Fenbendazole is an antiparasitic treatment commonly used in research rodent colonies for biosecurity purposes. This medication has previously been shown to alter gut microbial communities in the BPH/5 mouse, an inbred genetic model of hypertension.
It appears that fenbendazole acts by interfering with the formation of microtubules. These structures are a component of the protein scaffold in cells.
Product Description
Fenbendazole (methyl N-(6-phenylsulfanyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) carbamate) is a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic used for removal of parasitic roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, the tapeworm genus Taenia (but not effective against Dipylidium caninum, a common dog tapeworm), pinworms, ascarids, echinococcoides, and trematodes in a wide variety of animals. It also has a number of other antiparasitic properties.
It acts by interfering with the formation of microtubules, a component of the protein scaffolding that gives cells their shape and structure. Textbook depictions of cells commonly portray amorphous bags of fluid with various organelles floating inside them, but the cell establishes shape and structure through its cytoskeleton, which comprises microtubules made of a protein called tubulin.
In a cancer-prevention study, fenbendazole was found to induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells and reduce the growth of tumors in mice. However, this effect could not be attributed to fenbendazole alone because it was also associated with other treatments such as chemo and radiotherapy.
Another study showed that fenbendazole inhibits the growth of a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer, but again it was not possible to attribute the observed effect to fenbendazole alone. Nevertheless, these results indicate that fenbendazole has potential as an adjunct to standard cancer therapies. Moreover, a recently published case study of an individual with stage four glioblastoma multiforme who was treated with fenbendazole and other conventional cancer therapies reported that his MRI scans showed remarkable improvement in his condition.
Safety Information
Fenbendazole (methyl N-(6-phenylsulfanyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl) carbamate) is a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic that has been approved for use in numerous animal species. Its anthelmintic activity is thought to involve binding to b-tubulin microtubule subunits and disrupting their polymerization. It also exhibits antiparasitic activity against certain trematodes associated with gastrointestinal disease (Alaria spp, Heterobilharzia americana, Platynosomum fastosum).
In an experimental model of allergic airway inflammation in BALB/c mice, fenbendazole was found to decrease eosinophil counts and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of ovalbumin-specific IgG1 antibody and inhibit the activation of CD4+ T cells. These effects were consistent with previous in vitro and in vivo studies showing that fenbendazole suppresses the production of Th2-derived cytokines, including IL-4, IL-13, and TNF-a and reduces inflammatory cell infiltration.
In a trial involving 160 field-caught faisanes comunes (Phasianus colchicus), fenbendazole was fed at 0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm in the diet ad libitum for 21 days. No treatment-related differences in feed consumption, feed conversion ratios, or body weights were observed. Three birds from each pen were randomly selected daily for necropsy and histopathologic examination, serum biochemistry profiles, hematologic parameters, gross pathology, and feathering. These results demonstrate that a dose of 100 ppm in the diet for seven consecutive days is within the margin of safety in these species. The safety of higher treatment doses needs to be evaluated in further trials.
Ingredients
Fenbendazole is a broad spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic that is used, particularly in veterinary medicine, for the treatment of nematode infections. It is a carbamate ester with an aryl sulfide group attached to the 1H-benzimidazole ring. It is effective against giardia, roundworms, hookworms and whipworms of the stomach and intestinal tract, as well as tapeworms in the Taenia genus (but not effective against Dipylidium caninum), pinworms, aelurostrongylus, paragonimiasis, strongyles and Strongyloides. It is administered under veterinary supervision to sheep, cattle, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, freshwater shrimp tanks as planaria and hydra treatments, fish and seals.
It works by interfering with cellular mitosis. Mitosis is the process by which chromosomes are lined up at metaphase and then divided evenly at anaphase by a structure called the mitotic spindle. In animals, fenbendazole causes the spindle to break down and prevents cell division, thus killing parasites.
Some studies suggest that fenbendazole and similar drugs may also have anticancer effects in humans. The mechanism of action appears to be similar to that of hypoxia-selective nitroheterocyclic cytotoxins and radiosensitizers, which are used in human cancer therapy. These studies did not provide evidence that fenbendazole would have value in cancer therapy, but they do suggest that this general class of compounds merits further study. The drug must be given for 3-5 consecutive days to kill the parasites, since it takes a period of time for them to stop dividing.
Warnings
Fenbendazole is an anthelmintic and is used to treat parasitic worms in dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and goats. It is also used for the treatment of tapeworms in cattle, pigs (including neonatal pigs), and rabbits. It can also be used to treat giardia infections in humans and other animals.
The nonprofit organization Cancer Research UK tells PolitiFact that there is no evidence that Joe Tippens’ fenbendazole protocol cures cancer. According to an article by Full Fact, Tippens’ claim of remission after taking fenbendazole was spread widely on social media before being backed up with scientific proof. However, fenbendazole hasn’t gone through the rigorous testing of clinical trials to prove its effectiveness in treating cancer.
In addition, a study published in 2018 by researchers from John Hopkins Medicine found that mebendazole, another drug from the benzimidazole carbamate family, can slow down cancer cell growth in lab cultures. But, the authors admit that more studies are needed before mebendazole could be used to help patients with a serious cancer like glioblastoma multiforme.
When fenbendazole is given at regular doses, it doesn’t usually cause side effects. But, if your pet is sensitive to this medication, it may cause an allergic reaction, especially when administered at higher than recommended doses. This is because the medication can kill parasites that release substances that are known to cause allergies in some pets. Side effects of an allergic reaction can include facial swelling, hives, shock, diarrhea, and seizures. fenben lab fenbendazol