Updated 6/6/24. Carnivora is a health supplement derived from the carnivorous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) that you may have seen advertised online or heard of during radio commercials (such as Coast to Coast AM with George Noory). Carnivora is said to help the immune system function better, or in the words of one YouTube video I saw, “wakes up the immune system and makes it dominant.” Does Carnivora work?” is the question everybody asks me. I've been curious about this product since I first heard the Coast to Coast AM radio commercial, so in this Carnivora review, I will share what I found when I looked at the research. Let's see what we can discover.
Who Makes Carnivora?
The company is called Carnivora Research International its website is Carnivora.com. The Contact Us page of the Carnivora.com website actually lists the emails of a variety of people within the Carnivora organization ―even the owner/CEO of the company, Richard Ostrow.
That level of transparency is rare in the supplement world, and I actually appreciated seeing this. There is no official address for the Carnivora company. There is, however a PO Box address:
- PO Box 1035 Weston CT 06883-0035
This is the same address listed on the BBB file for Carnivora also.
To contact Carnivora call 866 836 8735.
I was curious where Carnivora was made. I was unable to find this answer.
Carnivora Research International is a Better Business Bureau accredited company since 2009. It had a rating of “A+” when this review was updated. The company has been in business since 1981. See the BBB file updates and more 
Carnivora Research
On the Science of Carnivora page of the product website, there are links to many studies that serve as a testament to the benefits of Carnivora. Most of the links were clickable and linked directly to published peer-reviewed studies. I liked that. I looked at all of the studies listed on the Science of Carnivora page and, after which came to these conclusions:
1. The word “Carnivora” does not appear in most of the studies listed
2. Most of the studies listed are test-tube or mouse studies
This means most of the research is not on the supplement
Many of the studies make references to compounds ―such as something called Plumbagin ―but studies of individual/isolated ingredients (in test tubes or lab animals) are not the same thing as human studies on Carnivora itself.
After looking at the evidence presented on the product website, my question is:
American Cancer Society
American Cancer Society states that in 1985, a German oncologist named Helmut Keller who invented Carnivora in the 1970s (and who holds the patent on it) did a study involving 210 people with various types of cancer. Dr. Keller noted that 56% of people treated with the Carnivora extract experienced either remission or stabilization of their tumors. That's really impressive, but the ACS said the study has not been replicated.
I was not able to locate this study.
Why didn't Dr. Keller replicate his findings?
To be fair, it is disappointing that the American Cancer Society themselves did not attempt to replicate this study. The ACS did say the study was published, so I assume they have read it.
If anyone can show me the published study of Dr. Keller and Carnivora, I'll be happy to update this review.
A study published in 2013 reviews various compounds in Venus flytrap as they relate to cancer. This study covers several mouse and tube research investigations on Venus flytrap compounds. It does not mention human studies. The study does not mention Carnivora by name.
Other Carnivora Research
After writing my review, I was contacted by an information specialist at Carnivora, the conversation of which you can read in the comments below. The person informed me that there was additional research on Carnivora performed in Europe 25 years ago. I was told this research was prohibited in the US. I was also told that to read that information, I would have to provide an email address that was not based in either the US or Canada.
It was an odd request. However, I was intrigued by the possibility that additional research existed, so I complied and received the information a few days later. Below is a summary of the documents I received, along with my thoughts on that information.
1. President Regan and Carnivora. I was sent what appears to be, a small page out of a book, that discusses President Regan's use of Carnivora to treat polyps. If this is a book excerpt, there is no citation as to what that book is. In the January 2011 issue of Dr. Rowen's Second Opinion Newsletter (see below for more info), Dr. Rowen says that President Regan “used Carnivora with success to keep malignant polyps from returning in 1985.”
But, according to the website DrZebra.com, President Regan had his polyps surgically removed in 1987. If they were successfully treated by Carnivora in 1985, why did he have surgery to remove the polyps in 1987? Regardless of who is right on this issue, this book excerpt is not a published peer-reviewed study.
2. German Cancer Therapies: Natural and Conventional Medicines that Offer Hope and Healing. This is a book by Dr. Morton Walker, a freelance writer and retired podiatrist, and was published in 2003. I mentioned Dr. Walker in the section about Carnivora and HIV, so see that section also. Chapters 3, 4 
and 5 of that book discusses Carnivora. That said, book chapters sent to me did not contain any peer-reviewed studies to substantiate the claims made in these chapters. As such, we can't tell anything about them.
Remember, I had to provide a non-USA-based email address to receive all of the information discussed in this section. I don’t see why I had to do this because this book is available on Amazon.
3. Comments of Dr. Daniel Kinner, OMD, L.Ac. On His Personal Clinical Experience Using Carnivora, Venus Flytrap Extract. This appears to be a letter dated March 8, 2000, from Dr. Kinner to Carnivora Research International. According to his website, DanKennerresearch.com, Dr. Kinner holds a Ph.D. in Naturopathic Medical Science and is an Oriental Medical Doctor (OMD). He is also a licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac).
In the letter, Dr. Kinner speaks of the experiences of his patients who used Carnivora. All the experiences were positive. But, since this is just a letter, it is not a published peer-reviewed study and amounts to just a testimonial, in my view.
4. The Townsend Letter for Doctors. This appears to be an alternative medicine newsletter (published in the US) and the issue that was sent to me is dated May 1992. I am not sure who wrote this article. There is a reference circled in the document, which I imagine is proof of what is stated in the newsletter. The reference circled is titled:
Kreher B, “Structure elucidation of plumbagin-analagues from Dionaca Muscipula and their immunomodulating activities in vitro and in vivo. International Symposium: Molecular Recognition, Sopron, Hungry, August 24-27, 1988.”
From the title, it appears this citation represents a study that was presented at a science convention. While presenting information is good in that it helps disseminate information to the scientific community, it does not mean that the information has gone through the peer-review process.
Regardless, this is not a human study. I was not sent any peer-reviewed studies of this information either, so it appears that this investigation was never peer-reviewed. Why was this information never published in a medical journal?
