Within 48 hours of Mark Zuckerberg announcing that Facebook would end most of its fact checking (just weeks before Trump takes office), my newsfeed was bombarded with dozens of friends sharing a post about Ivermectin.
The post is a list of facts about the drug mixed in with a generous heaping of half-truths and a few outright false statements. The best lies have grains of truth, and these grains of truth are plucked out of context and could get someone killed. I want to take a few minutes to go through each statement, tease out what is true, look at the studies, and also to call out what is false.
Here's where I should remind everyone that I am not a medical professional. In fact, my degree and graduate studies are in theological studies, which many would argue are quite antithetical to scientific study of any sort. While I do not have any letters indicating that I am a scientist of any sort, I have excelled in collegiate science courses... and as any shepherdess worth her salt block will tell you, I have made every effort to stay educated about all the realms of science that affect my flock. Since I use Ivermectin in my War on Parasites, I have tried to learn as much as I can about the drug.
Without further ado, let's get down to debunking! I'll set off the original post in a series of quotes, and then discuss the veracity of each statement below.
The Origins of Ivermectin
"REMEMBER WHEN the Media laughed and said ivermectin was ONLY for horses and cows? THEY KNEW it was made for people since 1987. Here’s what they didn’t tell you"
PARTLY TRUE
The intro starts out bit brash, which is not surprising to me given the discourse and division around this topic. Let's review a bit of the history of Ivermectin. Ivermectin was developed in 1975 to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis (mites). Ivermectin created by Irish-American microbiologist William C. Campbell of Merck and Japanese biochemist Satoshi Ōmura of Kitasato University.
Ivermectin's Beginnings in Bacteria
Ivermectin was derived from a fermented strain of bacteria called Streptomyces avermitilis, which was discovered by Ōmura in soil samples. Ōmura isolated the bacteria and sent it to Campbell, who demonstrated its ability to cure mice infected with roundworms. Campbell identified the active compounds, named "avermectins," derived from the bacterium's worm-clearing properties (from Latin a- meaning "without" and vermis meaning "worms").
Among these, "avermectin B1" was the most effective when taken orally. The team synthesized derivatives of avermectin B1 to improve its pharmaceutical properties, creating a mixture called "Ivermectin."
The discovery is described as a blend of "chance and choice," with Merck seeking a broad-spectrum anthelmintic. Not only did they find such a drug, but they also discovered its effectiveness against ectoparasitic insects and mites.
Merck begins marketing Ivermectin
Merck began marketing ivermectin as a veterinary anti-parasitic in 1981, and by 1986, it was registered in 46 countries and became the world's bestselling veterinary medicine by the late 1980s. Building on its success, Merck scientist Mohamed Aziz partnered with the World Health Organization to test ivermectin for human use against onchocerciasis (river blindness). Proven to be highly safe and effective, Merck registered it for human use as "Mectizan" in 1987. In 1988, Merck committed to donating all the ivermectin needed to eliminate river blindness, a pledge expanded in 1998 to include treatment for lymphatic filariasis.
Why is it worth our time to examine these claims?
I did not intend to devote so much time to examining the intro statement, but it is important to establish some groundwork for our discussion of Ivermectin. Ivermectin would be far from the first drug to be created for one purpose, to have its ability to treat other conditions discovered later.
Happy accidents can have happy endings!
One well-known example of this is Viagra (sildenafil citrate), which was originally developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by scientists at Pfizer as a treatment for angina pectoris, a type of chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart.
The drug was designed to relax blood vessels and improve circulation in the coronary arteries. Animal trials seemed to be successful so in the early 1990s, Pfizer started on human trials.
However, during these clinical trials, the nurses responsible for checking on the men found something peculiar: “They found a lot of the men were lying on their stomachs,” said John LaMattina, head of Research & Development at Pfizer during the trials. ”A very observant nurse reported this, saying the men were embarrassed [because] they were getting erections.”
The participants' blood vessels were dilating, which was what the drug was designed to do... just not the particular blood vessels the researchers were expecting to see impacted.
As any self-respecting pharmaceutical company would do, Pfizer followed the money from its lowly heart disease research to erectile dysfunction treatment, and Viagra was born. The "little blue pill is recognizable by its shape and color alone, and is often referred to as one of the most successful pharmaceutical products in history (with "success" of course being defined by the revenue it produced...)
So while Ivermectin was originally created to treat parasites, I very open to the idea that that it could, indeed, have other uses as well, and those may be worth exploring.
