Health Care Professional Information
Brand Name
Seasilver™ (Seasilver USA, California, USA)
Clinical Summary
SeasilverTM is a dietary supplement that contains aloe vera, a combination of seaweed, pau d'arco, and cranberry concentrate. It has been promoted as a natural immune enhancer. While the exact properties of this product are unclear, certain ingredients may not be appropriate for cancer patients. Aloe vera contains anthraquinone which may irritate the GI system, leading to stomach upset and diarrhea. Certain seaweed products contain carrageenan and algin. At high doses these substances can impair absorption of oral medications. Many seaweed products have problems with contamination, which may pose a risk for immunocompromised patients. Pau d'arco is a bark that has potential anticoagulant effects due to coumarin content. Pau d'arco is typically prepared in 20% ethyl alcohol, but the final alcohol concentration of this product is not listed (1). Cranberry is acidic, and while the pH of this product is unknown, high concentrations may cause stomach irritation (3). No studies have shown the efficacy of this costly product, which is distributed through a multi-tiered marketing scheme.
In June 2003, the FDA seized nearly $5.3 millions worth of product from Seasilver USA's San Diego headquarters (3). Since then Seasilver has agreed to comply with strict FDA and FTC guidelines regarding marketing of its product (4).
Purported Uses
- Cancer prevention
- Detoxification
Constituents
- Seaweed
- Aloe vera
- Pau d'Arco
- Cranberry concentrate
Literature Summary and Critique
No studies have been reported.
References
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Med Publications; 1998.
- Bisset NG. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 1994.
- Federal Trade Commission. No Silver Lining for Marketers of Bogus Supplement; Federal Agencies Crack Down on Health Fraud. June 19, 2003. Accessed May 6, 2011.
- Food and Drug Administration. Dietary Supplement Firms, Seasilver USA, Inc., and Americaloe, Inc., Sign Consent Decree With FDA To Stop Selling Product Claiming To Cure “Over 650” Diseases. March 17, 2004. Accessed May 6, 2011.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Seasilver does not prevent or cure cancer.
Promoters of seasilver claim that the product is effective against cancer and other diseases. There is no scientific evidence, in the form of laboratory studies, animal studies, or clinical trials, to support such claims. There is insufficient proof that any of the herbal components of SeasilverTM (aloe vera, pau d'arco, cranberry, and seaweed) would have such effects.
In June, 2003 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) accused Seasilver's marketers of promoting Seasilver with false and fraudulent claims at which point the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized nearly $5.3 million worth of the product. Seasilver USA has since agreed to comply with strict FDA and FTC guidelines regarding the marketing of its product.
Purported Uses
- To detoxify the body
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To prevent and treat cancer
This claim is not backed by scientific evidence.
Patient Warnings
- Many products that contain seaweed have been found to be contaminated.
- Aloe vera, a component of SeasilverTM, is suspected to cause adverse effects when taken by mouth. The FDA rules that aloe is not safe as a stimulant laxative.
- Certain compounds found in pau d'arco, another component of SeasilverTM, are known to cause toxic effects. There is no proof that pau d'arco can treat cancer or any other condition.
- The FDA has issued warnings to the manufacturers of SeasilverTM to stop making false health claims for this product.
Last updated: September 29, 2012
absorption (ub-SORP-shun)
The process of taking nutrients from the digestive system into the blood so they can be used in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)alcohol (AL-kuh-hol)
A chemical substance found in beer, wine, and liquor, and some medicines, mouthwashes, household products, and essential oils (scented liquid taken from plants). Alcohol contains a carbon atom attached to a hydroxyl group (a molecule made of an oxygen atom and a hydrogen atom).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)anthraquinone (AN-thruh-kwih-NONE)
A type of anticancer drug.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)anticoagulant (AN-tee-koh-A-gyuh-lunt)
A substance that is used to prevent and treat blood clots in blood vessels and the heart. Also called blood thinner.
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)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)concentration (KON-sen-TRAY-shun)
In science, the amount of a substance, such as a salt, that is in a certain amount of tissue or liquid, such as blood. A substance becomes more concentrated when less water is present. For example, the salt in urine may become more concentrated when a person doesn’t drink enough water.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)condition (kun-DIH-shun)
In medicine, a health problem with certain characteristics or symptoms.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)coumarin (KOO-muh-rin)
A substance used to make drugs that prevent and treat blood clots in blood vessels and treat certain heart conditions. Coumarin is taken from certain plants and can also be made in the laboratory. It is a type of anticoagulant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh)
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)efficacy (EH-fih-kuh-see)
Effectiveness. In medicine, the ability of an intervention (for example, a drug or surgery) to produce the desired beneficial effect.
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)GI
Refers to the stomach and intestines. Also called gastrointestinal.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)herbal (ER-bul)
Having to do with plants.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)immunocompromised (IH-myoo-noh-KOM-proh-mized)
Having a weakened immune system caused by certain diseases or treatments.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inconclusive (IN-kun-KLOO-siv)
A negative test result in an individual where a clearly deleterious mutation has not been found in any family members. The genetic risk status of such an individual must be interpreted in the context of his or her personal and family history. Also called indeterminate and uninformative.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)stomach (STUH-muk)
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxic (TOK-sik)
Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