5. Dr. Robert Rowen's Second Opinion Newsletter, dated August 2004. This is just a newsletter where a doctor discusses what he knows and has observed about Carnivora. It also mentions Dr. Kenner (see point #3). Unfortunately, there are no peer-reviewed references in the attached newsletter either.
6. Dr. Robert Rowen's Second Opinion Newsletter, dated July 2009. In this issue of the newsletter, Carnivora is also discussed but it doesn’t say anything new. It just appears to be a rehash of Ronald Reagan and other people who said they were helped by Carnivora.
7. Dr. Robert Rowen's Second Opinion Newsletter. This newsletter is dated January 2011. Again, this is just a newsletter.
8. Molecular Recognition: Carnivora a New Discovery. This document is dated 1988. In the email I received, I was told that this is a clinical study. But, there is no author and no citation about where this is published. I don’t know if “Molecular Recognition” is the title of a journal or a chapter in a book or a private, internal document. This does not look like any published peer-reviewed study I've ever seen.
9. Comparison of lymphocytes subpopulation in various cancer therapies. This document is said to be a European clinical study, however it is not peer-reviewed and does not appear to be published in any medical journal. While it has a couple of graphs, the document appears for the part, to be a letter dated February 13, 1995, written by someone (who, I don’t know) to Dr. Helmut Keller.
There were other documents sent to me also that were said to be “European studies” however they don’t appear to be published in any medical journal.
Unfortunately, none of the documents sent to me are to the level that I would accept as “proof”, which is published, peer-reviewed research.
Carnivora and Dr. C. Joe Schneller
One YouTube video about Carnivora features Dr. C. Joe Schneller who said he is doing a study of how 3 capsules a day of Carnivora “wakes up the immune system and makes it dominant.”
The video was uploaded on June 16, 2011, but it appears to not yet be completed or published, as it is not listed on the Carnivora website or listed in the National Library of Medicine. Likewise, when I did a Google search for:
“Dr. Schneller Carnivora study,”
No study was revealed. I will update this review with his study and its results if it gets published.
Let's next look at some of the major reasons people might be interested in Carnivora and attempt to find clinical studies for those uses. That way, those interested in specific issues can get an idea of whether Carnivora might be right for them.
Carnivora and The Immune System
Carnivora is primarily marketed as something that can improve/modulate the immune system. Ironically, when I searched the National Library of Medicine for “Carnivora” no relevant studies showed up. So, I searched the National Library of Medicine for these specific words to see if there were any research:
- Venus flytrap immune
- Venus flytrap immunity
- Venus flytrap immune system
- Venus flytrap phagocytosis (refers to how some immune cells work)
- Venus flytrap antibody
- Venus flytrap B cell (B cells are a type of immune cell)
- Venus flytrap T cell (T cells are a type of immune cell)
- Dionaea Muscipula immune
- Dionaea Muscipula immune system
- Dionaea Muscipula immunity
- Dionaea Muscipula phagocytosis
- Dionaea Muscipula antibody
- Dionaea Muscipula B cell
- Dionaea Muscipula T cell
No studies showed up for any of these search terms.
This may mean Venus flytrap/ Dionaea Muscipula might not have been specifically studied for its effects on how it improves the immune system.
So why is it being marketed to boost immunity?
One of the compounds in the Venus flytrap is called Plumbagin. Some websites even claim that Plumbagin is the active ingredient in Carnivora.
Plumbagin does have some research. For example, Plumbagin has been studied for its possible anti-cancer effects. When I searched the National Library of Medicine for:
“Plumbagin immune” (click the link to see the studies) I saw a lot of studies, but most of them were conducted in test tubes or used lab mice.
What I didn't see was a study showing that Plumbagin (oral or injected) prevented the flu or improved arthritis symptoms ―or improved any other immune system-related condition ―in humans.
Carnivora and AIDS
Since Carnivora is touted to improve the immune system, a logical question would be Does it help HIV/AIDS? On one website that discusses this topic, a 1994 magazine article titled, The Carnivora Cure for Cancer, AIDS and Other Pathologies” published in Immune Perspectives, is mentioned. In this article, it's said that Carnivora caused the ” total elimination of the HIV virus.”
I tried to locate this article but I could not find it.
Additionally, I was not able to find a peer-reviewed journal called “Immune Perspectives” either. In fact, I could not find ANY magazine called “Immune Perspectives.”
The author of this article was Dr. Morton Walker, whose website is DrMortonWalker.com. I believe this is the doctor associated with the Immune Perspectives article. However, when I searched his site for the article it does not appear there either.
I then searched the National Library of Medicine for these words:
- Venus flytrap AIDS
- Venus flytrap HIV
- Dionaea Muscipula AIDS
- Dionaea Muscipula HIV
This search revealed no studies either.
I did locate a 2002 study titled Inhibitory effects of quinones on RNase H activity associated with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase that noted that Plumbagin (one of the compounds in Venus flytrap, as well as other plants) inhibited an enzyme that is needed for HIV to replicate. While this is interesting, the study was over a decade ago and was basically just a test-tube study.
Because of the lack of published research on this topic, I am unfortunately forced to conclude for the moment that there is no good proof that Carnivora or Venus flytrap extracts improve immune function in those with HIV/AIDS.
Some say black seeds can cure HIV. Here is a video I created about that research
Carnivora and Cancer
Can this supplement help people with cancer? I searched the National Library of Medicine for “Carnivora Cancer” but didn’t see any studies that specifically investigated Carnivora―itself― for how it might help cancer.
This is ironic because many websites relate the story of how former President Ronald Reagan used Carnivora to prevent cancer. Mr. Reagan still had part of his colon removed because of colon cancer. So, if he did use Carnivora, how significant of an effect did it have on his cancer?
Regardless, some of the compounds (such as Plumbagin) in Venus flytrap have been studied for how they might affect cell growth. But, in these studies, Plumbagin is used as an isolated compound (which is different than Carnivora which contains a variety of compounds). Also, most research on Plumbagin appears to be in the form of test-tube/Petri dish studies or lab animal studies.
