Last update
5/26/2025

Overview

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7.7
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.6
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Veg Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Selenium (elemental)(from 40 mg L-Selenomethionine)
200 mcg
364%

Top Medical Research Studies

We set out to explore the effects of selenium-containing compounds on breast cancer cells, particularly focusing on their potential as treatments. Our research involved testing several novel selenoesters on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, to understand how these compounds can impact cell growth and survival.

What we found was quite promising. The selenoesters showed significant cytotoxic effects, meaning they can kill cancer cells effectively, even at very low doses. We observed that these compounds triggered important processes that lead to cell death, specifically by activating pathways that make cells undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

The mechanisms at play include both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, which means they are working from multiple angles to combat cancer. Additionally, these compounds also activate autophagy, a process that helps clear out damaged cells and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

In summary, our findings suggest that these selenium-based compounds could be valuable candidates for future breast cancer therapies, worth considering in the ongoing fight against this disease.
9
Anticancer effects of selenium compounds
We focused on exploring the effectiveness of organoselenocyanates—specifically derivatives of selenium—on triple-negative breast cancer cells. By designing two series of these compounds incorporating unique chemical structures, we aimed to see how they could impact cancer cell growth and behavior.

Through a careful multi-step synthesis process, we successfully created these selenium compounds and put them to the test against cancer cells. After evaluating their anti-proliferative effects, we discovered that one particular compound, known as 15 a, stood out for its promising results. This compound not only hindered cancer cell migration but also triggered significant changes in the cell cycle, causing cells to halt in the G1 phase and promoting early apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

We further investigated how this compound affected the redox balance within the breast cancer cells. Our findings revealed that 15 a demonstrated antioxidant properties by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the expression of a protective enzyme called TrxR1. On a molecular level, it also activated pathways related to cell signaling that suppressed cancer cell proliferation by manipulating important proteins such as p-ERK, p-Akt, and c-Myc.

These encouraging results highlight the potential of selenium-based treatments as new therapeutic options for battling triple-negative breast cancer. We believe our insights could pave the way for future developments in cancer therapies.
9
Selenium Nanoparticles and Breast Cancer
We investigated the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) produced by marine yeast on breast cancer cells, specifically the MCF-7 cell line. Through a detailed process of isolating and identifying the potent yeast strains, we found optimal conditions for generating SeNPs, including specific temperature and pH levels. This biosynthesized form of selenium was then characterized using various techniques for its size and shape.

When we examined the impact of these nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells, the results were promising. SeNPs displayed significant anti-cancer properties, yielding lower concentrations needed to inhibit cell growth compared to other cancer types like colon and liver cells. In fact, the concentration required to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 cells was as low as 19.59 µg/ml, while it was higher for other cancer cells. Importantly, there were no adverse effects seen on normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells, indicating a level of selectivity that could be beneficial in treatment.

Our findings highlighted that treatment with SeNPs led to a halt in cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and promoted programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in the MCF-7 cells. We also observed increased oxidative stress levels and a decline in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which suggests a mechanism through which selenium may exert its effects. In conclusion, the biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles from yeast offer promising insights into potential therapies for breast cancer.

Most Useful Reviews

9
Cancer cell disappearance
2 people found this helpful
During my breast cancer treatment, I started taking one tablet of selenium daily after reading Mitsuishi Iwao's book. I continued with this dosage and a high-protein, vitamin-rich, low-carbohydrate diet throughout pre-operative chemotherapy. Remarkably, the lump shrank significantly, and post-surgery pathology indicated that cancer cells had vanished. Although navigating the chemotherapy's side effects was challenging, I believe the supplements aided my resilience while working. I intend to keep taking it diligently and would recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges during breast cancer treatment.
9
Cancer prevention
136 people found this helpful
Selenium is an essential supplement for cancer prevention. To maintain my health and reduce the risk of tumours, I find this supplement indispensable.
9
Cancer prevention
97 people found this helpful
This yeast-free selenium product is excellent. It significantly contributes to preventing cancer.

Medical Researches

SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 18 Researches
7.7
  • All Researches
9
Anticancer effects of selenium compounds
We focused on exploring the effectiveness of organoselenocyanates—specifically derivatives of selenium—on triple-negative breast cancer cells. By designing two series of these compounds incorporating unique chemical structures, we aimed to see how they could impact cancer cell growth and behavior.

