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.
Considering that a large number of ads on TV are for FDA approved drugs and another large number are from attorneys with class actions against the same FDA drugs. Given that there is a new focus on immune system therapy in cancer (Stanford is one) it isn’t incredible that a botanical (or other dietary supplement) may be effective.
It’s refreshing to see your research on the subject : very well mined information and explored — don’t see that much. Overall it’s very objective without a predominate POV to prove or disprove. I think you’ve done a wonderful job on this.
Hey Chris, thanks for the compliment!
What is your gut feeling for a person who has CLL taking carnivora? What kind of of white cells do you think it boosts?
Hi Fred, I honestly could not give an answer to your question. I just don’t know unfortunately.
A balanced diet composed of foods full of nutrients provide the immune system with all it needs to fulfill its function. Attempting to jack it up with untested, unproven foreign compounds is bound to have unanticipated and unintended consequences – benign ones if you’re lucky. This is not rocket science – just pure old common horse sense.
Thank you, Joe Cannon, for all your work in this research.
Richard, your welcome and thank’s for sharing.
We are 85 Rex& Esther we have been on carvivora. 3ady 4 a day six a day up to 12 a day a week in between each. I have all of herx reactions we both feel lazy but keep on going (on the farm) but soo Esther better than me. if I take just one pill I can hardly move besides the unsteadiness in my (machine shop). owner minds compel us to work.
My question after 4 mos. of feeling the herx reaction when will we feel better ? The reason I started Carnivora was prolonged colds, lung infections, bladder infections. What next? Thank you. Rex
Hi Rex, honestly I am not sure. I did a quick online search and I saw people saying a herxheimer reaction could last from a few days to a few weeks, although I’m not sure if any of those people are correct. 4 months is a long time so let me ask you have you been to your doctor recently and gotten a check up? One thing that can make people tired as we get older is lack of vitamin B12. Not to say that is what is causing you and your wife’s symptoms but I point it out as a reminder that there is sometimes no substitute for getting a blood test periodically.
By unsteadiness, I take it to mean your balance is not what it used to be. Balance can be improved. Depending on your insurance you might be able to get physical therapy to help improve your balance. Again, just a thought.
Hello Joe, do you know of or have done any research on peripheral neuropathy? I am in the final stages of this disease in my life and it is quite painful. Any thoughts or news in your researching. Through tests two Neurologists have determined it must be hereditary. Cannabis does help with pain, but would love to reverse the dying of my nerves as that continues up my torso. Any thoughts on this disease? Thank you in advance. Paul D. Heine
Hi Paul, I know it can be related to diabetes? Is yours diabetes related? I did a quick search and found video on youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbmpnIE2Oc4
Hey Joe where you going with that gun in your hand.
Jared, Ha! 🙂
we have tried it its great essiac tea is better
Joe,
I was thinking of trying the product. But after reading your review I think I’ll pass on this. Thanks for your tireless efforts here.
I do know know that every time I hear the radio commercial , they really push the fact that Ronald Reagan used it religiously. As I remember Ronald Reagan died from Pneumonia after his mind sadly, wasted away. So… Does it actually work? Thanks again
Hi Bill, well who knows. I’m always open to clinical studies on the product. Yes, very sad about Regan.I remember his final letter well. He -and Nancy and their family – faced his dementia with such strength.
Okay here is a rant. In conspiracy theorists.
I was involved with the pharmaceutical company that had a cure 4 HIV NH lesions that popped up with the virus. Also proof that in small doses through a IV attacked dead tissue in the body. Basically the same way it helped topically with the dead tissue from the lesions it did the same internally. We got stonewalled by the FDA.
This product we had was in the 90.’ They told us that cancer was not ready to be cured. The mortality rate at that time was 68 to 70 years old. Which was higher than the previous decade. The reason not to cure cancer. Was the government could not handle people living to higher life expediencies. Because of the normal Medicare Social Security the normal old age entitlement. And as you can see that is coming true even today.
But like I said we were talking twenty years ago this could have happened. And that’s why I probably there hasn’t been any new studies because nobody wants to back up a product that is going to be either regulated Beyond profitability or just buried under red tape.
We don’t have any studies either except family and friends and our local community. Because we just promoting it as a hand cream.
it does work believe me it does
Tom… I will believe you only when you can provide documented scientific proof to support your claim. Until then what you share is an untested assumption and glib opinion. I’m glad whatever your ailment was has improved; remember, many, if not most, afflictions will heal themselves given enough care and time.