I'm not aware of any studies in humans showing that Plumbagin cures cancer or slows cancer growth.
Also, how much Plumbagin is in Carnivora? I don’t know, but either way, it's irrelevant at this point because of the lack of published studies on humans.
For a more in-depth discussion, see this 2013 review titled Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula Solander ex Ellis) Contains Powerful Compounds that Prevent and Cure Cancer. When I read this study, I noticed that it never mentions the name Carnivora or the name of Dr. Helmut Keller, the creator of Carnivora.
Carnivora and Arthritis
I did a Google search for “Carnivora and arthritis” and noticed that some websites mention that Carnivora has been used in Germany as a treatment for arthritis. But, when I looked at the various websites that discuss this issue, none that I saw included any studies to substantiate that Carnivora helps arthritis. They show no proof.
Likewise, I could not find any evidence when I searched the National Library of Medicine either. Maybe it helps or maybe it doesn’t but until studies are published, I believe the idea of Carnivora helping arthritis is open to speculation.
What About GI Issues?
Proof that the supplement improves digestion or helps people with intestinal problems could not be located.
Carnivora and Lupus
I searched the National Library of Medicine for these words:
- Carnivora lupus
- Dionaea Muscipula lupus
- Venus flytrap lupus
- Plumbagin lupus
No studies showed up. Unfortunately, it appears that there is no good proof, as yet, to determine if Carnivora helps lupus.
Carnivora and Fibromyalgia
Some websites discuss Carnivora as a possible treatment for fibromyalgia pain, but those sites provide no good proof of this. Likewise, when clinical databases were searched, no proof could be located.
Carnivora and Lyme Disease
Various websites discuss that the supplement might help Lyme disease but when proof of this cant' be located. Until that research is conducted, it's impossible to say if it helps or doesn’t.
Carnivora and Alzheimer's
Is there any proof this supplement helps dementia? Evidence cannot be located. I can't find any good proof that the Carnivora improves memory or helps people with dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
Carnivora and Cats
Some clinical evidence suggests Carnivora can help cats with Feline Herpes Virus 1 (FHV-1), a viral infection that can cause respiratory problems in cats. Researchers in 2016 published titled Effects of Administration of Carnivora on Clinical Signs in Cats After Repeat Challenge with Feline Herpesvirus 1 (click to read pdf).
This investigation appeared to show cats treated with Carnivora had fewer upper respiratory symptoms than cats treated with a placebo. Here is a summary of the study and the results:
Study Summary
- The study involved 16 young adult cats (2 years of age).
- All the cats had FHV-1 for one year before the study.
- The cats were randomly split into a group that took Carnivora for or a placebo for 56 days.
- After treatment, all cats were exposed to the FHV-1 virus.
Study Results
- Cats treated with Carnivora were observed to have fewer upper respiratory tract symptoms than the cats that received the placebo.
Interestingly, the researchers also noted that “no clinically significant differences when comparing serum biochemical values from the Carnivora treated cats before and after treatment.” If I understand this correctly, it seems even though Carnivora appeared to reduce FHV-1 symptoms, it did not kill the virus.
The study does not specifically mention any effect on the immune system cells. That is unfortunate, given the immune-modulating reputation of Carnivora.
The authors state the study was supported by the makers of Carnivora, but that the company did not take any part in the study. That is good. I'm glad they are sponsoring research.
Does It Detox Your Body?
Some websites advocate Carnivora as part of a detox or “cleanse” to rid the body of harmful parasites and waste. These websites, however, give no good proof the supplement does this.
If Carnivora did boost the immune system, then I could understand how an enhanced immune system might be better at killing off bacteria/viruses. But, we will need clinical studies on this topic to know for sure.
Carnivora Side Effects
In healthy people, I believe Carnivora is safe. The Carnivora.com website states “There are no known contraindications using Carnivora with any prescription drugs (or other dietary supplements).” This doesn't mean there aren't any side effects. It just means the company isn't aware of any.
While it probably is safe, here is a list of things to consider when taking this supplement. This list is not complete.
- Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The company also mentions this and specifically says the supplement “is contraindicated for mid to late-term pregnancy.”
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery. This is sage advice for all supplements too.
- Start with less than recommended for the first week to see how you respond.
- If you take blood thinner drugs, speak to your doctor/pharmacist. The product website also mentions this although they seem to not like blood thinners at all, calling them “toxic.” I'm not sure I'd go that far. The website also states blood may become too thin if taking combining blood thinner meds with high doses (20+ per administration) of Pure Extract drops.
Doctors in 2014, reported the case of a 30-year-old man with Hodgkin’s lymphoma (a type of cancer) who developed kidney failure after using the supplement for about a year. This seems to be the first case of this ever reported.
The supplement website used to discuss the possibility of a Herxheimer reaction occurring if people use too much too soon. The herxheimer reaction refers to a temporary increase in adverse symptoms. This is said to be the result of the Venus flytrap extract killing the infection. The condition was originally attributed to the treatment of syphilis with antibiotics, but it might occur with other conditions as well.
Amazon Reviews
Looking at Amazon reviews, the supplement had a rating of 4.3 out of 5-star rating with over 1500 ratings. Over 60% gave it a 5-star rating and 14% gave the
supplement a 4 star rating. Most reviews are those who made verified purchases.
How Much Extract Per Capsule?
Each bottle contains 100 capsules. Each capsule has 125 mcg of carnivore extract. The website for the supplement lists 125 mcg, taken three times per day, as the optimal intake for preventive uses.
How Much Does Carnivora Cost?
When I checked the product's website, each bottle, which contained 100 capsules, was $39.95 + shipping. The shipping options are:
- Priority Mail: $8.09
- FexEx 2Day: $28.64
- FedEx Standard Overnight $37.55
This would be in addition to the cost. Here are the available price options:
- 2 bottles: $79.90
- 3 bottles: $107.85
- 4 bottles: 143.80
- 5 bottles: 179.75
- 6 bottles: $215.70
- 7 bottles: $251.65
- 8 bottles: 287.60
- 9 bottles: $323.55
- 10 bottles $359.50
Purchasing 3 or more bottles entitles ou to a $4 discount per bottle. A free bottle is included as a bonus for those who purchase 5 or more bottles.
