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Boric Acid and Cancer

Boric acid, also known as boracic acid or orthoboric acid, is used as a primary constituent in pesticides. It is formulated from the naturally occurring substance, boron. Boron enters the body through water, food or supplements. Boric acid easily dissolves in water and is available as odorless white powder or colorless crystals. It is used in hospitals, offices or households. Boric acid is also available in the form of tablets, granules, liquids or aerosols. Research has shown a link between boric acid and reduced levels of some types of cancer.

  1. Uses of Boric Acid

    • Boric acid is used as an antiseptic for minor injuries, burns and bruises. It is also used in eye wash as a very dilute solution (1.5 percent sterilized water). It can also be used in the treatment of acne and in eradication of fungal and yeast infections. Boric acid is used against wet and dry corrosion in timbers. Industrially, boric acid is used in the manufacturing of textile fiberglass which is extensively used in computer circuit boards, boats and heavy piping.

    Toxicity of Boric Acid

    • Boric acid is less toxic when inhaled or eaten. Before the pesticide was introduced into the marketplace for commercial purposes, it has to undergo rigorous laboratory testing which analyses its short-term and long-term effects on human health. It is always advisable to use the pesticide amount as per the direction given by the manufacturer. The toxic effect of boric acid on the skin and eyes is also very low. It is believed that overexposure of boric acid may damage the kidneys.

    Boric Acid and Cancer

    • Several studies have shown that boric acid helps to restrict or prevent prostate cancer cell lines DU-145 and LNCaP. Long-term exposure of boric acid as naturally occurring boron in blood plasma increases microscopic and cavity content inside the cells, further enhancing spreading of the cells, and decreasing volumes of the cells. It causes reduction in cyclins (proteins that control progression of cells) A-E and MAPK proteins which indicates its contribution in inhibition of prostate cancer.

    Experiments to Establish Relationship of Boric Acid and Cancer

    • The risk of prostate cancer and intake of boric acid are inversely proportional. The statement is supported by various studies and researches in this direction. When prostate cancer infected mice were given boric acid, a 25 percent to 30 percent reduction in cancer growth was shown and also the plasma PSA (prostate specific antigen) level drops to 88 percent. Boric acid works by prohibiting the functioning of serine proteases and PSA after binding to its active site.

    Boric Cancer and Breast Cancer

    • More recent research reveals that boric acid, when added to growing cells, restricts the progression rate of breast cancer cell lines. It has been reported that boric acid plays a vital role in restricting prostate cancer cell proliferation. Boric acid has the tendency to interact within the cells as well as on the outer surface of the cells. Boric acid can be injected into the patient at the site where the breast cancer cells are located.

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