GERMANIUM SESQUIOXIDE
The synthesis of germanium sesquioxide was first published by Mironov, a Russian scientist, in 1967 [11]. Japanese scientists reported the same compound in respected literature seven years later [1]. However, Asai Institute in Japan was the first to capitalize on the biological activity by marketing it as a true organic germanium compound. For this reason, Asai is often mistakenly attributed with having discovered germanium sesquioxide.
Applications include immune support and general health and wellness. Gross contamination in early Asian material led to import restrictions that prevent this compound from legally entering the U.S., but not from being sold. Designed Nutritional Products is your only domestic source.
Germanium sesquioxide helps support the body’s natural immune defenses [1,2,3,13]. Germanium helps maintain the body’s natural production of gamma interferon and natural killer cells [2,4,12]. Studies indicate that Germanium exhibits antioxidant potential [5-7].
Depending on the targeted benefit, reported therapeutic dosages range from 100 mg to 7 grams daily [2,8,9]. Reportedly, oral administration appears to provide the best protection [10]
Germanium sesquioxide is light and temperature stable. No degradation has ever been reported in liquid or solid form.
Bis (2-carboxyethylgermanium sesquioxide), Mu-trioxo-bis [betacarboxyethyl] germanic anhydride, Germanium sesquioxide, Ge-132, SK818, propagermanium, Organic germanium.
Germanium sesquioxide
CAS Registry Numbers [12758-40-6] and [27031-31-8]
Germanium sesquioxide is a dietary supplement under provisions of U.S. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA).
No studies exist demonstrating any toxicity associated with reasonable dosages of pure Germanium sesquioxide. However, inorganic forms such as germanium dioxide or germanium-lactate-citrate may cause acute renal failure.
1. K. Asai et al., 1974 U.S. .Patent 3, 793, 455.
2. N. Kumano, et al., 1985 Tohoku J. Exp. Med., 146, 94-104.
3. Shoji Y., et al., 1985 Int. J. Immunother. 1: 215.
4. Ishida N. et al., 1984 U.S. Patent 4, 473, 581.
5. Masaki Y, et al., 1989 Transplanatation Proceedings 21:1250-1251.
6. Wakabayashi Y. Biosci. 2001 Biotechnol Biochem 65(8):1893-1896.
7. Yang MK, Kim YG. 1999 Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health ;12(58):289-297.
8. Y. Ishiwata, et al., 1990 Arcnein Forsch Drug Res. 40 (II), Nr. 8, 896-899.
9. Mainwaring MG, et al. Chest 2000;117:591-593.
10. Suzuki F., et al., 1986 Chemotherapy, Tokyo 34:448.
11. V.F. Mironov, et al., 1967 Zh. Obshch. Khim. 37 (4), 962, (911-912 in English trans).
12. G. Suzuki, et al., 1984 J. Interferon Research 4, 223-33.
13. Jang J.J. et al., 1991 Carcinogenesis 12: no4, 691-695
* Organic germanium: The term “Organic” is used to describe the presence of a germanium carbon bond and differentiate between dangerous “inorganic” forms lacking this feature.