Each bottle of liquid Carnivora extact is $44.95. Each bottle contains 1 oz (30 ml).
Where To Buy Carnivora
The official company name is Carnivora Research International, and the website is Carnivora.com. It can be purchased directly from the company.
This supplement is not sold in stores like Walmart, CVS, Walmart, Costco, Walgreen's, or CVS. It is sold on Amazon.
Carnivora vs. The Competition
It should come as no surprise that when something gets popular, others will pop up with their own Venus flytrap supplements. There are others out there. However, there is no research comparing the benefits of Carnivora to other Venus flytrap supplements.
To the company's credit, they have sponsored some research on their supplement. That gives them an advantage over other similar venus fly trap supplements.
It's unknown how the supplement compares to other immune boosters such as Dr. Zelenko's Z-Stack vitamin formula or the ever-popular elderberry.
Carnivora Pro & Con
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Very good better business bureau rating | Limited clinical research |
| BBB accredited business | Lots of internet hype |
| company CEO engages with customers |
Research I'd Like To See
1. Randomly give the supplement -or placebo – to 10 people before and after measuring concentrations of various white blood cells. Let's see if anything changes.
2. Give the supplement or a placebo to 10 people with fibromyalgia and measure their pain levels before and after treatment.
3. Randomly give the supplement or placebo to 10 people with arthritis and measure their pain levels before and after treatment.
Each of these questions could be answered in a few months. It wouldn't cost much to do either. Hopefully, I just gave graduate students an idea for a dissertation topic (hint, hint).
Does Carnivora Work?
I don't know if Carnivora works or not because I don’t see human research either way. The research I found supporting one of its main ingredients (plumbagin) appears to be limited to lab animals or test-tube studies. While I remain skeptical, it's probably safe for most people, and I'm intrigued enough to hope future studies are conducted to understand this supplement better.
Hi Joe,
As always, you make some excellent points in your analysis and you put them into plain English for your readers to easily “digest” them (yes, pun intended). I think what’s quite concerning with this particular company is the sheer lack of independent evidence and the heavy use of testimonials as “support” that the product “works.”
The fact that you had to go through the whole rigamarole of using an overseas email address just to get the “studies” seemed a bit dodgy to me. I also note that they do not cite any experts with qualifications in nutrition or nutritional biochemistry.
Citing chiropractors and doctors of podiatry medicine is not unlike quoting your local massage therapist for an opinion on what’s wrong with your car when it breaks down. I think the company that makes Carnivora has a lot to answer for in the evidence department (or lack thereof in this case).
Having said all that, the fact that there is no legitimate scientific evidence for the efficacy of Carnivora should prompt the company to create collaborations with independent research teams at universities to run double blind randomized placebo controlled trials and publish their findings in major journals. I would also like to see the biochemical/physiological mechanisms which might explain any changes that do occur in the body.
In the meantime, it appears to me that this is yet another overhyped, over promising supplement being promoted with insufficient evidence and clever marketing. Keep up the good work for the public good, Joe!
Hi Joe,
Thanks for getting back to us.
Please forward that email as per our discussion.
We will be glad to oblige.
MaryAnn Kiss
Information Specialist / Social Media Marketing
Carnivora Research International
MaryAnn, thanks Im emailing you now…
Joe,
My wife has arthritis and thyroid problems and is taking a slew of pharmaceutical drugs to combat the symptoms. She is 32. I heard the advertisement on the radio for carnivora and have been looking for “proof” when I stumbled on your review.
I am interested in knowing what you have determined from the information you have received from MaryAnn.
I would appreciate your feedback as I am almost ready to purchase Carnivora.
Sincerely,
Jared
Jared, sorry to hear about your wife and what you both are going through. I just received the information from MaryAnn the other night. I still have to look at them. I will be updating my review with that information hopefully by next week after I look over what she sent me.
Joe,
Thanks for your response. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
Thanks again,
Jared
MaryAnn, as it happens I do have an outside of the US (not Canadian) email address. If I email you privately can you provide the European studies on Carnivora?
Hello Joe,
As stated in the previous blog post…”not a single claim regarding matters of disease is allowed to be discussed”…
If you have a non-US based email address (excluding Canada) the information will be forwarded to you at that email address.
MaryAnn Kiss
Carnivora Research International
MaryAnn, You dont have to be making a claim to list a peer reviewed study. Many supplement companies do this on a regular basis. Look at my review on Juice Plus. Lots of studies. Look at Protandim. The people who sell protandim even encourage people to “go to pubmed” to see the proof for themselves
Preventing people – like yourself – from even mentioning studies pertaining to a supplement is counter to the freedom of speech we have in the US.
Can you show me a US gov document that specifically forbid supplement companies (or people) from listing peer reviewed research on supplements?
Hello Joe,
This is MaryAnn Kiss, an Information Specialist / Social Media Marketing Expert at Carnivora Research International.
We’ve been reading your blog lately. We want to let you and your readers know that several clinical studies were performed on Carnivora in Europe over 25 years ago which are prohibited in the United States. U.S. based clinical studies will be completed in approximately one year at which time you’ll learn quite a bit more.
Keith is correct. Not a single claim regarding matters of disease is “allowed” to be discussed or that company will pay (literally and figuratively) — the way it is in the United “drugged” States.
If you have any further questions, we will be happy to answer anything we are not prohibited from answering.
MaryAnn Kiss
Information Specialist / Social Media Marketing
Carnivora Research International
Hi MaryAnn, thanks for writing and sharing. Why are the European studies prohibited in the US? Can you elaborate on this? Medline lists millions of studies from all over the world and I’m not aware of any blocking of European research. Those studies should be listed there, yes? If not can you tell me why?