If Carnivora did what the makers claim, there would be proof in the scientific journals. There isn’t.
Hi Joe,
Have you come across any proven natural therapy to help Rheumatoid arthritis and if so would you let me know please.
Hi Ann, I have seen research on these supplements and RA:
Fish oil
Bosewella
Devils Claw
A few people have also told me that glucosamine sulfate – which is often used for osteoarthritis – helped them. I have seen 1 study on this also. Most of the studies though are on osteo-arthritis so I’d like to see a couple of other studies on this.
Overall there are not many studies on any of these supplements so I’m not sure how well they will work. If you take any medications (blood thinners etc,), do ask your pharmacist about supplements first.
One other thing that might help is eating a more vegetarian diet. There are studies on this. For example, In this case report, a woman’s RA symptoms got worse when she ate meat. when she switched to eating more veggies, the symptoms went away: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41405100_Meat-Induced_Joint_Attacks_or_Meat_Attacks_the_Joint_Rheumatism_Versus_Allergy
I hope some of this helps you.
I’m sorry to say that I was taken in by this marketing technique . I finally did some common sense research and came across your enlightening article ! thanks Joe .
Hi Scott, you are welcome and I’m sorry it didn’t help you.
I also appreciate your sharing of information. I have auto-immune diseases. One is Sarcoidosis and also Fibromyalgia. My concern is if I should “make dominant’ an immune system that is attacking me. I don’t plan on purchasing the carnivora after reading your research but I would be interested in any good solutions to help with the multiple conditions that arise from these diseases, particularly the Sarcoid Arthritis. Thank you again.
Rita
Hi Rita, I’m not aware of any supplement to treat sarcoidosis, since it is an anti-inflammtory condition, I would think that it might be helped some by eating a more things that tend to be anti inflammatory such as fruits and vegetables. Moderate amounts of exercise can also help reduce inflammation and also improve the immune system naturally. the same goes for fruits and vegetables too.
As for fibromyalgia, I know – as you probably do – that stretching can help the pain. Exercise as long as its not too much can also help overall. that includes both aerobic exercise (like walking) and resistance training (strength training). As I’m sure you know, with fibro, you will have good and bad days. dont push through the pain when you have bad days. If you dont know how to exercise for fibro, seek out a physical therapist. If you go to a gym to find a trainer, check back with me first and I can give you a set of questions to screen them and find one that might be right for you (I train trainers so I know what questions to ask).
As for supplements for fibromyalgia, I have been intrigued by the preliminary research I’ve seen on ribose. Its a type of sugar. You may have heard of it. If not here is a review I wrote of ribose and fibromyalgia http://supplementclarity.com/ribose-fibromyalgia-corvalen-review/
I hope some of this helps.
To be honest, the commercials alone are enough to make me think twice about the effectiveness of Carnivora. “Wakes up the immune system & makes it dominant?” Please, if the immune system was ‘asleep’, we would all be in big trouble. And “makes it dominant?” Dominant over what? Sounds like doublespeak to me. And then there is the lady that says she just wants to help people, so she isn’t getting paid for this? I’m sorry, but the entire thing sounds like bull to me. I wouldn’t spend a penny on the product.
I am very skeptical about this product. I take lots of vitamin mineral supplements and two capsules of turmeric every night. I have multiple myeloma cancer and blood tests have shown the last two times that it is either in remission or completely eliminated from my system.
Cliff, I am SO happy that your cancer is in remission!
Could you please share what brand of turmeric you are using? (Also, the other supplements.)
Please Cliff would you share what supplements that you take, my dad has been diagnosed with this cancer as well, very much appreciated
Hi Diane, I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. What kind of cancer does he have? For what its worth – and with respect to Cliff – Im not aware of any evidence vitamins or minerals cures cancer. The evidence for turmeric I believe is strongest for colon cancer and most of that is limited to test tube studies. While I do think vitamins and minerals and turmeric are healthy, use them in addition to any other therapies your dads cancer doctor recommends.
Also read the book “how Not To Die” its on Amazon. There is a cancer chapter in that book.
I know what you are going through. I’ve been there. I will say a prayer for your dad and your family tonight.
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review-I really appreciate your time and thoughtful process of investigation!
Thanks Merry Sea, you are most welcome.
Boy, that’s some in-depth research you did on this Carnivora stuff. What year(s) did you do this study re Carnivora? It certainly makes us reluctant to spend any money even trying this product. The makers & sellers need to be much more forthcoming with valid information, starting with exactly where their corporate office is, and where it is manufactured, at the very least. Thanks for all the time & effort you put into this.
