Enercel

Other common name(s): previously known as Hansi

Scientific/medical name(s): none

Description

Enercel is an herbal preparation consisting of very small dilutions from plants of the desert and rain forests such as cactus (Cacti grandiflora), aloe, arnica, lachesis, and licopodium in a 2% to 8% alcohol base.

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Enercel or Enercel Plus is effective in treating cancer or any other disease.

How is it promoted for use?

Proponents claim that Enercel enhances the immune system, prevents and stops the progression of some types of cancer, increases tolerance of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and effectively treats chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS, and asthma.

The proprietors of Enercel claim that the remedy works for asthma, stroke, Bell’s palsy, and numerous other disorders. They claim that more than 150,000 people with cancer have reported positive responses with Enercel treatment. Currently, the company is licensed in El Salvador.

What does it involve?

Enercel is taken by mouth in drop form, by nasal mist, through a nebulizer, or delivered by injection. The basic formula includes about 10 components, the proportions of which are adjusted according to the condition being treated and whether the drug will be delivered orally or by injection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Enercel injections.

What is the history behind it?

Hansi, the original formula, was claimed to have been developed by an Argentine biologist Juan Jose Hirschmann, PhD, who introduced his formula in Buenos Aires in 1990.

What is the evidence?

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Enercel or Enercel Plus is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. No studies testing this treatment could be found in the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database of medical journal articles. One Web site promoting Enercel-Hansi includes a page with the heading “Studies.” Although the page includes experimental methods, results, and conclusions that are formatted to resemble a medical or scientific journal article, the authors provide no information regarding whether the manuscripts were ever published in any peer-reviewed journal. Because publication in such journals is considered standard practice among medical researchers, therapeutic claims that are promoted directly to the public and not subjected to the scrutiny of scientific experts cannot be considered reliable evidence.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health when proper manufacturing techniques are used.

Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.

Not enough is known about Enercel to determine whether it is safe for humans. Relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.

Additional resources

More information from your American Cancer Society

The following information on complementary and alternative therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on our Web site (www.cancer.org) or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).

Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Dietary Supplements: How to Know What Is Safe

The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

Placebo Effect

Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

References

Enercel. Enercel Web site. www.enercel.com/layout.htm. Accessed April 17, 2007. Site discontinued.

Enercel. Enercel Web site. www.enercel.org. Accessed June 20, 2008.

Enercel. Manufacturer’s product information. Enercel Web site. www.enercel.com. Accessed December 21, 2005. Site discontinued.

Studies. Hansi-Enercel Web site. www.prescriptionhelp.ws/page4.html. Accessed June 20, 2008.

Note: This information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical situation.