Hi MaryAnn,
The real issue here is that you appear to have taken a product to market without any current evidence that your product “works.” You’ve provided what appears to be internal documents and testimonial-laden newsletters from alternative health publications.
Whilst this is amusing and suggestive, it should prompt your company to partner with reputable research teams at accredited universities to conduct randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trials and then publish the findings in peer-reviewed journals. I would suggest you read my article which addresses research evidence for nutrition products:
http://www.drbillofhealth.com/nutrition/you-are-what-you-eat-but-careful-who-says-so/
Whilst it may seem counter intuitive to you, Joe is actually doing a service to both your company and the general public. He is raising the bar for acceptable evidence which is what the public should be demanding and what the Carnivora company should be trying to meet.
I am hopeful you take his review on board and strive to improve the evidence base for your product. Otherwise, you are nothing more than yet another wishy washy supplement company making claims with overblown marketing hype.
Hi Joe,
I was told about Carnivora by a dear friend who informed me that it CURED his friends throat cancer… That friend HIGHLY recommended it to him and he mentioned it to me.
In doing my own research on it BEFORE purchasing, I came across your blog… I understand that there may NOT be many specific claims they make, but I must say that the FDA is NOT FOND of companies that DON’T operate within their confines… As a result I might suggest that it’s LIKELY that the REASON such information may be LACKING has NOTHING to do with the fact that there’s NOT RESEARCH… Rather, they may be COMPLETELY CAUTIOUS about making any CLAIM… if they DO the FDA can go after them… It’s just the way it IS in this country (unfortunately).
With that said, I called the company tonight BEFORE placing my first order… It was after 9pm, but I figured I’d give it a shot…. I had a few questions before ordering and wanted to get a better idea before placing my order. Guess who ANSWERED the PHONE?? Richard Ostrow…. He’s the OWNER of Carnivora! Hahaha!! I’m not kidding! I really enjoyed talking to him.
So… I got to talk to the man himself… From what he told me his mother was dying of cancer after years of smoking (and NOT listening to him caution her) and so he went to Sweden looking for a cure… That’s where he met Dr. Helmut Keller, who was doing the research over there at the time (at least that’s my understanding)… The US government (FDA??) wouldn’t allow him to bring what he found back… His mother died and in his own words, it pissed him off big time…
So… He’s someone that has a great deal of experience with the product, but ALSO has a GREAT DEAL of EXPERIENCE with the powers that be… To NOT address “those people” (tptb) is to be completely naive (and I don’t think you’re naive, Joe)… Because of this (at least in my own estimation) I feel CERTAIN that he MUST be EXTREMELY CAREFUL about making ANY sort of claim, since I’m SURE he’s a threat to some people’s multi-billion dollar medical piggy banks…
I WILL say this…. NOBODY that I know who’s running a company that delivers products around the world is going to PICK UP THE PHONE AFTER 9PM unless they give a shit about what they’re doing… (I’ll ALSO add that he told me he could NOT TAKE MY ORDER over the phone… he was merely answering any questions I might have…. Delightful REAL guy!)
I’ll certainly keep you posted on any results I see… I’m actually healthy, but I’m looking to enhance my immune system. According to Richard there are often parasites that have been in our bodies for a LONG time, which a healthy immune system can kill… This may cause what’s known as “die off” and a person may actually feel WORSE in the beginning (due to the death of the parasites and the corresponding release of toxins and ammonia)… Thus it may be a good idea to FLUSH the LYMPH SYSTEM simultaneous to taking Carnivora.
Anyway, it’s nice to meet you Joe and I’ll let you know what happens with me and my friend.
Take Care,
Keith
Keith, thanks for writing. I also got the impression I called someones house when I called Carnivora also. I’m sure they all care about the product and helping people but it is not against the law to support an independent study on carnivora. If I was in college, I could this study myself. It would not be hard to do and it would not cost a lot either. Even though you are healthy, why dont you get a baseline blood test before you start taking it and then a month or so later to see if anything changes.
Either way, I do appreciate you sharing and hope Carnivora helps you. keep me posted too.
Joe, you seem to have lot’s of confidence in the FDA. Is this the result of ‘peer reviewed’ studies as to it’s efficacy? Sometimes I get the impression that the FDA (and other gov. agencies as well) are staffed by wind-driven idealogues. Hence, until I find evidence to the contrary, I don’t trust ’em. I suspect that the folks @ Carnivora share my sentiments. Which is PARTIALLY the reason for all the secrecy. But I won’t try to excuse ALL of the secrecy. I will limit my post here. People are more likely to read em’ if they’re SHORT.
Dan, Im one of the first to say that the FDA has issues. I just double checked my review and it turns out I did not even mention the FDA. Rather, I used peer reviewed studies – the same studies that are listed on the Carnivora website – as my main guide. So, where’s the conspiracy and secrecy about this?
Why doesn’t Carnivora just do the research themselves and publish it on their own website for the world to see? If the study is done well – randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled using a good number of people (at least 100 in my book) then nobody can say anything. I sure wouldn’t.
Joe,
You seem bewildered that you couldn’t find out where the product was made or stored in the US. Are you aware of the dozens of doctors and health practitioners who have had jack booted machine gun loaded Nazi style FDA officials raid their offices confiscating computer files and thousands of dollars of supplements without any notice? Often it takes the owner thousands of dollars in legal fees and delays and then maybe getting their supplies back years later when the charges have been found unwarranted.
I agree with you that studies are necessary but I think the background of how all this is done is tainted by the overwhelming influence of the drug industry which loses money when cheap efficient cures are found.
Steve, thanks for writing. if I understand what you are saying, you feel that my inability to find out where Carnivora is made is because the makers dont want the FDA to know out of fear the FDA will shut them down? I’m sure the FDA could find out where Carnivora is made if they wanted. For me, where Carnivora is made or stored prior to shipping is less of an issue than the lack of carnivora-specific research. When I wrote my review, not even the Carnivora website listed any human studies of Carnivora itself. Why?
