
07/06/2025
HemoHIM, a herbal supplement developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), has shown potential in supporting cancer treatment and recovery. While it is not a standalone cancer therapy, research indicates that it may enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and mitigate associated side effects.
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI): Overview
KAERI is South Korea's premier nuclear research institution, established in 1959 under the Ministry of Science and ICT. Its mission encompasses nuclear energy research, radiation technology, and the development of bio-functional products. KAERI operates under the Korea Institute of Nuclear Nonproliferation and Control (KINAC) and is headquartered in Daejeon, South Korea.
Development of HemoHIM
HemoHIM is a herbal composition developed by KAERI's Radiation Biotechnology Research Team, led by Dr. Sung-Kee Jo. The development process involved several key steps:
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Identification of Target Functions: Recognizing the need for a product that could enhance immune function and protect against radiation-induced damage, especially for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Selection of Herbal Ingredients: The team selected three medicinal herbs known for their immunomodulatory and hematopoietic properties:
Angelica gigas Nakai (D**g Quai)
Cnidium officinale (Cnidium)
Paeonia japonica (Japanese Peony)
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Formulation and Extraction: Through extensive research, KAERI developed a specific extraction method to concentrate the active compounds from these herbs, ensuring maximum efficacy.
Preclinical and Clinical Testing: The efficacy and safety of HemoHIM were evaluated through various animal models and human clinical trials. Results demonstrated significant improvements in immune function and reductions in chemotherapy-induced side effects.
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Commercialization: In 2006, HemoHIM was approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) as a health functional food ingredient. It was later commercialized and is produced by Kolmar BNH Corp. and distributed by Atomy.
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Scientific Basis and Mechanism
HemoHIM's efficacy is attributed to its ability to:
Enhance Immune Function: Stimulates the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and increases the production of cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-╬│) and interleukin-12 (IL-12), which are crucial for immune responses.
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Protect Hematopoietic System: Improves blood cell formation and reduces the risk of anemia and leukopenia, common side effects of chemotherapy.
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Reduce Radiation-Induced Damage: Protects against radiation-induced intestinal injury by preserving the survival of jejunal crypt cells and reducing apoptosis in intestinal tissues.
HemoHIM, developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), is a herbal supplement designed to support cancer treatment. While not a standalone cancer therapy, it has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments and mitigate associated side effects.
ЁЯзм Scientific Basis for HemoHIM in Cancer Care
HemoHIM is formulated to address the challenges faced during cancer treatment, particularly the suppression of the immune system and damage to healthy tissues. Its development was aimed at creating a supplement that could:
Enhance Immune Function: Strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms against cancer cells.
Protect Healthy Cells: Reduce damage to normal tissues caused by chemotherapy and radiation.
Support Recovery: Aid in the recovery of bone marrow and immune cells post-treatment.
ЁЯФм Mechanism of Action in Cancer Treatment
HemoHIM's potential benefits in cancer care are attributed to its effects on various biological pathways:
Immune System Modulation: HemoHIM has been shown to enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells, which are crucial for targeting and destroying cancer cells. It also increases the production of cytokines such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-╬│), which play vital roles in activating immune responses.
Enhancement of Chemotherapy Efficacy: Studies have demonstrated that combining HemoHIM with chemotherapy agents like cisplatin can lead to:
Increased tumor cell death.
Reduced tumor size and weight.
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Enhanced immune responses, including increased NK and Tc cell activity.
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Protection Against Treatment-Induced Toxicity: Chemotherapy and radiation can cause damage to healthy tissues. HemoHIM has been shown to:
Reduce kidney and liver toxicity induced by chemotherapy agents like cisplatin.
Protect intestinal cells from radiation-induced injury.
Support for Bone Marrow Recovery: Cancer treatments can lead to leukopenia (low white blood cell count). HemoHIM has been found to accelerate recovery from leukopenia by increasing the number of leukocytes and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.
ЁЯзм How HemoHIM May Support Cancer Treatment
1. Enhancing Immune Function
Cancer treatments like chemotherapy can weaken the immune system. HemoHIM has been shown to:
Increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (Tc) cells.
Boost the production of immune-stimulating cytokines such as interferon-gamma (IFN-╬│) and interleukin-2 (IL-2).
Restore balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, favoring protective immunity.
These effects contribute to improved immune surveillance and enhanced antitumor activity.
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2. Supporting Chemotherapy
Studies have demonstrated that HemoHIM can:
Enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin.
Reduce chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) and hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Decrease the incidence of severe leucopenia (low white blood cell count), a common side effect of chemotherapy.
These benefits suggest that HemoHIM may improve the tolerability and effectiveness of chemotherapy.
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3. Protecting Against Radiation-Induced Damage
Originally developed to protect against radiation exposure, HemoHIM has been found to:
Reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by radiation.
Protect hematopoietic (blood-forming) and intestinal tissues from radiation-induced injuries.
These properties may be beneficial for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
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4. Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are associated with cancer progression. HemoHIM contains antioxidants that help:
Neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during chemotherapy.
Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines, creating a healthier immune environment.
These actions may protect healthy cells and tissues during cancer treatment.
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