fermented wheat germ extract

Fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) is a nutritional supplement, most notably marketed under the brand name Avemar. It is produced through a patented process involving the fermentation of wheat germ with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast). [1, 10, 17] The resulting product is a complex mixture containing bioactive compounds, including methoxy-substituted benzoquinones. [10, 19] FWGE is primarily studied as an adjunct therapy for cancer patients undergoing conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. [2, 4] It is suggested to possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. Proposed mechanisms of action include the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, inhibition of enzymes involved in glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and modulation of the immune system. [3, 11, 21] Specifically, it has been shown to downregulate MHC class I proteins on tumor cells, potentially increasing their susceptibility to natural killer (NK) cells, and to enhance the secretion of TNF-alpha. [3, 21] Clinical trials and preclinical studies have investigated its effects on various cancers, including colorectal cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, as well as its potential to improve quality of life and reduce cancer-related fatigue. [2, 5, 6]

Brand names

AvemarAvéAwgeAvemar PulvisOncoMAR

Other names

fermented wheat germ powder