Joe, Thank you for all the info. Just purchased Carnivora for some kind of Urethritis. Symptoms: Burning with urination, inflammation in urethra. Was given many Antibiotics by doctors that now don’t cure this unknown infection. In fact symptoms have progressed now feeling: dizzy, chest pain, fast heart rate flank pain. Doctors are not sure what it is.
Called the supplement company and offered the Carnivora for high immune challenge and claimed that will respond to ANY abnormal cell in the body with out harming a normal one.
Any thoughts on this or help would be greatly appreciated. Andy
Omar, Id suggest you get a second opinion about what is causing the urethritis. I hope the Carnivora helps you but Id still get a second opinion from another doctor.
Joe,
I’m sorry for not editing one of my early blogs sent early January. I would like to explain here what I meant when I said,
Even so, there are literary hundreds of testimonials available so even allowing for a small percent of genuine ones, there is a lot to be said for alternative treatments which have not changed to any degree since they started back in the fifties or earlier. Their success rate is around 3 %.
I was referring to the normal Chemo and Radiation treatment having a 3% cure rate, NOT alternatives and some books would say I am being generous at that percentage because of the way statistics are taken
I am still taking Protocel and B17, and am due for another Scope at the end of March, to see if any other tumors have started.
In my case, using Carnivora definitely cured my skin cancers, and my dermatologist used it on his Father’s skin and now recommends it to his patients.
Brian
Brian, thanks for the clarification and I continue to pray for your recovery.
Brain, you were not taking a high enough dose of Carnivora. The dosage requires that you continue upping the doage weekly until you are taking at least 12 to 15 pills a day. 4 to 5 pills before each meal. Also they recommend to also take the extract drops and the dsmo with the pills for very advance cases. Please call the company and talk to them.
Blessings to you
Joe, you surely must know that only rich pharmaceutical companies do the kind of studying you are looking for. I guess you won’t be recommending much in the way of alternative med w your criteria.
Lisa, that’s not true. Colleges and universities do research also. Ive said many times here that I will 100% accept any human study that a company funds/supports on its own product if that study is done correctly. It doesn’t take a lot of money either. they could basically just give the product to a grad student and let that student – under the guidance of their professors -conduct the research. The student, professor – and college – would get the prestige of getting the study published and the company would also get the prestige of having a study published on their supplement. This has happened many times in the past as studies tell you who supported the investigation.
Unlike others, I like it when companies do research on their on products because it means they have faith in what they sell. Take Juice Plus for example. The company that makes it has supported research on their product for many years. Here is my review of Juice Plus for more information.
I did go for a second opinion Joe but when I refused to have more of the Radiation, Chemo and Surgery and I said I wanted to try to firstly get my Bladder repaired ( via hydrochloric oxygen tank ) and then go onto alternatives for my Cancer he said for me to go back to my original Dr. as he was not interested in helping me.
I went back, and the original Dr. gave me 40 treatments in the tank, and my Bladder looked much better but I still had 3 tumors.
He said ” Don’t worry about your Bladder getting better as you are still getting tumors, and will unless you have more treatments of Chemo or Bladder removed”
So, Joe I am now trying two different but not conflicting remedies. Prilosec and B17 so we shall see if they will work for Bladder Cancer.
If your interested in doing a report sometime later on same, I can keep you informed if they work for me or not
Brian
Brian, vitamin B17 Im guessing is laetrile. Actually there is no B17 vitamin but its called that online. While Im not an expert, the last I heard was that it didn’t help cancer. Do keep me posted on how you are doing and try to keep in good spirits also. Cancer – and treatments – can effect us emotionally as well.
Look into DMSO ,study what it can and can not do,it`s another natural liquid from a tree,check it out…
Karina, thanks I’ve heard of DMSO. I did a quick search and found this: http://www.ncahf.org/articles/c-d/dmso.html
To Brian, I’ve seen interesting things on YouTube describing cancer treatments using maple syrup and bicarbonate of soda (sounds funny but effective when you see the reasons), H202 (food-grade hydrogen peroxide), etc.
Just to pass along some avenues to try (with no side effects). I’ve been taking sulfur (“Sulfur Defense” by 7 Lights, organic crystals, avail. from their website or on Amazon) and have noticed definite improvements in my skin, tendon and muscle tissue tone after just a month.
A friend of mine cured his bad knee with MSM tables (sulfur). The customer feedback for the product is impressive. Also to build connective tissue is Knox Nutra-joint, cheap and easy food supplement. I imagine the sulfur + gelatin + other things could only help in re-building your bladder tissue. Those are the building blocks.
On the energy side, read The Emotion Code and see if you can get someone to help you release any stuck energy that might be ‘snagging’ that area. I’ve been working with a practitioner and clearing a lot of stuff this way. I have had issues that wouldn’t budge so I turned to energy medicine. I am sending a prayer for you right now, that your core issues might be healed. All the best to you. –Niko
Just my 2 cents but I cant believe maple syrup and baking soda cure cancer. Gelatin certainly wont hurt anybody (its Jello after all) but gelatin is an incomplete protein, so it is missing essential amino acids needed to make it “complete.” As such, gelatin is a poor source of building block material. It’s always best to eat complete proteins if getting the most nutrition bang is what people are looking to do (chicken, fish, turkey etc).
I can’t comment on the Amazon Link.” target=”_blank”>Emotion Code book since it sounds like it’s outside my area of knowledge but I can say that talking about problems can help – and there is a wide body of peer reviewed research showing that being happy can help make the immune system stronger. There is even a branch of science called psych-neuro-immunology that deals with this.
Joe,
That’s an interesting combination to say the least.
Another combination I tried was Flax Seed oil and Cottage cheese. While I was on that, I read about Protocel which has much more going for it than most other cures.
Protocel needs to be used on its own mostly, but B17 is compatible with it It occupies several chapters in a book called Outsmart your Cancer by Tanya Harter Pierce; a book I MUST recommend HIGHLY for anyone interested in Alternative Cancer cures. You will be astounded why so much misinformation is out there about cures and why the FDA opposes all of them.
