Overview

Fermented wheat germ extract is made by treating extract of wheat kernel with yeast.

Fermented wheat germ extract is used for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), sunburn, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific research to support any use.

How does it work ?

Fermented wheat germ extract might prevent cancer from becoming worse by slowing cancer growth. It might also stimulate the immune system and have antioxidant effects.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Damage to the immune system caused by cancer drug treatment. Early research shows that taking a specific fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) as a drink twice per day while undergoing chemotherapy helps prevent fever and white blood cell count reduction in children compared to undergoing chemotherapy alone.
  • Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Early research shows that taking a specific fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) once or twice per day for at least 6 months while undergoing chemotherapy helps reduce the risk of death and prevents cancer from becoming worse or spreading compared to chemotherapy alone.
  • The most serious type of skin cancer (melanoma). Early research shows that taking a specific fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) as a drink once per day for 12 months along with dacarbazine chemotherapy increases survival compared to dacarbazine chemotherapy alone in patients with a type of skin cancer called melanoma.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Early research shows that taking a specific fermented wheat germ extract (Avemar) as a drink twice per day for 12 months along with steroids or other medicines used for RA helps reduce morning stiffness and decrease the need for steroids in people with RA.
  • An autoimmune disease that causes widespread swelling (systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE).
  • Sunburn.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of fermented wheat germ extract for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Fermented wheat germ extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. Doses of 8.5-9 grams once or twice per day have been used safely for up to 12 months. Fermented wheat germ extract might cause feelings of fullness, diarrhea, nausea, gas, constipation, or soft stools when taken by mouth.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fermented wheat germ extract is safe or what the side effects might be when applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Fermented wheat germ extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. Doses of 8.5-9 grams once or twice per day have been used safely for up to 12 months. Fermented wheat germ extract might cause feelings of fullness, diarrhea, nausea, gas, constipation, or soft stools when taken by mouth.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fermented wheat germ extract is safe or what the side effects might be when applied to the skin. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if fermented wheat germ extract is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children:Fermented wheat germ extract is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth. Doses of 6 grams/m2 twice per day have been used safely for 29 months.

Organ transplant recipients:Fermented wheat germ extract might increase the immune system. This might increase the risk of organ transplant rejection. If you have received an organ transplant, don't use fermented wheat germ extract until more is known.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with FERMENTED WHEAT GERM EXTRACT

    Fermented wheat germ extract seems to increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system, fermented wheat germ extract might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

    Some medications that decrease immune system activity include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of fermented wheat germ extract depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for fermented wheat germ extract. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.