Through a careful multi-step synthesis process, we successfully created these selenium compounds and put them to the test against cancer cells. After evaluating their anti-proliferative effects, we discovered that one particular compound, known as 15 a, stood out for its promising results. This compound not only hindered cancer cell migration but also triggered significant changes in the cell cycle, causing cells to halt in the G1 phase and promoting early apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

We further investigated how this compound affected the redox balance within the breast cancer cells. Our findings revealed that 15 a demonstrated antioxidant properties by reducing levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increasing the expression of a protective enzyme called TrxR1. On a molecular level, it also activated pathways related to cell signaling that suppressed cancer cell proliferation by manipulating important proteins such as p-ERK, p-Akt, and c-Myc.

These encouraging results highlight the potential of selenium-based treatments as new therapeutic options for battling triple-negative breast cancer. We believe our insights could pave the way for future developments in cancer therapies.
9
Selenium Nanoparticles and Breast Cancer
We investigated the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) produced by marine yeast on breast cancer cells, specifically the MCF-7 cell line. Through a detailed process of isolating and identifying the potent yeast strains, we found optimal conditions for generating SeNPs, including specific temperature and pH levels. This biosynthesized form of selenium was then characterized using various techniques for its size and shape.

When we examined the impact of these nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells, the results were promising. SeNPs displayed significant anti-cancer properties, yielding lower concentrations needed to inhibit cell growth compared to other cancer types like colon and liver cells. In fact, the concentration required to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 cells was as low as 19.59 µg/ml, while it was higher for other cancer cells. Importantly, there were no adverse effects seen on normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) cells, indicating a level of selectivity that could be beneficial in treatment.

Our findings highlighted that treatment with SeNPs led to a halt in cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and promoted programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in the MCF-7 cells. We also observed increased oxidative stress levels and a decline in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which suggests a mechanism through which selenium may exert its effects. In conclusion, the biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles from yeast offer promising insights into potential therapies for breast cancer.
9
Selenium compounds may combat resistance
We focused on how selenium compounds could help fight breast cancer, particularly when it comes to overcoming multidrug resistance, a major hurdle in effective treatment. Our research specifically assessed two novel selenoesters, EDAG-1 and EDAG-8, for their potential to inhibit resistance proteins in breast cancer cells.

Through various analyses, we discovered that these compounds, especially EDAG-8, effectively blocked the action of important efflux pumps known as BCRP, MDR1, and MRP1. This action makes cancer cells more susceptible to treatment, giving us a hopeful avenue for developing better therapies. Notably, the testing showed that EDAG-8 outperformed traditional reference compounds, indicating its promising role in treatment strategies.

Our in silico studies further supported these findings, highlighting that EDAG-8's unique structure and lower binding energy to these proteins enhances its anticancer activity. This reveals a compelling potential for selenium-based treatments in the battle against breast cancer, positioning EDAG-8 as an exciting candidate for future drug development.
We explored the potential of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in treating breast cancer, especially their effects in combination with a KRAS nanovaccine. Our study utilized various stabilizing agents to develop stable SeNPs, with a focus on bovine serum albumin (BSA). The BSA-stabilized SeNPs were particularly noteworthy, showing remarkable stability under different conditions while remaining effective in targeting cancer cells.

When we tested these nanoparticles, we found that they exhibited enhanced toxicity against cancer cell lines, while not harming normal human cells. This selectivity is promising for cancer treatments. Moreover, we observed significant synergy when we combined BSA-SeNPs with the nanovaccine, leading to substantial reductions in tumor size in a mouse model of breast cancer.

Overall, our findings suggest that selenium nanoparticles, especially when paired with immunotherapy approaches like the nanovaccine, could be a valuable strategy inbreast cancer treatment. This innovative combination offers exciting possibilities for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.
We set out to explore the effects of selenium-containing compounds on breast cancer cells, particularly focusing on their potential as treatments. Our research involved testing several novel selenoesters on two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, to understand how these compounds can impact cell growth and survival.

What we found was quite promising. The selenoesters showed significant cytotoxic effects, meaning they can kill cancer cells effectively, even at very low doses. We observed that these compounds triggered important processes that lead to cell death, specifically by activating pathways that make cells undergo apoptosis, or programmed cell death.