Brian
Thanks Brian, Ive never heard of Protocel but I found its website. it looks like some type of antioxidant although I could not find out what was actually in the supplement. For what its worth here is the Amazon Link.” target=”_blank”>Outsmart your Cancer book on Amazon for those who are interested.
Joe ALL alternative products have to say they are for antioxidant etc as they are not allowed to say that the product cures cancer. If only one day you, yourself could read that book. Then you would be able to really comment on alternatives. Until then you are only playing around with misinformation.
Brian, they dont have to make specific comments about curing cancer. Just show me studies showing the product has an effect.
The mechanics of baking soda and molasses for cancer is very interesting. First off I am not an MD and nothing I type should be taken as medical advice. I have researched ways to beat cancer for many years. There is a controversial treatment called IPT and the basic theory is that you starve the body of glucose (sugar), then introduce glucose which is laced with the anti-cancer agent. The cancer cells have more glucose receptors than normal cells do.
The theory is the body feed them first and therefore the concept is you can get more of the anti-cancer agent to the cancer cells by using the glucose as a carrier. Now cross reference Dr. Simoncini’s work with sodium bicarb. He claims to have GREAT results from the SB treatments. The bicarb/molasses treatments on youtube seem to use the molasses as the carrier and the bicarb as the anti-cancer agent.
CW, I’ve heard about glucose and cancer before but admittedly dont know anything about the stuff you are referring to. I did find some stuff on this and Dr Simoncini at the American cancer society, which you have probably already seen…
http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternativemedicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/sodium-bicarbonate
CW, from what I have read is that baking soda works on what the cancer produces as it feeds off the body, so it may slow the spread of the cancer but not get rid of it. Cancer is more or less DNA based and the baking soda is only taking care of the the by-products the cancer is producing.
Now I am going to have to go back and see where I found this info. I hope we all find a natural cure for stuff because the pharma corporations are no help.
Scott, do you have any human cancer studies on baking soda and cancer?
Hi Joe!
Thanks for your great work.Quite informative and helpful.
Did you provide a copy of your review to Coast -To-Coast AM, George Noory, asking them if they required proof from the manufacturer of the Carnivora supplement to support or substantiate their claims? Or is this broadcaster-among others- simply interested in ad revenues coming in at the expense of potential public health risks? When one listens to George Noory’s stellar endorsement, it seems he is completely convinced the product actually works because he is a user, as he states, thus has first hand knowledge. The question is whether that is a truthful and accurate assessment or merely a carefully orchestrated ad’s pitch?
Carlos!
Carlos, thanks for your words. Much appreciated. I did not contact Coast To Coast AM or George Noory before I wrote my review and did not submit my review to George either after it was published. I wanted to base my review on the research I could locate via the Carnivora website and though my own searching of the national library of medicine. I’ll take George Noory at his word that he believes in the product. If he wishes to comment here on my findings, I’ll be happy to post his words also.
Joe,
You do realize that alternative Cancer cures are not to mention that their products cure cancer, as the FDA will and has closed down and even jailed people saying they have a cure for Cancer.
Drs. have been jailed and had their license suspended for treating patients for Cancer and not using the Chemo, Radiation and Surgery methods as ordained by the FDA.
It is very interesting reading to Google alternative Cancer cures and read some of the books on this same subject.
There, and in the books, you will find hundreds of testimonials of people who have been cured of different Cancers.
As all Cancers are different, some will cure some cancers but not all.
Hence the reason I must try a different one for my Bladder Cancer. I now have NO skin Cancers at all and before I have 9 operations on different parts of my skin with new ones coming on average every 5 months. All that stopped when I took 9 Carnivora a day for 14 months with the results I have already told you about.
I prefer testimonials from real people who have actually used the products, as all the products can only say that they are good for auto immune disorders.
That’s why they can’t give proof as they basically are designed to cure Cancer.
Immune disorders probably are improved by taking the product as in a lot of cases that can be part of the cure.
Books on the subject tell you SO MUCH MORE about alternative cures for Cancer as they can mention the different types of cures for different Cancers and who discovered them, What tests were done with each type of cure, what success rate on animals and people they had, and even why they now cannot mention about any type of Cancer cure.
Brian
Brian, yes Im aware that they cannot make specific claims that they treat or cure disease. Given that people often confuse what is said about supplements, I think its a good move overall. I understand liking to hear testimonials from people but do keep in mind that sometimes we can’t verify those testimonials, so do your homework. That said, I will say a prayer today that you find an answer -alternative or conventional – for your bladder cancer. Prayer is an alternative “treatment” that I do feel helps.
Thanks for your prayers, Joe.
Yes I am aware that testimonials are in the most part, put there by people with interest. The ones that I feel more confident about are the ones mentioned in books when telling about different cures.
The Authors have a cross to bare as they strive for accuracy. Some of them are Cancer survivors them selves, so they want to instill accuracy and confidence in their writings.
Even so, there are literary hundreds of testimonials available so even allowing for a small percent of genuine ones, there is a lot to be said for alternative treatments which have not changed to any degree since they started back in the fifties or earlier. Their success rate is around 3 %.
Of the 15 oncologist’s, when asked would they have Chemo and Radiation should they get Cancer, only 4 said yes, The others would try something else.
At this stage I am told I MUST have my Bladder removed because its just like parchment.
This was caused by the Radiation treatment that my Dr, said at the start that I needed. He is the same Dr. now saying I have to have it removed.
Brian
Oh Brian, I am so sorry. I think given what you have said, getting a second -or even a 3rd – opinion is not out of order. Maybe somebody else can help you in ways that dont require the removal of your bladder. I see TV commercials for Cancer Treatment Centers but I dont know much about them. I do hear they take a holistic approach to cancer.
Joe, I have just send a long reply to Google before I saw your Leave a reply here.
I mentioned in that report that I had been taking Carnivora for 14 months to help with my Bladder Cancer. To cut a long story ( previously mentioned article on Google ) short, It did not do anything for my bladder cancer BUT it cured, yes completely cured 3 VERY bad malignant skin cancers on my body.
That was almost 2 years ago and still no sign of the skin cancers returning.