CLAIM # 1:
Ivermectin Prevents Damage From Drugs Created Using mRNA Technology
Ivermectin "prevents the damage caused by drugs created using mRNA technology, blocks the entry of Spike Protein into cells and, if the person was vaccinated, they can treat themselves for damage already done through Ivermectin."
UNSUBSTANTIATED
The viral post claims that Ivermectin has the ability to prevent or even reverse the damage caused by the COVID vaccine. This assertion is two-fold, first claiming that mRNA vaccines such as the COVID-19 vaccine cause damage to the human body, and second suggesting that Ivermectin can have prophylactic or antidotal effects in terms of this damage.
Do mRNA vaccines cause damage to the body?
In response to the first claim, there is not evidence that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (such as those developed by Pfizer and Moderna) cause damage to the human body. These mRNA vaccines are designed to work by teaching cells how to produce a harmless piece of the spike protein found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. This stimulates an immune response, equipping the body to recognize and fight the virus in the future.
The mRNA does not alter human DNA because it never enters the cell nucleus, where DNA is stored. It degrades naturally after its instructions are used. Clinical trials and large-scale studies have shown that mRNA vaccines are safe for the majority of people. Side effects, such as fatigue, fever, and injection site soreness, are typically mild and temporary.
It is true that the vaccines are not without risk. There have been isolated reports of a few folks experiencing Myocarditis/Pericarditis or other severe allergic reactions after receiving the vaccine, but it is generally accepted that the protection mRNA vaccines provide against severe COVID-19 illness and its complications (including long-term organ damage) significantly outweigh the small risks associated with vaccination.
If there is generally no damage caused by the COVID vaccine, is there really anything for Ivermectin to repair?
As of January 2025, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that ivermectin can cure or reverse any damage purportedly caused by mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.
I am aware that not every member of my audience is going to accept the claim that the COVID vaccine (or any vaccine, for that matter) is not dangerous. Although I believe there is strong scientific evidence to support the idea that the most common vaccines in the US are worth getting, I can sympathize with much of what "anti-vaxxers" observe in America that makes them so wary of vaccines and a government that mandates them.
During early COVID, many authorities spoke to the American people as if they has The Truth and All The Answers about COVID, not willing to acknowledge that what we "knew" was changing each week and month as more data was collected and analyzed. It is hard to trust authorities who offer up one set of facts as gospel one week and an entirely different set the next week.
Without going into my own politics, I am going to say that we as a country have had a rough decade in terms of feeling as though we can trust our elected officials. This lack of trust in government agencies (such as the CDC, WHO, or other health experts) and pharmaceutical companies who have committed countless atrocities against the American people, from marketing oxycodone as "non-addictive" to testing vaccines and treatments on non-consenting Americans (who were disproportionately poor or a part of a racial minority.
From the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment (1932–1972) which denied hundreds of Black men treatment for syphilis... to tests of the polio vaccine on non-consenting Black children in the 1940s and 1950s... to testing vaccines containing thimerosal on children in Black orphanages in the south... to tests of birth control and Depo-Provera on poor and minority women in the 1960s and 1970s who had not been informed nor given consent... to the Holmesburg Prison Experiment from the 1950s to 1970s where Pennsylvania prisoners (who were mostly Black and poor) were coerced into participation in vaccine and drug studies due to their incarceration status... to drug trials in the late 1990s and early 2000s for Gardasil that targeted Black and Hispanic communities but did not fully inform participants of the risks... our government, pharmaceutical companies, and even the adjacent scientific community have not set themselves up to be trusted by the American people.
This tragic history contributes to the fear that the vaccine could be dangerous or that there are ulterior motives, such as profit or control, behind its promotion. This distrust is amplified in politically polarized environments or in communities historically underserved or mistreated by healthcare systems.
The reason some Americans are suspicious is obvious. How could they not be?
Still, for the purposes of this article, I am going to side with the large body of research from scientists and health professionals from all backgrounds and from all over the world and accept the idea that the COVID-19 vaccine is not causing damage to us.
I hope that even if you disagree with this premise, you will continue reading about the rest of the claims the viral Ivermectin post makes, and look with me at what the science shows.
CLAIM # 2:
Ivermectin cures COVID without any negative effects.
Ivermectin "only has beneficial effects and no harmful effects in the treatment of the C virus. In fact, even before entering the cell, it has already destroyed the virus in the blood."
