Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
LAPd, lipoic acid-palladium complex, Palladium-alpha-lipoic acid complex
Clinical Summary
Polydox is a synthetic product containing lipoic acid-palladium complex (LAPd) and B complex vitamins. Patients use it to treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, psoriasis, and other degenerative disorders. Studies done in animals indicate that Polydox has neuroprotective (3), radioproctective (4), antidiabetic (7) and antioxidant (5) (6) properties.
This product has not been evaluated in clinical trials.
Purported Uses
- Asthma
- Cancer treatment
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- HIV and AIDS
- Psoriasis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Constituents
- Palladium α-lipoic acid complex (1:1) 3.72 × 10−2 mmol/L
- Thiamine 2.17 × 10−3 mmol/L
- N-acetyl cysteine 1.13 × 10−3 mmol/L
- Riboflavin 4.62 × 10−4 mmol/L
- N-formyl methionine 1.46 × 10−4 mmol/L
- Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) 1.37 × 10−4 mmol/L
- Rhodium 1.34 × 10−4 mmol/L
- Molybdenum 4.63 × 10−4 mmol/L
- Ruthenium 1.42 × 10−5 mmol/L
- Sodium chloride 2.64 × 10−1 mmol/L
(6)
Mechanism of Action
The inventor claims that Polydox is a metalo-vitamin; with antioxidant activity capable of repairing damaged genes. Polydox is said to have DNA reductase and electro-active; properties that alter electron flow in cancer cells at the mitochondrial level, resulting in cytotoxicity. The manufacturer reports benefits for cancer patients such as increases in energy and appetite, reduction in cancer-related pain (1) (2). However, no independent scientific data support these claims. Studies in rats show palladium-alpha-lipoic acid complex protects the aging of myocardium by enhancing the Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (5). It increases the level of glutathione and reduces the level of lipid peroxidation (6) (7). Palladium-alpha-lipoic acid complex also protect against radiation-induced cellular damages in animals (4).
Pharmacokinetics
The manufacturer claims that Polydox distributes throughout the body to all sites, including adipose tissue and the central nervous system. No formal pharmacokinetics studies have been performed.
(1)
Herb-Drug Interactions
Polydox's antioxidant activity may interfere with the actions of certain chemotherapeutic agents.
Literature Summary and Critique
Human studies have not been conducted.
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
This field is only visible to only Inside MSKCC users.
References
- Polymva. American Medicine and Research Center web site. Available at http://www.polymva.com. Accessed February 23, 2011.
- Garnett M. Palladium complexes and methods for using same in the treatment of tumors. Garnett McKeen Laboratory, Inc. US Patent #5,679,697. October 21, 1997.
- Antonawich FJ, Fiore SM, Welicky LM. Regulation of ischemic cell death by the lipoic acid-palladium complex, Poly MVA, in gerbils. Exp Neurol.2004 Sep;189(1):10-5.
- Ramachandran L, Krishnan CV, Nair CK. Radioprotection by alpha-lipoic acid palladium complex formulation (POLY-MVA) in mice. Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2010 Aug;25(4):395-9.
- Sudheesh NP, Ajith TA, Janardhanan KK, Krishnan CV. Palladium alpha-lipoic acid complex formulation enhances activities of Krebs cycle dehydrogenases and respiratory complexes I-IV in the heart of aged rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2009;47(8):2124-8.
- Sudheesh NP, Ajith TA, Janardhanan KK, Krishnan CV. Effect of POLY-MVA, a palladium alpha-lipoic acid complex formulation against declined mitochondrial antioxidant status in the myocardium of aged rats. Food Chem Toxicol. 2010;48(7):1858-62.
- Sudheesh NP, Ajith TA, Janardhanan KK, et al. Palladium-α-lipoic acid complex attenuates alloxan-induced hyperglycemia and enhances the declined blood antioxidant status in diabetic rats. J Diabetes. 2011 Dec;3(4):293-300.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Polydox (PolyMVA) has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer, lupus, asthma, HIV, or any other medical condition.
Polydox is a product that contains lipoic acid, acetyl cysteine, palladium, B vitamins, and other ingredients. The inventor and promoters of Polydox make many claims for this product that are not supported by any scientific evidence. Some of the components of Polydox are antioxidants (alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl cysteine).
Purported Uses
- To treat asthma
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat cancer
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat chronic fatigue syndrome
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat HIV and AIDS
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat psoriasis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
Clinical trials have not been conducted to determine the safety or effectiveness of Polydox for any of the proposed uses.
Patient Warnings
- This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Last updated: December 5, 2012
acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antioxidant (AN-tee-OK-sih-dent)
A substance that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules made by the process of oxidation during normal metabolism). Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other natural and manufactured substances.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chronic (KRAH-nik)
A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cyanocobalamin (SY-uh-NOH-koh-BA-luh-min)
A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Cyanocobalamin helps make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, energy, and tissues, and keeps nerve cells healthy. It is found in liver, meat, eggs, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products. Cyanocobalamin is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough cyanocobalamin can cause certain types of anemia (a condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal) and neurologic disorders. It is being studied with folate in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cobalamin and vitamin B12.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dietary supplement (DY-uh-TAYR-ee SUH-pleh-ment)
A product that is added to the diet. A dietary supplement is taken by mouth, and usually contains one or more dietary ingredient (such as vitamin, mineral, herb, amino acid, and enzyme). Also called nutritional supplement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)electron (eh-LEK-tron)
A small particle with a negative charge that is found in all atoms. Streams of electrons made by special equipment can be used for radiation treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fatigue (fuh-TEEG)
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)FDA
An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The FDA also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called Food and Drug Administration.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)glutathione (GLOO-tuh-THY-one)
A substance found in plant and animal tissues that has many functions in a cell. These include activating certain enzymes and destroying toxic compounds and chemicals that contain oxygen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)HIV
The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lipid (LIH-pid)
Fat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lupus (LOO-pus)
A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It can cause many different symptoms; however, not everyone with lupus has all of the symptoms. Also called SLE and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)medicine (MEH-dih-sin)
Refers to the practices and procedures used for the prevention, treatment, or relief of symptoms of a diseases or abnormal conditions. This term may also refer to a legal drug used for the same purpose.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)psoriasis (suh-RY-uh-sis)
A chronic disease of the skin marked by red patches covered with white scales.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)riboflavin (RY-boh-FLAY-vin)
A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Riboflavin helps make red blood cells, helps some enzymes work properly, and keeps skin, nails, and hair healthy. It is found in milk, eggs, malted barley, organ meats, yeast, and leafy vegetables. Riboflavin is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough riboflavin can cause anemia (a low number of red blood cells), mouth sores, and skin problems. Amounts of riboflavin may be higher in the blood of patients with some types of cancer. Also called vitamin B2.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sodium (SOH-dee-um)
A mineral needed by the body to keep body fluids in balance. Sodium is found in table salt and in many processed foods. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain water.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)syndrome (SIN-drome)
A set of symptoms or conditions that occur together and suggest the presence of a certain disease or an increased chance of developing the disease.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)systemic (sis-TEH-mik)
Affecting the entire body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)thiamine (THY-uh-min)
A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Thiamine helps some enzymes work properly, helps break down sugars in the diet, and keeps nerves and the heart healthy. It is found in pork, organ meats, peas, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Thiamine is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in daily. Not enough thiamine can cause a disease called beriberi (a condition marked by heart, nerve, and digestive disorders). Too much thiamine may help cancer cells grow faster. Also called vitamin B1.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
