Physiological Activity of Trace Element Germanium Including Anticancer Properties

Abstract

Germanium is an essential microelement, and its deficiency can result in numerous diseases, particularly oncogenic conditions. Consequently, water-soluble germanium compounds, including inorganic and coordination compounds, have attracted significant attention due to their biological activity. The review analyzes the primary research from the last decade related to the anticancer activity of germanium compounds. Furthermore, the review clarifies their actual toxicity, identifies errors and misconceptions that have contributed to the discrediting of their biological activity, and briefly suggests a putative mechanism of germanium-mediated protection from oxidative stress. Finally, the review provides clarifications on the discovery history of water-soluble organic germanium compounds, which was distorted and suppressed for a long time.

Survey of Main Group Metals and Metalloids in Cancer Treatment

“…Germatrane derivatives have shown strong antitumor and antioxidant activity. The bicyclic analogues of germatranes-germocanes and monocyclic analoguesand hypogermatranes have been found to possess the same activity [120].…”

Сок Ягод Годжи: 10+ Положительных Свойств Суперфуда Для Организма

“…It is the lack of this important element in the body that can cause the development of oncological processes. [18] Drinking goji juice has a positive effect on health -it shows good results in the treatment of cancer of the liver, prostate, colon, breast and other organs. [19]…”

The role of germanium in diseases: exploring its important biological effects

“…However, the mechanism of this antioxidant effect remains unclear. Recent studies have proposed the hypothesis that germanium derivatives catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide [40]. Trace germanium can keep hydrogen peroxide at a low level, thus inhibiting/preventing oxidative stress.…”

“…Trace germanium can keep hydrogen peroxide at a low level, thus inhibiting/preventing oxidative stress. It has been observed that germanium is part of the active centers of some enzymes and participates in oxidation, mainly with hydrogen peroxide, without producing harmful reactive oxygen species [40]. In fact, previous results suggest that Ge-132 has the potential to act as an antioxidant supplement by protecting cells from oxidative damage [41].…”