UNSUBSTANTIATED
The efficacy of ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 has been the subject of extensive research and debate over the past half decade. Let's back up a moment and discuss why anyone ever began to suggest Ivermectin as a treatment for COVID.
Early laboratory research and initial findings that showed the drug had antiviral properties in vitro (in test tubes or petri dishes). In 2020, an Australian study led by researchers at Monash University found that ivermectin was able to inhibit the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in cell cultures. This sparked interest and speculation that ivermectin might be an effective treatment for COVID-19.
A December 2020 study by a group of scientists in Dhaka, Bangladesh examined 72 people hospitalized with COVID also concluded that Ivermectin may be a promising treatment. Participants were divided into three groups:
I: administered oral ivermectin alone (12 mg once daily for 5 days)
II: administered ivermectin combined with doxycycline
III: administered a placebo
Patients were aged 18–65, with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 symptoms like fever and cough. Exclusions included allergies, drug interactions, chronic illnesses, and prior treatment with ivermectin or doxycycline.
The study measured virologic clearance time (negative rRT-PCR results), fever and cough remission, and secondary outcomes such as oxygen support needs, hospitalization duration, and mortality. No serious adverse events occurred. Viral clearance was significantly faster in the 5-day Ivermectin group (9.7 days) compared to placebo (12.7 days), with a significant difference between these two groups. The results were published in their article, A five-day course of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 may reduce the duration of illness
Unfortunately, the study was relatively small in its scope, and wasfunded by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited in Bangladesh. Can you guess what drug Beximco produces?
Beximco marketed their Ivermectin (sold under the brand name Ivera) as a potential treatment for COVID-19 globally.
The earlier American in vitro study also had its shortcomings: while scientists did indeed demonstrate that high concentrations of Ivermectin could stop the replication of the virus, these results were not easily replicable in real-world settings (i.e., in human trials). The concentrations of ivermectin required in the lab were much higher than the dosages that we can safely administer to humans.
Subsequent high-quality clinical trials and systematic reviews have failed to support ivermectin's efficacy against COVID-19, especially in preventing severe outcomes or hospitalization. As of this writing, leading health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. FDA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued recommendations advising against its use for COVID-19 treatment outside of clinical trials, noting insufficient evidence of benefit.
Despite this, several individuals and groups promoted ivermectin as a potential COVID-19 treatment, citing these initial laboratory findings. This led to the widespread circulation of the idea through media, social networks, and even some political figures (who may have been suffering from parasite infestations themselves).
The New England Journal of Medicine published Effect of Early Treatment with Ivermectin among Patients with Covid-19 in March of 2022. The study concluded that "treatment with Ivermectin did not result in a lower incidence of medical admission to a hospital due to progression of COVID-19." Ivermectin treatment also did not lower a patient's chances of a "prolonged emergency department observation among outpatients with an early diagnosis of COVID-19."
CLAIM # 3:
Ivermectin has anti-inflammatory & healing properties
Ivermectin "has a very powerful anti-inflammatory action against and has a powerful impact on traumatic and orthopedic injuries, it strengthens muscles and has no side effects like corticosteroids."
EXAGGERATED
The original post asserts that Ivermectin has anti-inflammatory and healing properties and can help heal injuries, much like steroids but without any of the negative side effects associated with steroids.
Ivermectin Does Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ivermectin has been shown to have some anti-inflammatory properties, but claims about it having powerful benefits for orthopedic injuries, muscle strengthening, or comparable effects to corticosteroids lack scientific validation. These effects have primarily been observed in preclinical settings or early-stage clinical trials, and the overall evidence is inconclusive and requires further investigation. Many of these conclusions regarding inflammation were products of Ivermectin studies seeking to research its effects on the COVID virus.
When the body detects a virus like SARS-CoV-2, immune cells use specific receptors to trigger an immune response. This leads to the production of proteins and other molecules that help fight the virus. However, sometimes this process can go too far and lead to dangerous inflammation (a "cytokine storm"). Numerous studies have noted that Ivermectin may help by blocking some of the immune signals that cause too much inflammation. It does this by reducing the activity of proteins that drive excessive inflammation.
