cacy of LDN in pancreatic cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, colon cancer and other cancers is based upon LDN’s ability to limit cell proliferation.
One of the first physicians to explore the versatility of this novel compound was Bernard Bihari, MD. It was his work beginning in the mid-1980’s that prompted much of the subsequent work. He used LDN to treat end stage cancers and autoimmune diseases like MS and lupus. He worked with HIV patients before there were any retroviral drugs available. He reportedly had success in preventing HIV from progressing to AIDs. In October 2011 two studies were published that established the efficacy of LDN alone or LDN in combination with antiretroviral therapy in strengthening the immune systems of HIV affected people in Mali, Africa.
A detailed description of the body’s opioid systems is beyond the purview of this article (and perhaps beyond the purview of this author). However a very basic understanding of those systems is useful in describing how LDN exerts its mechanism of action on the seemingly discordant diseases described above.
Opioid compounds and their receptors exist throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and throughout the body. Opioid systems are involved in a number of homeostatic functions. Anyone who has ever needed to take an opioid pain medication knows all too well about the opioid receptors throughout the GI tract. While the narcotic medication may bind effectively to the receptors in the brain to quiet the pain signal, it also binds to the opioid receptors in the GI tract preventing its normal function. One of the best known and troublesome side effects of these medications is GI distress and constipation.
Most people are familiar with endorphins, the molecules that account for the euphoria one feels after strenuous exercise, orgasm, or eating chocolate. Endorphins are endogenous opioids. They are just one of four types of endogenous opioids that play a role in the body’s homeostasis. When LDN (an opioid receptor antagonist) is taken at bed time, it transiently blocks the body’s opioid receptors. This blockade provokes a compensatory elevation in endogenous opioids and opioid receptors via the Opioid Growth Factor (OGF) and Opioid Growth Factor receptor (OGFr) axis. The body thinks it is ‘starving’ for opioids and its’ natural response is to increase the production of endogenous opioids. It’s a remarkably simple way of harnessing the body’s own healing potential.
After an extensive review of all the available literature I must conclude the LDN may be the most promising agent for many people who are suffering with difficult to treat autoimmune diseases, cancer and HIV. It is possible that not everyone will respond to this agent, but in my opinion, it is certainly worth a try. LDN is now available from IAS
LDN can be safely taken with almost all medications and supplements. One would think it cannot be taken with opioid medication. However there is some literature that LDN can be administered with opioid medication. It may minimize some side effects and prevent opioid tolerance. It may not work with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. If you are taking those medications and contemplating the use of LDN, please consult your health care provider.