Amygdalin is a naturally occurring plant compound belonging to the group of cyanogenic glycosides characterized by the release of cyanide upon enzymatic degradation. It is primarily found in the seeds of apricots, peaches and bitter almonds and also in plants such as lima beans, clover and sorghum. Laetrile is an acronym (derived from LAEvorotatory and mandeloniTRILE) used to describe a purified, semi-synthetic form of amygdalin. Laetrile is claimed to be an anti-cancer treatment or even cure, and cyanide is thought to be the active anti-cancer ingredient. It was at the height of its popularity in the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s until the FDA considered it unsafe after a phase I and phase II controlled clinical trial in 1982 found no evidence for the efficacy of laetrile and highlighted considerable safety concerns including cyanide poisoning.

Carctol® is an Ayurvedic herbal mixture consisting of eight herbal extracts, which was developed by Dr Nandlal Tiwari in India.

The Gerson Therapy™ uses a special plant-based diet, supplements and also coffee enemas to detoxify and stimulate the body’s metabolism. Proponents of the Gerson Therapy™ have made claims that it is an effective treatment for cancer and other illnesses, through balancing the levels of potassium and sodium in the body, removal of toxins and regeneration of liver function as well as improving overall nutritional status.

The Budwig diet consists of a special lacto-vegetarian regimen that focuses on a particular blend of oil and protein, i.e. flaxseed oil and cottage cheese or quark. The general guidelines of the diet emphasise foods in their natural state, plenty of fat in the form of cold-pressed flaxseed oil and a spreadable fat based on flaxseed oil, and protein in the form of quark or cottage cheese. Freshly pressed juices and herbal teas are also an integral part. Dr Johanna Budwig (1908-2003), a licensed pharmacist, stated that consuming processed fats was the primary cause of the majority of diseases, most notably cancer. According to her theory, combining polyunsaturated fatty acids derived from flaxseed with sulfhydryl-containing proteins from cottage cheese or quark has an effect on the growth and progression of malignant tumours.

Colostrum is the milk secreted by mammals within the first few days after giving birth. Colostrum preparations used in CAM most often stem from cows and are marketed as powder or capsules for oral intake as dietary products. Colostrum contains high concentrations of immunoglobulins (particularly IgG), cytokines, growth factors, lactoferrin and other proteins, which play an important role for passive immunity of the offspring and act as immunomodulators. Intake of bovine colostrum products are claimed to modulate the human immune system, alleviate inflammatory diseases and their symptoms and act against cancer cells in humans.

The core of the Breuss Cancer Cure is a rigid diet, which consists of a 42-day fast in combination with special vegetable juices and teas. Additional recommendations are included, for instance, to avoid so-called water veins. According to Breuss’ theory, cancer requires solid food to survive in the body.