The following studies and articles further explore this idea:
by X. Zhang, Y. Song, X. Ci, N. An, Y. Ju, H. Li, X. Wang, C. Han, J. Cui, X. Deng
Inflammation Research • November 13, 2008
2020: Ivermectin may be a clinically useful anti-inflammatory agent for late-stage COVID-19
by James J DiNicolantonio, Jorge Barroso-Arranda, Mark McCarty
Open Heart • BMJ Journals • September 5, 2020
by James J DiNicolantonio, Jorge Barroso-Aranda, Mark F McCarty
Open Heart • BMJ Journals • April 18, 2021
2023: Ivermectin as an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
by Mudasir Nabi Peerzada, Saurabh Verma
Chemistry and Biological Activities of Ivermectin • September 12, 2023
2023: Suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome by ivermectin ameliorates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis
by Mai A. Abd-Elmawla, Heba R. Ghaiad, Enas S. Gad, Kawkab A. Ahmed, Maha Abdelmonem
Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE B: Biomedicine and Biotechnology
by Wolfram G. Metzger, Antje Theurer, Anne Pfleiderer, Zsofia Molnar, Ditte Maihöfer-Braatting, Alfred L. Bissinger, Zita Sulyok, Carsten Köhler, Diane Egger-Adam, Albert Lalremruata, Meral Esen, Kim Lee Sim, Stephen Hoffman, Regina Rabinovich, Carlos Chaccour, Pedro Alonso, Benjamin G. Mordmüller, Peter G. Kremsner
Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology • January 15, 2024
As you can see, the scientific community has explored Ivermectin's anti-inflammatory properties for nearly two decades in a variety of contexts including the treatment of conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. However, ivermectin is generally not the first-line choice for treating inflammation. There are certainly more established and effective anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and biologics (medications that are made from living organisms or contain components of living organisms) for conditions involving inflammation. These treatments typically have well-defined indications, dosage forms, and safety profiles, whereas the anti-inflammatory use of Ivermectin is still more experimental and not as widely accepted for inflammation-specific therapies. That does not mean that the use or understanding of Ivermectin as an anti-inflammatory agent will not prove very useful as we work towards curing or treating other diseases in the future.
Ivermectin could potentially help manage COVID-19-induced inflammation by modulating immune signals, reducing harmful inflammation, and helping limit severe lung damage in some animal studies. However, these effects are still being studied, and further research is needed to confirm how effective it is in humans.
Early in the pandemic, some researchers hypothesized that ivermectin's anti-inflammatory properties might help manage the inflammatory response to COVID-19, especially in the cytokine storm observed in severe cases of the virus. However, more comprehensive studies and reviews have generally failed to confirm ivermectin's role in effectively treating COVID-19 or its inflammatory complications.
What About Wound Healing?
There is some preliminary evidence indicating that Ivermectin might help in wound healing.
Mechanisms of ivermectin-induced wound healing, published in October 2020 found that when ivermectin cream was applied to wounds, they healed faster. When a small amount of cream was used, the wound looked better by Day 9, whereas the control group took until Day 13 to achieve the same results. The cream helped reduce swelling, redness, and extra fluid in the wounds, which allowed the wounds to heal faster. The cream also helped the body produce important growth factors that help heal wounds. Low doses of Ivermectin can be effective in promoting healing with minimal scarring.
A 2018 study concluded that Ivermectin Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration during Wound Healing. The researchers found that ivermectin enhances the healing of peripheral nerves by promoting the growth and repair of nerve cells. This suggests that ivermectin could be beneficial in treating injuries where nerve damage occurs, potentially leading to better recovery outcomes.
Conclusion: More Research Is Needed
Ivermectin has indeed shown some anti-inflammatory and healing potential in preclinical research, there is insufficient evidence to support its routine use for these purposes in humans at present. Further controlled studies and clinical trials are necessary to assess the validity of these claims and determine its safety and efficacy for such applications.
CLAIM # 4:
Ivermectin treats autoimmune diseases.
Ivermectin "treats autoimmune ailments such as: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, allergic rhinitis."
UNPROVEN / EXAGGERATED
As we discussed, many studies have observed and examined Ivermectin's anti-inflammatory properties, and a number of the diseases listed in the post cause (or are caused by) inflammation, so it would stand to reason that ivermectin could decrease the severity of symptoms in some of these cases.
The potential use of ivermectin for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions has garnered some interest, but the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating these specific ailments—rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, or allergic rhinitis—remains limited and primarily experimental.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition driven by overactive immune pathways, particularly Th17 and cytokines like IL-17 and IL-23. While ivermectin may modulate inflammation, there is no direct evidence supporting its use in managing psoriasis beyond its role as an anti-parasitic treatment for related conditions (scabies or rosacea-associated inflammation). Crohn's Disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease involving complex immune dysregulation. Limited anecdotal reports or hypotheses exist regarding ivermectin's potential effect, but these remain speculative and unsupported by clinical data.
