AEGiS-GMHC: Common Alternative Therapies: Germanium-132

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Common Alternative Therapies: Germanium-132

Gay Men's Health Crisis: Treatment Issues, Volume 7 no. 11/12 - Winter, 1993/94
Bree Scott-Hartland

"Germanium-132" (Ge-132) is a mineral composed of the elements germanium, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. High levels of the mineral are found in ginseng, and high levels of the element germanium are found in garlic, comfrey, and watercress. Ge-132 is claimed to have immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties.

In an animal study, oral administration of Ge-132 stimulated production of gamma-interferon (gamma-IFN) and activation of macrophages and natural killer cells.[1] In humans, Ge-132 has been claimed to affect T- and B-cell function, natural killer proliferation, and other immune functions.[2] An abstract at the IX International Conference on AIDS in Berlin reported that "organic" germanium may act synergistically with alpha interferon in inhibiting HIV in the test tube.[3]

Currently, germanium is available on the market at most health food stores. While some sources suggest a dose of 100mg taken three times a day, there are currently no human trials completed or planned for AIDS or HIV-related illness, so the efficacy and dosage of Ge-132 are unknown. Ge-132 has no known toxicities.

1. Aso H. Microbiology and Immunology. 1985; 29:65-74.

2. Henderson CW. AIDS Therapies. 1993.

3. Narovlyansky A, et al. Abstract PO-A13-0240.IX International Conference on AIDS. Berlin. June 1993.

Copyright (c) 1993 - Gay Men's Health Crisis. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged.
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Copyright © 1993 - Treatment Issues. Reproduced with permission. Treatment Issues is published twelve times yearly by GMHC, Inc. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reproduction is encouraged. Subscription lists are kept confidential. GMHC Treatment Issues, The Tisch Building, 119 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011 fredg@gmhc.org http://www.gmhc.org

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