Hi A.D. Myers, you are very welcome but let me be clear, I didn’t do any research on Carnivora. I just looked at the research that was out there. You may have read my comment above where I described what I might do if I was able. For what it’s worth, I truly hope the product does all its claimed to and will update this review as I become aware of new research.
Joe, how would you design a study?
Hi Dr Capocasale, probably similarly to how you would. One way would be randomly give it or a placebo to several people before they were exposed to a cold virus, measure WBC etc. pre/post and see who got sick.
Hello Joe, thank you for the hard work you did to write this review on Carnivora. I’ve been mulling it over for many years on whether to try it or not, until today. In doing my own search on the product to see if it were right for me, I came across your review. And I decided that with all my health issues (non of them cancer-related) that I had better not. If I had cancer, I would definitely consider it more strongly.
I am on so many meds now that I take either my own propagated herbs (like goldenseal that grows in my timber for antibiotics) or buttermilk and grated red onion mixed together for shingles just to cut back on expensive pharmaceutical use. In my younger years, I was on antibiotics at least four times or more a year for urinary infections and bronchitis. So about thirty years ago, I switched to the herbs that helped me most, which has cut way back on secondary infections from using certain meds.
I also appreciate the reply post from the Canadian hospital pharmacist about the young cancer patient having heart failure after using Carnivora. I do agree with everyone that personal testimonials are great, but more established data is needed on who can or cannot safely take this product.
Since my father died at the age of 34 of heart failure and I have the same heart disease, I am even more cautious of this product. Although I have way outlived my father, because I am blessed to live in an age where pharmaceuticals have at least enhanced my years and to have the doctors that I do. My father died right at the time doctors did a mechanical heart transplant on a man in 1969.
Thank you again, Joe. I will just keep on keeping on, and save my money for more important things.
Hi Cyndy, you are very welcome. So sorry to hear about your dad. Even though it was years ago, I know this is not something we really ever get over. Take a look at the book “How Not To Die.” Its one of the most interesting books Ive read in a long time.
http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fonc.2013.00202/full
was one of many articles that showed up in scholar.google.com with [plumbagin venus] as the search.
Hi Steve, thanks for the study. It looks like much of the research involves cell cultures as opposes to human trials. Nevertheless, I am happy to see this review article. It definitely adds to our understanding.
My mother and I have been using this product for nearly two and one-half years. We use it six days per week, three times per day, without any problems. Colds are of a shorter duration and neither of us have required an antibiotic during the entire time that we have been using Carnivora. I suggest you listen to the testimonials.
As a researcher, I have to say, I have NOT taken this supplement and I don’t have long colds. I haven’t needed antibiotics in many, many years. I do nothing special. Your testimony makes you sound like a normal person who has a normal life, except you waste a lot of money on a supplement with no proven benefit.
I am in the habit of researching information, particularly when it involves my health. The “carnivora” pill was recommended to me; however, I decided to do a little search on line for myself.
I came across your site. Thank you for your information. I’m definitely not going to buy this pill now.
Here is an interesting article relating to Plumbagin
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2819586/
Hi John, thanks for that study. It does look like it involved isolated cells (rather than humans) which is similar to the other Plumbagin studies I saw. Still its interesting and I thank you for passing it along to me. Ive added it to my files.
I appreciate the long list of medical peer reviews of the components of Carnivora.
As stated in the peer reviews they do not use name brands in they’re studies to
avoid a conflict of interest. Some of the cautions mentioned in this article may give reason to investigate further but I did not see any cautions that would not also apply to almost all popular advertising today.
Some of the things Joe is concerned about are simple business decisions. Very rarely do consumers research medical peer reviews to decide whether of not they will take a medication of an alternative food or herbal supplement. It is like studying a foreign language while sick in bed. Most people review testimonials and skeptic reviews like this one.
It is much easier to get a copy write on a name brand than a patent on a natural product. PO boxes are also practical business decisions.
Personally I prefer an organic, whole food, human natural criteria for health choices
but my son did add Carnivora to his natural regiment for combating crohn’s disease with the complication of a bladder fistula. He successfully closed the fistula and healed the inflamed intestine avoiding imminent surgery.
I would try the product if I was seriously sick to make an attempt at avoiding surgery. I believe the fistula took over a year to close. Many sick people taking medications and supplements die but its pretty difficult the pin the death on the medicine or the supplement unless there is an observable pattern.
Hi David, I’m really glad your son is doing well.