Again, while ivermectin's anti-inflammatory effects are documented in numerous preclinical studies, researching the potential therapeutic effects of Ivermectin on autoimmune diseases can be challenging because of safety concerns regarding the dosage necessary to achieve the desired results.
CLAIM # 5:
Ivermectin improves immunity.
Ivermectin "improves the immunity levels in cancer patients and treats Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster, plus reduces the frequency of sinusitis and diverticulitis."
UNPROVEN / EXAGGERATED
Ivermectin’s alleged benefits in boosting immunity, treating herpes, or supporting cancer treatment are not widely recognized in medical practice. Limited studies have explored potential anti-cancer properties in laboratory models, but clinical evidence is lacking.
Ivermectin & Immunity in Cancer Patients
Preliminary studies suggest that ivermectin may have anticancer properties. Research indicates that it can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in various cancer cell types. For instance, ivermectin has been shown to convert "cold" tumors (those with little immune cell infiltration) into "hot" tumors (with significant T-cell presence), potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies. Essentially, Ivermectin helps the body send more T-cells to the area around a tumor. This "warms up" the tumor by making it easier for the immune system to recognize and attack it.
A few studies have investigated this process:
by Dobrin Draganov, Zhen Han, Aamir Rana, Nitasha Bennett, Darrell J. Irvine & Peter P. Lee
NPJ Breast Cancer • 2021
This study demonstrated that ivermectin induces immunogenic cell death in breast cancer models, leading to increased T-cell infiltration into tumors. This conversion from cold to hot tumors enhanced the effectiveness of anti-PD1 antibodies, a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor.
by Kenan Aloss, Pedro Henrique Leroy Viana, Syeda Mahak Zahra Bokhari, Nino Giunashvili, Csaba András Schvarcz, Dániel Bócsi, Zoltán Koós, Zoltán Benyó, Péter Hamar
CS Pharmacology & Translational Science • July 17, 2024
This study showed for the first time that ivermectin can inhibit mEHT-induced HSPs, specifically preventing the phosphorylation of HSPB1. This inhibition makes tumor cells more susceptible to the damaging effects of mEHT, enhancing its efficacy.
The second study found that this combined approach worked at clinically relevant doses of ivermectin that are well-tolerated by patients. This is significant because it supports the idea that the combination could be feasible and safe for use in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients—a type of aggressive breast cancer lacking effective treatment options.
These studies suggest that ivermectin has the potential to modify the tumor microenvironment, making certain cancers more amenable to immunotherapeutic interventions!
Ivermectin in Treating Herpes Simplex & Herpes Zoster
Some in vitro studies have explored ivermectin's antiviral activity against DNA viruses, including herpes viruses. For example, ivermectin has been reported to inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus (HSV) in laboratory settings. Additionally, a patent suggests the topical application of ivermectin-containing compositions for treating herpes simplex virus infections.
Despite these findings, there is a lack of robust clinical evidence supporting the use of ivermectin as a treatment for herpes simplex or herpes zoster in humans. Current standard treatments for these infections remain antiviral medications specifically approved for such use.
Ivermectin and Frequency of Sinusitis
There is no substantial evidence to suggest that ivermectin has any effect on the prevention or treatment of sinusitis. Sinusitis is typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, and standard treatments include decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and antibiotics when appropriate.
Ivermectin and Frequency of Diverticulitis
Similarly, there is no evidence supporting the use of ivermectin in reducing the frequency of diverticulitis. Diverticulitis involves inflammation of diverticula in the colon, and management usually includes dietary modifications, antibiotics, and, in severe cases, surgery. Recent guidelines suggest a more conservative approach for uncomplicated cases, often without the routine use of antibiotics.
Conclusion: More Research Is DEFINITELY Needed!
While ivermectin shows potential in various therapeutic areas based on preliminary studies, there is currently insufficient clinical evidence to support its use in improving immunity in cancer patients, treating herpes simplex or herpes zoster infections, or reducing the frequency of sinusitis and diverticulitis. Further research, including well-designed clinical trials, is necessary to determine its efficacy and safety for these indications.
CLAIM # 6:
Ivermectin improves immunity.
Ivermectin "protects the heart in cardiac overload. In an embolism for example, it prevents cardiac hypoxia because it stimulates the production of basic energy so that the tissue is not destroyed and thus improves cardiac function."
