Using Artemisinin to Fight Cancer in Dogs

Artemisinin is emerging as a promising supplemental treatment for dogs battling cancer. This ancient Chinese herb, used for centuries to treat fevers and malaria, shows potential to combat canine cancers, too.

Please understand that I am not stating that Artemisinin is a cure for cancer in dogs. It is always advisable to consult with professionals. However, in my 15 years of practice, I have observed more veterinarians using it with chemotherapy. There are some positive results from adding Artemisinin when using chemotherapy.

Using Artemisinin to Fight Cancer in Dogs

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using artemisinin to fight cancer in dogs, including:

– What is Artemisinin and where does it come from?
– How Artemisinin fights cancer at the cellular level
– What dog cancers artemisinin may help treat
– Proper dosing guidelines and administration
– Interactions and side effects to watch for
– Tips for integrating Artemisinin into your dog’s treatment plan

Equipped with this knowledge, I hope you and your veterinarian can make informed decisions about adding Artemisinin to your dog’s integrative cancer care.

The active ingredient was first isolated in 1972 by Chinese scientist Tu Youyou, who was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2015 for her discovery of Artemisinin and its efficacy against malaria. 

A number of serious infectious diseases are caused by parasites spread by insects. Malaria is caused by a single-cell parasite that causes severe fever. In the 1970s, after studies of traditional herbal medicines, Tu Youyou focused on sweet wormwood and managed to extract a substance, artemisinin, which inhibits the malaria parasite. Drugs based on artemisinin have led to the survival and improved health of millions of people.

Since then, Artemisinin has become a frontline treatment for malaria worldwide. Hundreds of millions of doses have been administered with very few side effects. 

More recently, researchers have taken an interest in Artemisinin’s potential anti-cancer properties. Let’s look at the mechanisms behind these effects.

How Using Artemisinin to Fight Cancer in Dogs Works

Artemisinin contains an endoperoxide bridge structure that reacts with iron, generating free radicals that damage cells. This is important to understand; Artemisinin is ‘attracted’ to iron. 

Cancer cells need more iron than healthy cells to support their rapid growth. They uptake iron at a higher rate, leaving them more susceptible to Artemisinin’s free radical effects.

Some key anti-cancer mechanisms researchers have observed with Artemisinin include:

Selective toxicity 

The free radicals induced by Artemisinin preferentially build up in cancer cells due to their high iron content. This disrupts cancer cell membranes and proteins, slowing growth.

Enhanced apoptosis

Artemisinin increases cancer cell death (apoptosis) through multiple pathways, inhibiting tumor expansion. 

Anti-angiogenesis

Artemisinin appears to suppress vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which tumors need to grow blood vessels (angiogenesis). This starves tumors of nutrients and oxygen.

Immunomodulation

Artemisinin boosts natural killer cell activity and modulates T-cell function, potentizing the immune response against cancer.

Chemosensitization

Artemisinin seems to make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs. Some trials show improved response and survival when paired with conventional treatments.

This multi-targeted assault gives Artemisinin broad potential against cancer. But what types of dog cancer might it help treat?

Cancers Artemisinin May Help Treat in Dogs

Early cell line and animal model research shows Artemisinin’s anti-cancer activity across a range of cancer types, including:

Osteosarcoma (bone cancer)

Artemisinin showed selective toxicity against canine osteosarcoma cells in one laboratory study. Clinical trials pairing Artemisinin with chemotherapy have demonstrated improved outcomes in dogs with osteosarcoma.

Mammary carcinoma (breast cancer)

Tests on isolated canine mammary cancer cells found Artemisinin decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. More research is underway.

Mast cell tumors

Lab tests found Artemisinin decreased mast cell tumor growth, angiogenesis, and viability. Combined with chemotherapy, improved results. 

Lymphoma

Artemisinin exhibited cytotoxic effects in canine lymphoma cells in vitro and decreased growth in murine lymphoma models.

Melanoma

Artemisinin demonstrated anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on human and canine melanoma cell lines in multiple studies. 

Hemangiosarcoma

Early evidence shows artemisinin derivatives inhibited hemangiosarcoma growth and spread in rodent models. More research is needed.

Although the findings are not yet conclusive, they indicate that Artemisinin could potentially enhance the ability to combat various typical canine cancers. There are ongoing clinical trials to further investigate this possibility.

Proper Dosing for Dogs with Cancer  

Artemisinin dosing guidelines are still being optimized in dogs, but general recommendations are emerging.

Typical dosing ranges from 2-15 mg per pound of body weight per day. Lower doses around 2-5 mg/lb/day are likely sufficient when combined with other treatments.

Link to dosing calculator

Higher intermittent dosing (e.g. 10 mg/lb/day for 5 days, break for 5 days) has historically been advised to compensate for Artemisinin’s short half-life. 

However, more recent evidence indicates lower continuous dosing (e.g. 3 mg/lb/day) provides similar benefits with fewer side effects.

Work closely with an animal professional to determine the ideal artemisinin regimen for your dog. Follow up periodically to monitor response and adjust dosage as needed.

How to Give Artemisinin to Dogs

Artemisinin is available in capsules, tablets, oils, and powders. It has relatively low bioavailability, meaning a portion is broken down before reaching circulation. 

Giving it with food, especially some dietary fat, can increase absorption. Fish oil, krill oil, peanut butter, or cheese are good options.

Space artemisinin apart from food and other supplements or medications that interact with absorption, mainly iron. An integrative vet can advise on optimal timing and administration.

Interactions and Side Effects

Artemisinin appears quite safe at cancer-fighting doses, with gastric upset being the most common side effect. More significant adverse reactions are possible in high doses.

A few important interactions to note when 

Antioxidants

Avoid antioxidant supplements like vitamin E, which counteract Artemisinin’s free radical mechanism. 

Iron

Don’t give artemisinin and iron supplements together, as together they can cause toxicity. Space them apart. They all compete with the iron-rich cancer cells. Ideally you want the body as low in iron as possible when you administer Artemisinin. 

Radiation 

Stop Artemisinin 1 week before through 1 week after radiation therapy. The timing ensures free radicals target tumor cells rather than normal radiated tissue.

Chemotherapy

Check with your oncologist about any interactions with your dog’s chemo drugs. Most standard protocols are likely fine together, but adjustments may be needed.

Your veterinarian can monitor for side effects and fine-tune the regimen to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

Integrating Artemisinin into Your Dog’s Cancer Plan

While human trials are still in early phases, veterinary use of Artemisinin is already showing promise for dogs fighting cancer.

When combined with conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation under the guidance of a veterinary oncologist and integrative vet, Artemisinin can offer supplemental anti-cancer activity with relatively low risk.

Talk to your integrative vet to see if Artemisinin is right for your pup’s unique needs. They can help identify the optimal dose, schedule, administration method, and synergistic pairings tailored to your dog’s cancer type and treatment plan.

While questions remain, Artemisinin represents an exciting new addition to the integrative toolkit for combating cancer in dogs. Further clinical experience mapping ideal applications, dosing, and combinations will help maximize the benefits of this versatile botanical medicine.

References:

1. Anticancer and Antimalarial Efficacy and Safety of Artemisinin-Derived Trioxane Dimers in Rodents

Need help with your pet?

Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?

This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.

Need help with your pet?

Do you have health issues that you cannot resolve with conventional therapies? Are you looking for a natural approach to help your pet live a long healthy life?

This is possible, and what I do. My approach is to restore the immune system in dogs and cats so they can achieve homeostasis. That is the best protection against pathogens that can lead to diseases.