Background
- Hydrazine is a chemical compound. It is a colorless liquid with an ammonia-like odor. Hydrazine is converted to solid salts by treatment with mineral acids. A common salt is hydrazine sulfate, which is marketed as having the potential to reduce weight loss and cachexia (physical wasting with loss of weight and muscle mass caused by disease) associated with cancer, and to improve general appetite status However, based on studies in humans, hydrazine sulfate has not been proven effective for improving appetite, reducing weight loss, or improving survival in adults with small cell lung cancer (when used as adjuvant therapy) or metastatic colorectal cancer (when used alone).
- Hydrazine sulfate causes liver damage in rodents. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have determined that hydrazine sulfate may have cancer-causing effects.
- Other applications of hydrazine include: corrosion inhibitor, herbicide and pesticide component, laboratory reagent, refining rare metals, soldering flux for light metals, silvering of mirrors, and rocket fuel.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Chlebowski RT, Heber D, Richardson B, et al. Influence of hydrazine sulfate (HS) on carbohydrate metabolism in cancer cachexia: a randomized, placebo controlled trial [abstract]. Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 1982;1:59.
- Chlebowski RT, Bulcavage L, Grosvenor M, et al. Hydrazine sulfate in cancer patients with weight loss. A placebo-controlled clinical experience. Cancer 1987;59(3):406-410.
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View Abstract - Morris J, Densem JW, Wald NJ, et al. Occupational exposure to hydrazine and subsequent risk of cancer. Occup Environ Med 1995;52(1):43-45.
View Abstract - Ochoa M, Jr., Wittes RE, Krakoff IH. Trial of hydrazine sulfate (NSC-150014) in patients with cancer. Cancer Chemother Rep 1975;59(6):1151-1154.
View Abstract - Reidenberg MM, Durant PJ, Harris RA, et al. Lupus erythematosus-like disease due to hydrazine. Am J Med 1983;75(2):365-370.
View Abstract - Rosenkranz HS, Carr HS. Hydrazine antidepressants and isoniazid: potential carcinogens. Lancet 1971;1(7713):1354-1355.
View Abstract - Sotaniemi E, Hirvonen J, Isomaki H, et al. Hydrazine toxicity in the human. Report of a fatal case. Ann Clin Res 1971;3(1):30-33.
View Abstract - Wald NJ. Hydrazine: epidemiological evidence. IARC Sci Publ 1985;(65):75-81.
View Abstract - Wald N, Boreham J, Doll R, et al. Occupational exposure to hydrazine and subsequent risk of cancer. Br J Ind Med 1984;41(1):31-34.
View Abstract - Wiernikowski A, Langer D. [Acute poisoning with orally ingested hydrazine hydrate]. Polski Tygodnik Lekarski 1975;30(29):1231-1232.
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