Fermented wheat germ extract

Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), also called fermented wheat germ powder (FWGP), is a concentrated extract of wheat germ derived from the germ (endosperm, or seed) of the wheat plant. FWGE, which was invented in the early '90s in Hungary, differs from ordinary wheat germ in that it is fermented with baker's yeast to concentrate biologically-active benzoquinones.

FWGE is available commercially and is sold under the trade name Avemar. In the U.S., the product is classified as a dietary supplement and is marketed as Awge. Avemar is manufactured in Hungary, by Biropharma Ltd., where it is approved as dietary food for special medical purposes for cancer patients.

FWGE is often falsely advertised as a cure for cancer,as some believe,studies have shown that is has cured cancer in some cases.

The National Institute of Health reports: [Avemar] shows potent anticancer activity on cell lines by deeply interfering with glucose metabolism and affecting expressions of several kinases. In vivo experimental models, Avemar is also effective by enhancing the activity of the immune system such as stimulating NK cell activity (by reducing MHC I molecule expression), enhancing TNF secretion of the macrophages, increasing ICAM 1 molecule expression on the vascular endothelial cells. All of these lead to apoptosis [death] of tumor cells.

History of development of FWGE
In the 1990s, 5 Hungarian scientists Rita Tömösközi-Farkas, Károly Lapis, Erzsébet Rásó, and Béla Szende, Mate Hidvegi developed and patented an industrial fermentation process for large-scale production of FWGE extract.

Research
FWGE has been the subject of research investigations involving isolated cells in vitro, animals, and human clinical trials. The inventors who hold the patent on the process for manufacturing FWGE (Mate Hidvegi, Rita Tömösközi-Farkas, Károly Lapis, Erzsébet Rásó, and Béla Szende) authored the majority of published research on the product to date.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.
 * According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the potential benefits described by this research need to be confirmed by large and rigorous clinical trials.

The Quackometer blog has categorized Avemar as a questionable, unproven treatment, "not unlike a marmite pill".

Precautions
FWGE should not be taken by children or by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. It should not be taken by those who have undertaken organ or tissue transplants, or those who suffer from bleeding erosions or bleeding ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, enteritis, colitis, or malabsorption syndrome. Patients taking prescription medicine should consult with their doctor before use.