Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Antimony trisulfide, aromatic USP 14, arsenic sulfide, berberis root, bloodroot, buckthorn bark, burdock, cascara, Hoxsey method, Hoxsey therapy, licorice, pokeroot, potassium iodide, prickly ash bark, red clover, stillingia root, sulfur, talc, trichloroacetic acid, zinc chloride.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• The Hoxsey formula is a therapeutic regimen consisting of an individualized oral tonic, topical preparations, and supportive therapy. Potassium iodide is generally a constant ingredient in the oral tonic, although other ingredients may be added, such as licorice, red clover, burdock, stillingia root, berberis root, pokeroot, cascara, aromatic USP 14, prickly ash bark, and buckthorn bark. Topical preparations may contain antimony trisulfide, zinc chloride, bloodroot (red paste), arsenic sulfide, talc, sulfur, and a "yellow precipitate" (yellow powder) or trichloroacetic acid (clear solution).
• The Hoxsey formula was reportedly discovered in 1840, when a cancerous horse belonging to John Hoxsey fed in a field with wild plants and later recovered. The formula was derived from these wild plants as well as certain home remedies. After use on animals, the mixture was passed down through generations until it was eventually administered to humans. It became popular as a cancer therapy in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. However, during the 1950s many unregulated cancer clinics in the United States were forced to close down because of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) violations. The Hoxsey Clinic then moved to Tijuana, Mexico, where it remains today.
• Although the Hoxsey Clinic is still frequented by individuals with cancer, and variations on the Hoxsey formula are used by other healthcare practitioners, there is currently a lack of high-quality clinical study evaluating the safety or efficacy of Hoxsey tonics or topical preparations. The American Cancer Society recommends avoidance of nutritional cancer cures, including the Hoxsey formula (1). Also, although reports of adverse effects are currently lacking in the available literature, the potential for a variety of side effects exists due to the many different herbs, constituents, and chemicals contained in the formula. It is unclear if the concentrations of the various ingredients in the formula are high enough to cause the side effects that may be associated with those ingredients when they are used alone in therapeutic amounts.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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