Brian, so carnivora didn’t help your bladder cancer but did help your skin cancer. interesting. Did you do anything in addition to taking carnivora? I’m really glad your skin cancer is better and also help your bladder cancer is also.
Why is Lindsey Williams promoting this product?
David, I did some research on paster Lindsey Williams and carnivora. I honestly wasn’t aware of him or his promoting carnivora but since you mentioned it you are right. he appears at various places on the web talking about how it helped him. I dont know much about him.
You must of seen this article? What would you make of this?
emergingworlds.com/pro_article.cfm?link=POSTCarnivora_Pharmacology_and_Clinical_Efficacy.htm
Rod, yes I saw this website when I was writing my review. I was disappointed that they did not link to their research from within the article (as I do when I write my reviews). Many of the references listed at the end of the article do not appear to be published, peer reviewed studies but rather, references to books and symposiums. I’m not saying that there may be no value to the article but I wanted to approach my review primarily from the point of, “what is the human research on Carnovora”, instead of looking at clues of what it might do from cell studies, testimonials etc. I thought this might add useful information to what was already out there.
That figures there is no research to support all these claims. I have heard the commercials and they are compelling. I wanted to try some but after reading this review I am thinking otherwise. I don’t know how these companies get away with all this false information. Thanks for reviewing this. Looking forward to other reviews of yours.
Thanks Rob, Ive heard the commercials also and that’s what got me curious.
Rob I highly recommend this product. I have both used it and had amazing results. People can write about this and that all they want. But like I have said the proof is in the results. actually using the product. I think if you can afford it DO IT. You will really start feeling its affects during the second week if its anything like my experience. I recommend both the capsules and pure extract.All I can say is that it has changed my life so far,after just one month.
Dave, your review would be more helpful if you would be specific about the condition(s) you have and how the product has helped you.
The main problem here is the PRICE!!! The capsules are reasonable enough. But the “extract” ISN’T!!! The company suggests that a person take the capsules and the extract BOTH!!! Problem: The company says that you just about have to consume a whole DRINKING GLASS of the tincture on a daily basis in order to get the maximum effect!( some 10 sub-lingual drops under the tongue 8 times DAILY!!! ). I then learned that it would cost about ….. “$500.00 A MONTH” to maintain the recommended dosage!!!!!!!!
Not too many “working class people” are going to be able to afford that!!! In fact, that price puts Carnivora way way WAY out of the average person’s realm of financial possibilities!!! They can probably afford the capsules. Hopefully they’ll do the trick by themselves. …. $500.00 a MONTH!?!?!? I know ” I ” sure as —- can’t afford that.
i am currently taking Carnivora, thank you for your research. I started a few weeks ago. I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease call CVID. The option for cure was to have antibody infusions which coast $10,000.00 an infusion. Finding out that most insurances do not cover this, I am giving this a try while I am weaning myself off of prednisone that I have been on for three years. Which I have been trying to do without flareups due to my Churg Straus Syndrome. If I can get prednisone free without flare ups.. I will surely contribute that to this supplement.. Until then, I figure it is $40 per bottle, and what do I have to lose..
Connie, thanks for writing. I sincerely hope Carnavora helps you and I do hope you will keep me posted on if it helps you and your auto immune disorder.
As always, thanks for all your hard work. It’s a shame the FDA doesn’t work nearly as hard as you do to get it right.
Thanks Hal!
Agreed Hal Poerter! Looks like a very thorough report Joe. Thanks.
Doug, you are welcome 🙂
A family member of mine has been unfortunate to get Lyme Disease twice. The second time this person bought and had taken Carnivora as directed for a set amount of time. The results were, it worked. With no noticeable side affects. Makes me a believer.
Scott, that’s interesting. I’m curious, did your friend also take any medications for Lyme disease or did he/she only use Carnivora?
This is the second article on Carnivore that I have read by someone who seems to have not even tried the product. I think if you would have at least used Carnivora it would have improved on a already good read.
I have just finished my first month of Carnivora with amazing results. I have bad psoriasis all over my body,it has already fading fast. I also have had gout for 30 years.My joints were absolutely suffering and stiff now they have already came back to normal. I am 49 years old but feel like I am 30 again. My mind has also made substantial gains that I can only describe as almost unbelievable. I take both the capsules and pure extract.
Regardless of some of the facts about the company or what ever,the proof is in the results and those results up to this date are amazing.
Dave, I appreciate your feedback. The basis of my site is research and rational thought. I usually do not try supplements because if I said something worked or didn’t work, it would really be just another testimonial. I like to take myself out of most products by just showing the facts so people can make a more informed decision free of the testimonials of unknown people. I’m really happy that you say Carnivora has helped your gout. I would like to keep an open mind. I just need published human research. I wish somebody else would publish a human study on this supplement.
Thanks Joe for your reply.Your a wonderful writer and great person. But I think you should give Carnivora a try. I understand why you don’t do supplements. But I tell you everything I have ever tried has had minimal results. I highly recommend Carnivora highly to everyone and especially those I really care about. I can’t be one of those people that are one in a million success stories.
I have tried way to many different supplements and some gimmicks. You don’t even need to have anything wrong to take a Carnivora regiment. One month in I just can’t convey to anyone how much it has done for me,both mentally and physically .Carnivora is the real deal. But anyways very happy to meet you Joe look forward to more of your interesting posts and thanks for what you do.
Dave, thanks for your kind words. I actually do take some supplements myself so even though my words are sometimes taken as critical, its not from an “anti-supplement” stance on my part. I’m really happy that Carnivora has helped you because that’s whats most important.
Sounds like a potential lawsuit for unresearched claims on their products.How can they get away with these claims without the research? Loopholes Im sure. The Plumbagin was the main active ingredient in the product, which was found in the studies on rodents to be harmful to the females giving birth among other issues mentioned. But no known studies on humans wonder why!
When I was in medical school I was told that there are two conditions for which people will try anything and pay anything to cure—pain and cancer. Take that along with the placebo effect–and another snake oil has been invented.