The mechanisms at play include both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis pathways, which means they are working from multiple angles to combat cancer. Additionally, these compounds also activate autophagy, a process that helps clear out damaged cells and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

In summary, our findings suggest that these selenium-based compounds could be valuable candidates for future breast cancer therapies, worth considering in the ongoing fight against this disease.

User Reviews

USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 8 Reviews
8.6
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
9
Cancer cell disappearance
2 people found this helpful
During my breast cancer treatment, I started taking one tablet of selenium daily after reading Mitsuishi Iwao's book. I continued with this dosage and a high-protein, vitamin-rich, low-carbohydrate diet throughout pre-operative chemotherapy. Remarkably, the lump shrank significantly, and post-surgery pathology indicated that cancer cells had vanished. Although navigating the chemotherapy's side effects was challenging, I believe the supplements aided my resilience while working. I intend to keep taking it diligently and would recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges during breast cancer treatment.
9
Cancer prevention
136 people found this helpful
Selenium is an essential supplement for cancer prevention. To maintain my health and reduce the risk of tumours, I find this supplement indispensable.
9
Cancer prevention
97 people found this helpful
This yeast-free selenium product is excellent. It significantly contributes to preventing cancer.
9
Cancer protection
57 people found this helpful
Selenium aids in preventing common cancers, fighting viruses, protecting against cardiovascular disease, and alleviating symptoms of serious illnesses. I highly recommend it!
9
Thyroid health
35 people found this helpful
Selenium is vital for thyroid hormones and is one of the top antioxidants. I was lethargic with high blood pressure, and after taking selenium with iodine and L-tyrosine for six months, I felt energised, my weight decreased, and many health issues improved. I take it regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

9
Cancer cell disappearance
2 people found this helpful
During my breast cancer treatment, I started taking one tablet of selenium daily after reading Mitsuishi Iwao's book. I continued with this dosage and a high-protein, vitamin-rich, low-carbohydrate diet throughout pre-operative chemotherapy. Remarkably, the lump shrank significantly, and post-surgery pathology indicated that cancer cells had vanished. Although navigating the chemotherapy's side effects was challenging, I believe the supplements aided my resilience while working. I intend to keep taking it diligently and would recommend it to anyone facing similar challenges during breast cancer treatment.
9
Thyroid health
35 people found this helpful
Selenium is vital for thyroid hormones and is one of the top antioxidants. I was lethargic with high blood pressure, and after taking selenium with iodine and L-tyrosine for six months, I felt energised, my weight decreased, and many health issues improved. I take it regularly.
9
Cancer prevention
136 people found this helpful
Selenium is an essential supplement for cancer prevention. To maintain my health and reduce the risk of tumours, I find this supplement indispensable.
7.5
Cancer recovery
4 people found this helpful
My husband has been taking selenium daily for years. He has remained cancer-free after his prostate cancer treatment, which included surgery and radiation. Along with vitamin C and other supplements, it has helped his recovery significantly.
6
Cancer treatment
2 people found this helpful
The quality of the ingredients is excellent. I use it as a supplement for cancer treatment, taking one tablet daily, which is within the recommended limit of 200 mcg for selenium.
8
Selenium nanoparticles show promise
We assessed the effectiveness of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) derived from the plant Indigofera aspalathoides for treating breast cancer. Through innovative green synthesis methods utilizing the plant's extract, we created nanoparticles that were carefully characterized to confirm their stability and size. This is an important step since the size and structure of nanoparticles can greatly influence their effectiveness in medical applications.

We found that these SeNPs displayed notable antioxidant properties, which can be crucial in combating oxidative stress associated with cancer. In our experiments, the SeNPs achieved high levels of DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging, significantly surpassing the antioxidant activity of the extract on its own.

Notably, when we tested the cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, we observed promising results. The nanoparticles exhibited a protective effect on HepG2 liver cells, promoting cell viability at certain concentrations. While moderate doses of the SeNPs showed excellent results, higher doses did present some cytotoxicity.

Overall, our findings highlight the potential of I. aspalathoides-derived SeNPs as a promising avenue in nanomedicine for addressing not just oxidative stress, but also for supporting liver health as it relates to breast cancer treatment.
7
Our investigation focused on the effects of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) derived from the microalga Spirulina platensis and their potential impact on breast cancer. We observed that these nanoparticles are not only small and stable but also exhibit important bioactive properties.

