Fermented wheat germ extract

Related Terms

2,6-Dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone, antioxidant biofactor (AOB), Av?, AVE, Av?, Avemar? (MSC), Avemar pulvis, catechins, extract of Triticum vulgare germ, extract of wheat germ, fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), flavanoids, MSC, n-octacosanol, octacosanol, octacosyl alcohol, OncoMarT, phytic acid, rutin, Triticum aestivum germ extract, wheat bran, wheat germ agglutinin.

Background

Wheat germ is the nutrient-rich embryo of the wheat kernel, or seed. Wheat germ is high in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, iron, B vitamins, zinc, and vitamin E. The wheat germ constitutes approximately 2.5% of the total weight of the wheat kernel.
Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE, Avemar pulvis) was invented by Hungarian biochemist Mate Hidv?gi in the early 1990s. In the United States, FWGE is marketed as a dietary supplement, Av?, by American BioSciences, Inc. (Blauvelt, NY). FWGE is manufactured as Avemar? in Hungary, where it is approved as a "medical nutriment" for cancer patients.
Scientific evidence suggests that FWGE may have anticancer effects. FWGE may also improve immune function-associated conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.

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 *


Limited research suggests that fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) may improve the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Further studies are required before conclusions may be drawn.

 C


Limited research suggests that fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) may improve the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Further studies are required before conclusions may be drawn.

 C


Preliminary data suggest that FWGE may improve the overall survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer. Additional well-designed studies are required before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary data suggest that FWGE may improve the overall survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer. Additional well-designed studies are required before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that FWGE may improve joint tenderness and morning stiffness. Additional data are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Limited research suggests that FWGE may improve joint tenderness and morning stiffness. Additional data are needed before a conclusion may be made.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that FWGE may improve the symptoms of melanoma and overall survival of melanoma patients. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that FWGE may improve the symptoms of melanoma and overall survival of melanoma patients. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 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 (18 years and older)
General: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average consumption of wheat germ in the United States is less than one gram daily. In individuals of average weight (60-70 kilograms, or approximately 150 pounds), a typical use is a single dose of 17 grams of FWGE daily, approximately one hour before a meal. As a health or beauty aid, FWGE may be used in facial cleansers, exfoliants, scrubs, shampoos, antiaging moisturizers, around-eye creams, conditioners, bath oils, salts or soaks, and sunscreens.
For breast cancer, a dose of 8.5 grams of FWGE has been taken by mouth daily for three years.
For cancer (general), 8.5 grams of FWGE has been taken by mouth daily in combination with chemotherapy or other drug therapies for periods averaging 7.9 to 32.2 months.
For colorectal cancer, patients receiving anticancer treatments have taken nine grams of FWGE by mouth once or twice daily for more than six months.
For rheumatoid arthritis, a dose of 8.5 grams of Avemar pulvis (powdered FWGE) has been taken by mouth twice daily for 12 months, in addition to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and steroid therapy.

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
Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) may raise blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may affect blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
FWGE may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
FWGE may also interact with anticancer agents, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or immunosuppressants.

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

Balint G, Apathy A, Gaal M, et al. Effect of Avemar--a fermented wheat germ extract--on rheumatoid arthritis. Preliminary data. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2006;24(3):325-328.
Barabas J, Nemeth Z. [Recommendation of the Hungarian Society for Face, Mandible and Oral Surgery in the indication of supportive therapy with Avemar]. Orv Hetil 2006;147(35):1709-1711.
Boros LG, Nichelatti M, Shoenfeld Y. Fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Ann NY Acad Sci 2005;1051:529-542.
Comin-Anduix B, Boros LG, Marin S, et al. Fermented wheat germ extract inhibits glycolysis/pentose cycle enzymes and induces apoptosis through poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation in Jurkat T-cell leukemia tumor cells. J Biol Chem 2002;277(48):46408-46414.
Eg?szs?g?gyi Tudom?nyos Tan?cs Eln?ks?ge. [Recommendation of the Health Sciences Council's Presidency regarding the legal prerequisites for the legal use of AVEMAR dietary supplement as a neoplastic agent]. Orv Hetil 2007;148(4):173.
Farkas E. The role of Avemar in oncology. A review. Magy Belorv 2004;(57):4-9.
Garami M, Schuler D, Babosa M. Fermented wheat germ extract reduces chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in pediatric cancer patients. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2004;26(10):631-635.
Heimbach JT, Sebestyen G, Semjen G, et al. Safety studies regarding a standardized extract of fermented wheat germ. Int J Toxicol 2007;26(3):253-259.
Hidvegi M, Raso E, Tomoskozi-Farkas R, et al. MSC, a new benzoquinone-containing natural product with antimetastatic effect. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 1999;14(4):277-289.
Jakab F, Mayer A, Hoffmann A, et al. First clinical data of a natural immunomodulator in colorectal cancer. Hepatogastroenterology 2000;47(32):393-395.
Jakab F, Shoenfeld Y, Balogh A, et al. A medical nutriment has supportive value in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Br J Cancer 2003;89(3):465-469.
Marcsek Z, Kocsis Z, Jakab M, et al. The efficacy of tamoxifen in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells is enhanced by a medical nutriment. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2004;19(6):746-753.
Minamiyama Y, Takemura S, Yoshikawa T, et al. Fermented grain products, production, properties and benefits to health. Pathophysiology. 2003;9(4):221-227.
Saiko P, Ozsvar-Kozma M, Madlener S, et al. Avemar, a nontoxic fermented wheat germ extract, induces apoptosis and inhibits ribonucleotide reductase in human HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cells. Cancer Lett 2007;250(2):323-328.
Sukkar SG, Rossi E. Oxidative stress and nutritional prevention in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2004;3(3):199-206.