Niclosamide (or, Niclocide), is a teniacide in the anthelmintic family which is especially effective against cestodes (tapeworms). It has been approved for use in humans for nearly 50 years and is well-tolerated. Importantly, Niclosamide inhibits oxidative phosphorylation and stimulates adenosine triphosphatase activity in the mitochondria of the worms This has been shown both in vitro and in vivo. This action plus the inhibitory effects of niclosamide on cancer stem cells make it a promising drug for cancer treatment (8).

1. Niclosamide attacks cancer cell mitochondria and combats p53 deficiency

As cells are progressively weakened through, for example, a failure of the magnesium pump on their surface and thus too much sodium entering the cell, the influence of oestradiol and lowered oxygen levels, the cells' mitochondria lose power and the p53 gene switches off. Under normal circumstances, p53 is in charge of a regulated cell growth and division. Without p53 in charge, the cells go out of control, growing rapidly. This is cancer.