without compromising efficacy, enabling patients to complete treatment regimens. The botanical compound LCS101 exhibits inhibitory effects on cancer cell growth, and reduces chemotherapy-induced hematological toxicities. The aim of the present study is to examine the selectivity of the effects of the compound, alone and in conjunction

with conventional chemotherapy agents, on cancer cell proliferation. The effects of LCS101 were tested on a number of cancer cell lines (breast, MCF7, MDA-MB‑231; colorectal, HCT116; prostate, PC-3, DU-145) and on non-tumorigenic

normal human epithelial cells (breast, MCF10A; prostate, EP#2). Cell viability was analyzed using an XTT assay and observed by light microscopy. Necrosis and apoptosis were examined using FACS analysis and immunoblotting. LCS101 selectively induced cell death in breast, colon and prostate cancer cell lines, as measured by XTT assay. Light microscopy and FACS analysis showed changes indicative of a necrotic

process. LCS101 was also found to induce PARP-1 reduction in breast cancer cells, with no effect on non-tumorigenic breast epithelial cells. While LCS101 increased cell death in cancer cells exposed to doxorubicin and 5-FU, it showed a protective effect on non-tumorigenic human epithelial cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death. A similar selective effect was observed with apoptosis-associated PARP-1 cleavage.

The findings demonstrate that the anti-proliferative effects exhibited by the botanical compound LCS101 are selective to cancer cells, and offer protection to non-tumorigenic normal epithelial cells from chemotherapy agents.

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International Journal of Oncology Received August 10, 2014; Accepted September 25, 2014

DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2711

 

Pubmed link

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25333773

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Effect of the Botanical Compound LCS101 on Cytotoxicity of

Chemotherapy

 

Zoya Cohen 1, Yair Maimon1, Noah Samuels1 and Raanan Berger2

 

1Tal Center for Integrative Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

2Department of Oncology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

 

ABSTRACT

Many oncology patients report using botanicals while undergoing chemotherapy. There are relatively few studies on the interactions between “natural” products and chemotherapy agents, with implications regarding safety and efficacy of the conventional treatment. LCS101 is a botanical formula which has been shown to reduce the incidence of severe anemia and neutropenia, as well adverse events resulting from chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer.

The formula has also been shown to increase the anti-cancer effects of doxorubicin and fluorouracil (5-FU) on breast cancer cell lines, while protecting non-tumorigenic breast cells from cell death. The present study set out to further examine the effects of LCS101 on chemotherapy, this time with gemcitabine, cisplatin, paclitaxel and etoposide.

For this purpose, lung (A549), breast (MCF7), pancreatic (PANC-1) and bladder (T24) cancer cell lines were exposed to incremental concentrations of each of the four chemotherapy agents, with and without the addition of fixed dose of LCS101.

A sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was used to assess cell viability. The addition of the botanical formula was found to significantly augment the cytotoxic effects of each of the chemotherapy agents, this in all four cancer cell lines.

Conclusion : These findings further support those of previous research on potential interactions between LCS101 with chemotherapy. Additional research is underway to examine the implications of this and other botanical formulas as an adjunct to conventional oncology treatments.

 

Journal of Cancer Science & Therapy 2018, 10:9

Link:

https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/effect-of-the-botanical-compound-lcs101-on-cytotoxicity-of-chemotherapy-1948-5956-1000553-104709.html

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Botanical Formula LCS101: A Multi-Targeted Approach to Cancer Care

 

Yair Maimon1, Noah Samuels1, Zoya Cohen 1,Raanan Berger1, David S. Rosenthal2

 

1Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel

2Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA

 

ABSTRACT

Background and Purpose: LCS101 is a botanical formula extracted from 14 botanical components. While conventional oncology focuses on targeted medicine, research on LCS101 adopts a multi-targeted approach, examining its preclinical (in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo) and clinical (randomized controlled trial, pragmatic) effects. This includes examining the formula’s impact on the immune system, selective anticancer effects, and improved chemotherapy-related symptoms and quality of life. Effects on the Immune System: In murine splenic cell cultures, LCS101 significantly increased T-cell proliferation and macrophage tumor necrosis factor-α production. Blood samples from healthy volunteers exposed to LCS101 showed a dose-dependent increase in natural killer cell activity; and a randomized controlled trial showed significantly lower rates of leucopenia/neutropenia and anemia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Selective Anticancer Effects: In vitro LCS101 demonstrated selective growth inhibition (on XTT viability assay) in human breast and prostate cancer cell lines, without any harmful effects on normal human epithelial cells. The anticancer effects were attributed to reactive oxygen species activity. Cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil on breast cancer cell lines were significantly increased following exposure to LCS101, with a protective effect in normal cells. Symptom Relief and Quality of Life: Clinical research shows that patients taking LCS101 during chemotherapy are less likely to report symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting. Conclusion: LCS101 exhibits multi-targeted effects, with significant implications for cancer care. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of these findings.

