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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).
References
Enercel. Enercel Web site. http://www.enercel.com/layout.htm.
Accessed April 17, 2007. Site discontinued.
Enercel. Enercel Web site. http://www.enercel.org. Accessed
June 20, 2008.
Enercel. Manufacturer's product information. Enercel Web site.
http://www.enercel.com. Accessed December 21, 2005. Site discontinued.
Studies. Hansi-Enercel Web site.
http://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.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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