SPECULATIVE
There is limited but intriguing research suggesting that ivermectin may impact mitochondrial function, including its potential to increase ATP production through mechanisms involving mitochondrial gene expression.
Ivermectin May Boost Mitochondrial ATP Production
Researchers from the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited in Japan authored Antihypertrophic Effects of Small Molecules that Maintain Mitochondrial ATP Levels Under Hypoxia in 2017.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy carrier in cells. It's often referred to as the "molecular currency" of energy because it powers nearly all cellular functions that require energy. Some studies have hypothesized that ivermectin may modulate mitochondrial bioenergetics. The researchers in Japan hypothesized that Ivermectin may preserve mitochondrial ATP levels under hypoxic conditions.
The proposed mechanism involves ivermectin enhancing mitochondrial function, which may indirectly aid tissues under stress (e.g., hypoxia) by maintaining energy levels. However, the exact pathways are still being studied.
The evidence is currently limited to in vitro studies or speculative pathways. No large-scale or clinical studies directly confirm these effects.
CLAIM # 7:
Ivermectin suppresses tumor growth.
Ivermectin "is anti-parasitic, anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer). Allegedly, it suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, preserving healthy cells and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment."
PRELIMINARY FINDINGS IN VITRO
Researchers from Bengbu Medical College in China observed that Ivermectin has strong anti-cancer effects, including the ability to slow cancer cell growth, prevent metastasis, and inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels for tumors). Ivermectin also promotes cancer cell death through several mechanisms, including apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. These processes are closely linked, with apoptosis and autophagy regulating each other. Additionally, ivermectin can target tumor stem cells, overcome drug resistance, and is most effective when used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
Most anticancer research on the avermectin family has focused on ivermectin (IVM), with other drugs in the family like selamectin and doramectin also showing anticancer effects. As more efficient and less toxic derivatives of this family are developed, studying their anticancer mechanisms remains valuable. Current research shows great potential for ivermectin as a promising new anticancer drug, and with further investigation, it could be developed and introduced as part of new cancer treatments in the near future.
CLAIM # 8:
Ivermectin kills chemo-resistant cancer cells.
Ivermectin "can kills cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy, defeating the resistance to multiple chemo-therapeutics that tumors develop, and combined with chemotherapy and/or anti-cancer agents, it provides an increase in the effectiveness of these treatments."
SPECULATIVE
Some studies do seem to suggest ivermectin may have the potential to overcome chemotherapy resistance and increase the effectiveness of cancer treatments. Here’s how this works based on current research:
Ivermectin Helps Overcome Chemotherapy Resistance
Cancer cells can develop resistance to chemotherapy over time, making treatment less effective. Ivermectin has been shown to sensitize cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy drugs through a few mechanisms:
Inhibiting drug efflux pumps: These pumps are responsible for exporting chemotherapy drugs out of cancer cells, reducing the drugs' effectiveness. Ivermectin can interfere with the activity of these pumps, allowing chemotherapy drugs to remain in the cells longer and work more effectively.
Targeting tumor stem cells: Cancer stem cells can be particularly resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. Ivermectin has shown potential in decreasing cancer stem cell populations, making the cells more susceptible to chemotherapy.
Ivermectin's Synergistic Effect with Chemotherapy
Studies have demonstrated that when combined with chemotherapy drugs (such as 5-fluorouracil or paclitaxel), ivermectin can boost the effectiveness of these treatments by:
Improving drug delivery: Ivermectin may enhance the ability of chemotherapy drugs to enter cancer cells, improving their therapeutic effects.
Enhancing the cancer-killing effects: Ivermectin works by activating various cell death mechanisms such as apoptosis and autophagy, and can therefore improve the tumor-killing capacity when combined with chemotherapy.
Ivermectin Impacts Drug Resistance:
Ivermectin’s potential ability to reverse multidrug resistance in cancer cells is significant because tumors often become resistant to several types of chemotherapy drugs over time. This capability helps overcome the challenge of treating resistant cancers.
Ivermectin is being investigated for its ability to reverse chemotherapy resistance and enhance the effects of standard cancer treatments. It may offer a synergistic effect when combined with other anti-cancer therapies, allowing chemotherapy drugs to work more effectively and potentially enabling successful treatment of tumors that were previously resistant. However, clinical studies in humans are still limited, and more research is needed to confirm its exact role in cancer therapy.
CLAIM # 9:
Ivermectin is anti-microbial.
