Germanio

Related Terms

Azaspirane compounds, carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide, Ge-132, germanium citrate lactate, germanium dioxide (GeO2), germanium elixir, germanium lactate citrate, germanium salts, inorganic germanium, lactate-citrate-germanate, Mu-trioxo-bis [betacarboxyethyl] germanic anhydride, organogermanium compound, poly-trans-(2-carboxyethyl) germansesquioxane, propagermanium (3-oxygermylpropionic acid polymer), proxigermanium, proxygermanium, repagermanium, S 99 A, sanumgerman, Serocion, SG, Spiro 32, spirogermanio (Spanish), Spirogermanium 32, Spirogermanium dihydrochloride, spirogermanium hydrochloride, vitamin O.
Note: This monograph reviews the therapeutic benefit of organic germanium compounds, specifically spirogermanium and carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide. Inorganic germanium compounds (germanium dioxide, germanium citrate lactate, and elemental germanium) are potentially toxic and should not be confused with organic germanium.

Background

There are two general forms of germanium: organogermanium compounds, which are carbon-containing compounds (carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide, spirogermanium, propogermanium, Ge-132); and inorganic (non-carbon containing) germanium compounds (Ge, germanium citrate lactate, germanium dioxide). In this monograph, elemental germanium is classified as inorganic. Inorganic germanium is present in all living plant and animal matter in micro-trace quantities.
In recent years, inorganic germanium salts and novel organogermanium compounds have been sold as nutritional supplements in some countries for their purported immunomodulatory effects or as health-producing elixirs. Bis (2-carboxyethyl germanium sesquioxide), simply called germanium sesquioxide, has been shown in animal studies to have anti-viral and immunological properties including the induction of gamma-interferon, macrophages, T-suppressor cells and augmentation of natural killer cell activity. Another organic germanium, spirogermanium (3-(8,8-diethyl-3-aza-8-germaspiro[4.5]dec-3-yl)-N,N-dimethyl-propan-1-amine), is a heavy metal compound in which germanium has been substituted in an azaspirane ring structure. The supposed therapeutic attributes of organogermaniums include: immunoenhancement, oxygen enrichment, free radical scavenging, analgesia and heavy metal detoxification. However, because of the possibility of contaminated organic germanium products on the market and several unclear and poor-quality scientific reviews, all types of germanium are currently thought of as unsafe.
The National Nutritional Foods Association continues to support a voluntary ban on the sale of germanium. Based on information accessed on February 2, 2007, the import alert against germanium products (see related terms) remains in effect. This import alert was created in 1988, and amended in 1995 to prevent the importation of germanium-containing products that are deemed as "poisonous and deleterious substances (PSNC)" or "unapproved new drugs (DRND)" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


There is early evidence for the use of propagermanium (an organogermanium) in the treatment of hepatitis B. Additional research is warranted in this area.

 C


There is early evidence for the use of propagermanium (an organogermanium) in the treatment of hepatitis B. Additional research is warranted in this area.

 C


There is early evidence for the use of propagermanium (an organogermanium) in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Additional research is warranted in this area.

 C


There is early evidence for the use of propagermanium (an organogermanium) in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Additional research is warranted in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for germanium. For cancer, intermittent administration of germanium sesquioxide (trade name: Ge-132) 1,000 milligrams has been shown to augment natural killer cell activity for up to ten days. For Epstein-Barr virus syndrome, 150-500 milligrams daily of Ge-132 (germanium sesquioxide) has caused marked symptom relief. For advanced malignant neoplasms, spirogermanium, one type of organogermanium, had limited and acceptable toxicity in utilizing a dose of 120 milligrams per m2 infused over two hours, three times weekly however, the benefits of this dosing remain unclear.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Two toxic deaths, both attributable to neutropenia and sepsis, were reported in a phase II trial studying spirogermanium in combination with 5-fluorouracil. Significant toxicity has occurred and caution is advised.
Ge-132 (germanium sesquioxide) may enhance morphine analgesia in humans following both oral and intraperitoneal injection. Caution is advised.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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