N-acetylcysteine: despised for colds, now returns as an anticancer

If you had a cold or the flu, before September 1, 2013 it was very common for you to leave the doctor’s office social security doctor with a prescription for Fluimucil or Flumil, medicines whose active substance is n-acetylcysteine.

This substance is a stable form of the natural amino acid l-cysteine, found in food, and was prescribed because promotes the elimination of mucus and prevent complications.

But as of that date, the government, looking for where to save, decided that it was not a sufficiently effective medicine in the mild respiratory conditions enough to be included in social security with this indication. Since then, patients who consider it useful when they catch a cold have to pay for it out of pocket (it is sold without the need for a prescription).

N-acetylcysteine ​​reduces the aggressiveness of some types of cancer by 80%

Last week we learned that n-acetylcysteine ​​is a potent anti-cancer agent.

Research led by Professor Michael Lisanti, from the University of Salford (United Kingdom), has proven that the administration of n-acetylcysteine reduces up to 80% the markers of aggressiveness of some types of breast cancer (80% in the case of the MCT4 marker and 25% of the Ki67 marker).

The amino acid acts as an antioxidant that drains nutrients from diseased cells, thus slowing their growth. and he gets it No toxicity or notable side effects.

Lisanti explains that the result of the study is very encouraging, since by reducing the levels of aggressiveness markers it can be expected that improve the chances of survival from the patients.

“Inhibiting the expression of the MCT4 protein and doing it in a non-toxic way is a huge step forward,” he said. In addition, it is a very cheap medicine

The trial administered n-acetylcysteine ​​to 12 patients with early stage breast cancer before they underwent surgery. They received one weekly intravenous dose and two daily oral doses for 19 days. The samples from the excised tumors were then analyzed and the beneficial effects on biomarkers of aggressiveness were verified, with the results explained.

The amazing properties of n-acetylcysteine

There are many ongoing studies on the properties of n-acetylcysteine. Its best-known effect is mucolytic, that is, its ability to reduce the viscosity of mucus, which makes it easier to eliminate. For this reason it is used in cases of cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and bronchitis.

Although it does not belong to the family of antibiotics, it has an interesting bactericidal and antiviral action.

Another very important property is detoxification. It has the virtue of being associated with toxic agents and favoring their elimination. For this reason it is indicated in poisoning by carbon monoxide, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or heavy metals.

It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. n-acetylcysteine replenishes glutathione reserves, a potent antioxidant agent produced by the body itself. Researchers like Tory Hagen of Oregon State University suggest that this property makes it interesting as an antiaging agent.

Its general beneficial effect has prompted investigation of its potential in the treatment of high cholesterol, hangovers, and a wide variety of mental disorders among them depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia and addictions.

These psychiatric indications are related to a possible regulatory effect of the amounts of the glutamate and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain.

It is a medicine that is sold without a prescription.

Its properties and indications as a detoxifier have earned it to appear on the list of “essential medicines” of the World Health Organization. It can be purchased in pharmacies without the need for a prescription and there are presentations as a food supplement in parapharmacies and herbal diets.

n-acetylcysteine it is a safe medicine. Although some people may experience some side effects, such as itching, diarrhea or nausea, it is not associated with serious effects or toxicity, even in high doses.

Its precursor, l-cysteine, is a non-essential amino acid that the body can synthesize from methionine and serine obtained from food. For the synthesis to occur successfully, the participation of other nutrients is needed, especially vitamin B12 and folic acid. Foods that provide small amounts of already formed l-cysteine ​​are, in addition to meat, derived from soybeans, sunflower seeds and whole grains.

The maximum recommended dose for people over 7 years of age is 600mg daily. In any case, it is advisable not to take it for long periods of time and to do so under medical supervision, as it may be contraindicated if you suffer from certain conditions, such as asthma or digestive ulcers, or if you take certain medications (such as nitroglycerin).

When choosing a commercial presentation, it is worth looking at the composition and choosing the one that do not include synthetic sweeteners such as aspartame or dyes. It is found in the form of granules, effervescent tablets or capsules.