Ivermectin "is antimicrobial (bacteria and viruses) and increases immunity."
PARTLY TRUE / MISLEADING
Ivermectin's Anti-Bacterial Properties
Ivermectin has shown some antimicrobial activity against bacteria in certain studies, although it is primarily known for its anti-parasitic effects. Some research indicates that ivermectin can exert bacteriostatic (inhibiting bacterial growth) and bactericidal (killing bacteria) effects against specific bacteria. For example, it has been found to be effective against certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Ivermectin's Anti-Viral Properties
Ivermectin has also demonstrated antiviral effects in laboratory studies, particularly in inhibiting the replication of certain viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus (which causes COVID-19). However, these effects were observed primarily in cell cultures or animal models, and its effectiveness in humans has been widely debated. As we have discussed, to administer a high enough dose of Ivermectin to a human to possibly reap the benefits of its antiviral properties would be dangerous.
Likewise, if you were to administer enough fire to a human, you would indeed destroy the COVID-19 virus inside that person, but at what cost to the person? Sure, when you lit your petri dishes on fire, it did indeed kill the COVID, but there are some problems in administering the same "treatment" to a person.
CLAIM # 10:
Ivermectin regulates glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and liver fat.
Ivermectin "helps to regulates glucose, insulin metabolism, cholesterol levels and reduces liver fat in steatosis."
SPECULATIVE
Again, there is limited research to support this claim, but more is occurring. Here are a few articles of note:
2013: The antiparasitic drug ivermectin is a novel FXR ligand that regulates metabolism
by Lihua Jin, Xuhui Feng, Hui Rong, Zhifu Pan, Yuka Inaba, Lin Qiu, Weili Zheng, Shengchen Lin, Rui Wang, Zhao Wang, Shanshan Wang, Hongyan Liu, Song Li, Wen Xie, Yong Li
Nature Communications • June 3, 2013
This animal study found that ivermectin reduced blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity in rats with experimentally induced type 2 diabetes. The researchers concluded that ivermectin may have potential as an adjunctive treatment for insulin resistance or diabetes.
2019: Ivermectin decreases triglyceride accumulation by inhibiting adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
by Weipeng Qi, John M Clark, Alexander Suvorov, Yeonhwa Park
Food Chem Toxicol. • September 2019
The study concluded that ivermectin inhibits adipogenesis (fat cell formation) partly by modulating key molecules involved in fat accumulation. Specifically, ivermectin reduced triglyceride (TG) buildup and adipocyte differentiation by downregulating certain proteins.
CLAIM # 11:
Ivermectin heals the central nervous system.
Ivermectin "reaches the central nervous system and regenerates the nerves."
UNSUBSTANTIATED / FALSE
We discussed a 2018 study which explored how Ivermectin Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration during Wound Healing. The researchers found that ivermectin boosts peripheral nerve healing by promoting the growth and repair of nerve cells. This suggests it could be helpful in treating nerve damage and improving recovery outcomes. This study utilized mice and human neonatal foreskin fibroblasts from Tufts University, so we have yet to see how this will play out in actual rea live humans.
On the other hand, there have also been studies showing that Ivermectin can actually damage the central nervous system.
Rebecca E Chandler authored Serious Neurological Adverse Events after Ivermectin—Do They Occur beyond the Indication of Onchocerciasis? after studying a community outbreak of Onchocerciasis volvulus (colloquially "river blindness") in Africa. River blindenss is transmitted when an infected blackfly bites a person. The fly deposits the larvae of Onchocerca volvulus, which mature into adult worms in the person's subcutaneous tissue. The resulting worms can live for several years, and they produce millions of microfilariae (larvae) that migrate throughout the body, causing the symptoms including severe itching and nodules under the skin, eye inflammation and scarring (and ultimately vision loss) and lymphatic damage.
Serious neurological adverse events have been reported during large-scale ivermectin treatment campaigns for Onchocerciasis volvulus in Africa, and these events have been linked to Loa loa infection and MDR-1 gene variants affecting ivermectin penetration into the brain.
A review of 48 reported cases of neurological issues from multiple countries where ivermectin was prescribed for various indications revealed that 28 cases showed supportive evidence for Ivermectin being the cause of the neurological symptoms. Notably, brain tissue presence and recurrence of symptoms on re-exposure indicated a potential link.
What is Loa loa infection?
