Bindweed is a common weed and a problem for many farmers. The weed damages crops by wrapping itself around plants such as corn and wheat. Growing all over the world, it is sometimes ironically called “the cancer of weeds”. The proteoglycan mixture (PGM) found in bindweed has tested 100 times more effective at preventing new blood vessel growth than shark cartilage by weight. This testing was done in chicken egg chorioallantoic membranes and was effective in a dose-dependent manner.
In addition to its angiogenesis inhibiting properties, PGM is also a mild immune stimulator. Other researchers have found that the combination of angiogenesis inhibitors plus immune system stimulants hasten the process of tumor shrinkage.
While there have been many testimonies regarding cancer improvements or remissions with bindweed, to our knowledge there have been no human trials completed yet.
Suggested doses are 250mg capsules, at 4 to 6 per day. No toxicity has been noted at these doses – concentrations that inhibit tumor growth.
Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) can help with the following
Macular Degeneration
Bindweed prevents new vessel growth and may help stop the scarring and permanent damage seen with wet macular degeneration. The suggested dose is two 250mg capsules per day.
Convulvulus arvensis is available as Vascustatin, the most potent natural antineovascular/antiangioneogenesis remedy available. This is indicated in wet macular degeneration, especially where neovascularization is already documented.
Cancer / Risk - General Measures
Bindweed inhibits new blood vessel development and thus restricts cancer growth. A typical dose is four to six 250mg capsules per day. Support for its use in cancer is currently limited to laboratory studies and personal experiences.
Key
| Likely to help |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Cartilage
Specialized fibrous connective tissue that forms the skeleton of an embryo and much of the skeleton in an infant. As the child grows, the cartilage becomes bone. In adults, cartilage is present in and around joints and makes up the primary skeletal structure in some parts of the body, such as the ears and the tip of the nose.
Immune System
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.