In particular, we assessed how SeNPs influenced breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and found that they significantly reduced cell viability by approximately 17.6% at a concentration of 100 µg/ml. This suggests that selenium, in this nanoparticle form, may contribute to inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

Beyond their impact on breast cancer, our findings also highlighted the broader biomedical potential of SeNPs, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, the study opens up exciting avenues for utilizing selenium in cancer treatment, though further research is needed to fully understand its clinical applications.
8
Selenium's potential in breast cancer
We explored the potential benefits of selenium nanoparticles synthesized from Tussilago farfara L. polysaccharides in fighting breast cancer. The study focused on their structural characteristics and how effective they are at inhibiting the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Through careful optimization of the synthesis process, we created nanoparticles with significant stability and a specific size that seemed promising for medical applications. These nanoparticles not only appeared to be stable but also showed considerably enhanced antioxidant properties compared to their polysaccharide counterparts.

The results were quite compelling: selenium nanoparticles inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells effectively, particularly during the S phase of the cell cycle. With a measured IC50 value of 119.62 µg/mL, it seems that these nanoparticles could provide a viable approach to managing breast cancer cell growth. Overall, this study highlights the potential role of selenium in cancer therapy and opens the door for further exploration in this area.
We investigated how selenium compounds might serve as an adjuvant therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks effective treatment options. Our research involved a thorough review of 23 published articles that focused on selenium's impact when used alone or in combination with other therapies.

From our evaluation, we noted that selenium has been tested across various TNBC cell lines and animal models. However, while there are indications of some effectiveness, the results are not universally compelling. Many studies combined selenium with other treatments, making it difficult to pinpoint its individual contribution.

What stood out was the specificity of selenium's actions on different cellular pathways. Even though we learned that selenium shows promise, the necessity for more targeted studies remains clear. We must delve deeper to better understand its potential as a co-therapeutic agent in TNBC treatment.
8
Light-activated selenium targets cancer
We explored how a specific selenium compound, known for its potential anti-cancer properties, impacts breast cancer cells. The compound we examined contains a unique chemical structure that allows it to react with DNA when exposed to UV light. This feature is essential because it shows how the compound can selectively target and damage cancer cells, particularly those of triple-negative breast cancer, without affecting normal cells.

Our findings revealed that, without UV exposure, this selenium compound did not inhibit cancer cell growth, even at high doses. However, when we exposed it to UV light, we saw a significant increase in its ability to kill cancer cells, with an effective concentration achieving cytotoxicity. Notably, normal cells remained unharmed, likely due to their strong DNA repair mechanisms and higher levels of antioxidants like glutathione.

This selective approach to targeting cancer cells could represent a new strategy in cancer treatment, offering a way to minimize damage to healthy tissue. The study highlights the importance of further research in understanding how light-activated compounds can enhance the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies while preserving the health of normal cells.
9
Selenium compounds may combat resistance
We focused on how selenium compounds could help fight breast cancer, particularly when it comes to overcoming multidrug resistance, a major hurdle in effective treatment. Our research specifically assessed two novel selenoesters, EDAG-1 and EDAG-8, for their potential to inhibit resistance proteins in breast cancer cells.

Through various analyses, we discovered that these compounds, especially EDAG-8, effectively blocked the action of important efflux pumps known as BCRP, MDR1, and MRP1. This action makes cancer cells more susceptible to treatment, giving us a hopeful avenue for developing better therapies. Notably, the testing showed that EDAG-8 outperformed traditional reference compounds, indicating its promising role in treatment strategies.

Our in silico studies further supported these findings, highlighting that EDAG-8's unique structure and lower binding energy to these proteins enhances its anticancer activity. This reveals a compelling potential for selenium-based treatments in the battle against breast cancer, positioning EDAG-8 as an exciting candidate for future drug development.