Loa loa infection, also known as African eye worm disease, is caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of mango flies (also known as Chrysops flies), which are found in forested and rural areas of West and Central Africa. When The Chrysops fly bites an infected person, it releases Loa loa larvae into the bloodstream. These larvae mature into adult worms that can live under the skin and in tissues, especially in the eyes.
How does Ivermectin work in these cases?
Ivermectin, which is often used to treat onchocerciasis, should be used cautiously in individuals with heavy Loa loa infection, as it can trigger severe neurological side effects due to the rapid destruction of microfilariae.
What about the MDR-1 Gene?
The MDR-1 gene encodes a P-glycoprotein, which functions as a drug transporter. This protein helps protect cells by pumping out toxic substances--including medications--from the brain and other tissues. Variants (mutations) in the MDR-1 gene can affect the function of P-glycoprotein, influencing the distribution and concentration of certain drugs, such as ivermectin, in the central nervous system (CNS).
Influence on Drug Penetration in the Brain
In the context of ivermectin, some variants of the MDR-1 gene result in a less effective pump mechanism. This means that the protective role of P-glycoprotein is diminished, and ivermectin (or other drugs) may accumulate to higher concentrations within the brain and CNS. This can increase the risk of neurological adverse events, such as seizures or other brain-related side effects.
Potential Risk Factor for Side Effects
The MDR-1 gene variants, therefore, contribute to individual variation in how patients react to ivermectin. People with certain MDR-1 polymorphisms may be more susceptible to harmful effects when treated with ivermectin or other drugs, especially when those drugs are supposed to be excluded from the brain or CNS.
Sounding Familiar?
If this gene talk is all sounding a bit familiar, it may be because you know your sheepdogs! Many sheepdog owners know that they cannot give their dogs Ivermectin (which is a frequent ingredient in heartworm preventatives and other de-wormers), or that they need to discuss appropriate dosing with their vets.
The MDR-1 mutation is most commonly found in Collie-type breeds, but other breeds may also carry the mutation. Here are some of the breeds known to be affected by the MDR-1 mutation:
Rough Collies & Smooth Collies
Shetland Sheepdogs
Australian Shepherds
Border Collies
Longhaired Whippets
Old English Sheepdogs
Silken Windhounds
English Sheepdogs
Collie mixes (when one or both parents are affected)
While these breeds have a higher frequency of the mutation, it can also appear in other dogs through genetic inheritance, so it's essential for veterinarians to test dogs that may be at risk. The mutation is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that both copies of the gene need to be mutated for the dog to have a significant risk of drug toxicity. Even if a dog is a carrier (with only one mutated gene), they may still pass the mutation to their offspring.
Genetic testing is available and is important for these breeds to identify whether a dog carries the mutation, especially before prescribing certain medications like Ivermectin and chemotherapy drugs, which can cause dangerous toxicity in dogs with this mutation.
Back to humans now. Chandler concluded that while serious neurological adverse events can occur with ivermectin, these are mainly observed when treating Onchocerca volvulus with a high burden of Loa loa infection. The potential causes include drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 and certain genetic polymorphisms, such as those in the mdr-1 gene. However, these adverse events are rare, given the extensive use of ivermectin for parasitic infections. Further research into individual risk factors, drug interactions, and the impact of genetic variations is recommended to help minimize potential harms and inform treatment decisions.
CLAIM # 12:
Ivermectin can prevent COVID-19.
Ivermectin "can be used as a prophylactic agent and has been associated with a significant reduction in infection, hospitalization and mortality rates due to C-19."
CONTRADICTED BY ROBUST STUDIES! FALSE!
We have probably been over this one enough: While ivermectin has been studied for its potential use in preventing or treating COVID-19, the evidence supporting its effectiveness as a prophylactic agent (preventative treatment) or in significantly reducing infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates is inconclusive and controversial.
In Vitro Studies
Some laboratory studies have shown that Ivermectin could inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell cultures, but these effects were observed at much higher concentrations than can be safely achieved in humans.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials assessing ivermectin's efficacy in preventing or treating COVID-19 have yielded mixed results. Some studies suggested slight benefits, while others found no significant improvement in infection rates, hospitalization, or mortality.
Based on the available evidence, major health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health (NIH), have recommended against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment or prevention outside of clinical trials.
Thus, despite some claims, Ivermectin is NOT universally accepted or recommended as a prophylactic for COVID-19, and further research is needed to determine its true role, if any, in the management of the disease. Although it won't protect you from COVID, Ivermectin may prove to be a fruitful subject of research with regard to the treatment of other diseases, such as cancer.
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