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Integrative Cancer Therapy (Sage publication)

Article first published online: October 10, 2018 
 

http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1534735418801528

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*All of the above studies have been done with the herbal formula LCS101 which is identical to PROTECTIVAL.

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More Research:

Long-term survival of a patient with widespread metastases from epithelial ovarian carcinoma receiving mind-body therapies: case report and review

Lev-ari S, Maimon Y, Yaal-Hahoshen N.

Integr Cancer Ther. 2006 Dec;5(4):395-9. Review.

 

Down-regulation of prostaglandin E2 by curcumin is correlated with inhibition of cell growth and induction of apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cell lines

Lev-Ari S, Maimon Y, Strier L, Kazanov D, Arber N.

J Soc Integr Oncol. 2006 Winter;4(1):21-6.

 

Activism among exceptional patients with cancer

Frenkel M, Ari SL, Engebretson J, Peterson N, Maimon Y, Cohen L, Kacen L.

Support Care Cancer. 2011 Aug;19(8):1125-32. Epub 2010 May 29.

 

The effects of a Chinese herb formula, anti-cancer number one (ACNO), on NK cell activity and tumor metastasis in rats

Hong-Fen L, Waisman T, Maimon Y, Shakhar K, Rosenne E, Ben-Eliyahu S.

Int Immunopharmacol. 2001 Oct;1(11):1947-56.

 

Use of herbal medicine for cancer treatment-related toxicities.

Samuels N, Morag O, Maimon Y.

Harefuah. 2015 Jan;154(1):43-6, 67.

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Unmonitored use of herbal medicine by patients with breast cancer: reframing expectations.

Samuels N, Ben-Arye E, Maimon Y, Berger R. 
J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2017 Nov;143(11):2267-2273.

 

Role of reactive oxygen species in the anticancer activity of botanicals: Comparing sensitivity profiles.

Cohen Z, Maimon Y, Samuels N, Berger R.

Oncol Lett. 2017 Apr;13(4):2642-2648. doi: 10.3892/ol.2017.5747. Epub 2017 Feb 17.

 

Long-term survival of a patient with widespread metastases from epithelial ovarian carcinoma receiving mind-body therapies: case report and review of the literature.

Lev-ari S, Maimon Y, Yaal-Hahoshen N.

Integr Cancer Ther. 2006 Dec;5(4):395-9.

 

Homeopathy- Oncology

Feasibility of Homeopathic Treatment for Symptom Reduction in an Integrative Oncology Service.

Samuels N, Freed Y, Weitzen R, Ben-David M, Maimon Y, Eliyahu U, Berger R.

Integr Cancer Ther. 2018 Jun;17(2):486-492.

 

Pain:

Acupuncture as complementary medicine in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee

Lev-Ari S, Hasner A, Amir H, Skott T, Mosek A, Miller U, Maimon Y

Harefuah. 2007 May;146(5):354-7, 406

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Orthopedics:
 

“Delayed effect of acupuncture treatment in OA of the knee: a blinded, randomized, controlled trial”

Dr. Udi Miller, Dr. Yair Maimon, prof. Dekel, Dr. Adi Arad, Dr. Shahar-Lev Ari. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Jan 5

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19124552?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=1

 

Treating low sperm count:

Success of acupuncture treatment in patients with initially low sperm output is associated with a decrease in scrotal skin temperature

Siterman S, Eltes F, Schechter L, Maimon Y, Lederman H, Bartoov B.

Asian J Androl. 2009 Mar;11(2):200-8. Epub 2009 Jan 5.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19122677?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum&ordinalpos=2

 

Pain disorders:

Acupuncture for treating temporomandibular disorder: retrospective study on safety and efficacy

Noiman M, Garty A, Maimon Y, Miller U, Lev-Ari S.

J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2010 Dec;3(4):260-6.

 

Rehabilitation:

Acupuncture treatment in geriatric rehabilitation: a retrospective study

Barad A, Maimon Y, Miller E, Merdler S, Goldray D, Lerman Y, Lev-ari S.

J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2008 Sep;1(1):54-7. Epub 2009 Mar 24.

 

Stress and psychological problems:

The Seven Types of Stress Transforming Evils into Virtue

Maimon Y, European Journal of Oriental Medicine, EJOM Vol 6,

Questions of Shen Thieme: Almanac 2008, Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

chapter in the book ‘stress and TCM’ published in Germany by Elsevier publication:
 

 

Publications books:

Wrote a chapter in the book ‘stress and TCM’: The 7 Types of Stress and Transforming Evils into Virtue,

published in Germany by Elsevier. published by Verlag Muller & Steinicke Munchen (German)2006

Main author book on the treatment of insomnia with TCM (German) 2015

Main author of a book “The natural medicine guide for child’s health”, Am Oved publication (Hebrew) 2011

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