References

  1. Raman S, Kasirajan S, Chinnapandi B, Karthikeyan K, Pandian A, et al. Luminescent Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles From Indigofera aspalathoides Vahl ex DC: A Novel Hepatoprotective Strategy for Enhancing Live Health. Luminescence. 2025;40:e70101. 10.1002/bio.70101
  2. Yassein AS, Elamary RB, Alwaleed EA. Biogenesis, characterization, and applications of Spirulina selenium nanoparticles. Microb Cell Fact. 2025;24:39. 10.1186/s12934-025-02656-6
  3. Guo K, Yang X, Wang J, Chang W, Liu S, et al. Synthesis and Bioactivity of Selenium Nanoparticles From Tussilago farfara L. Polysaccharides: Antioxidant Properties and MCF-7 Cell Inhibition. Chem Biodivers. 2025. 10.1002/cbdv.202402677
  4. Zhang Q, Ali T, Ponnamperumage TNF, Lin Z, Setu NI, et al. A Photoinducible DNA Cross-Linking Agent with Potent Cytotoxicity and Selectivity Toward Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Line. Chem Res Toxicol. 2025;38:216. 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.4c00499
  5. Sidira D, Siafaka A, Chrysikos D, Papadopoulos G, Stratopoulos E, et al. Selenium and Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Acta Med Acad. 2024;53:155. 10.5644/ama2006-124.450
  6. Zhang W, Wang Y, Gu M, Mao Z, Guan Y, et al. Manganese nanosheets loaded with selenium and gemcitabine activate the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor immunity. J Colloid Interface Sci. 2025;682:556. 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.11.224
  7. Pal N, Banerjee K, Sarkar S, Mandal TK, Bhabak KP. Synthesis of Thiazolidinedione- and Triazole-Linked Organoselenocyanates and Evaluation of Anticancer Activities Against Breast Cancer with Mechanistic Investigations. Chemistry. 2025;31:e202403026. 10.1002/chem.202403026
  8. Ali BA, Allam RM, Hasanin MS, Hassabo AA. Biosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic agent in breast cancer: G2/M arrest and apoptosis induction. Toxicol Rep. 2024;13:101792. 10.1016/j.toxrep.2024.101792
  9. Qaed E, Liu W, Almoiliqy M, Mohamed R, Tang Z. Unleashing the potential of Genistein and its derivatives as effective therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2024. 10.1007/s00210-024-03579-6
  10. Adibifar A, Salimi M, Rostamkhani N, Karami Z, Agh-Atabay AH, et al. Folic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin-coated selenium-ZIF-8 core/shell nanoparticles for dual target-specific drug delivery in breast cancer. Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2024. 10.1007/s13346-024-01714-7
  11. Radomska D, Czarnomysy R, Marciniec K, Nowakowska J, Domínguez-Álvarez E, et al. Short Communication: Novel Di- and Triselenoesters as Effective Therapeutic Agents Inhibiting Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms25179732
  12. Xu M, Gao X, Yue L, Li J, Feng X, et al. Sensitivity of triple negative breast cancer cells to ATM-dependent ferroptosis induced by sodium selenite. Exp Cell Res. 2024;442:114222. 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114222
  13. Ferro C, Matos AI, Serpico L, Fontana F, Chiaro J, et al. Selenium Nanoparticles Synergize with a KRAS Nanovaccine against Breast Cancer. Adv Healthc Mater. 2025;14:e2401523. 10.1002/adhm.202401523
  14. Li Y, Liu M, Kong B, Zhang G, Zhang Q. The role of selenium intervention in gut microbiota homeostasis and gene function in mice with breast cancer on a high-fat diet. Front Microbiol. 2024;15:1439652. 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1439652
  15. Radomska D, Czarnomysy R, Szymanowska A, Radomski D, Chalecka M, et al. Di- and Triselenoesters-Promising Drug Candidates for the Future Therapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25. 10.3390/ijms25147764
  16. Saad S, Abdelghany AM, Abou-ElWafa GS, Aldesuquy HS, Eltanahy E. Bioactivity of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by crude phycocyanin extract of Leptolyngbya sp. SSI24 cultivated on recycled filter cake wastes from sugar-industry. Microb Cell Fact. 2024;23:211. 10.1186/s12934-024-02482-2
  17. Wang Y, Du Z, Du H, Zhao J, Duan Y, et al. Associations between dietary intake of zinc and selenium and breast cancer: findings from a NHANES cross-sectional study. Chin Clin Oncol. 2025;14:2. 10.21037/cco-24-83
  18. Szwiec M, Tomiczek-Szwiec J, Marciniak W, Derkacz R, Huzarski T, et al. The Effect of Blood Selenium Level on the pCR Rate in Breast Cancer Patient Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel). 2025;17. 10.3390/cancers17050839
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