Is C60 (Carbon 60) safe and effective for medical treatment?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: July 23, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Safety and Efficacy of C60 (Carbon 60) for Medical Treatment

C60 (Carbon 60) is not recommended for medical treatment as there is insufficient evidence supporting its safety and efficacy in humans, with some research suggesting potential toxicity under certain conditions.

Current Evidence on C60

Safety Concerns

The safety profile of C60 remains largely uncharacterized in humans, with concerning findings in animal studies:

  • A 2021 study found that C60 formulated in olive oil (C60-OO) can form toxic species when exposed to ambient light levels, causing significant morbidity and mortality in mice in under 2 weeks 1
  • Commercial C60 products obtained from online vendors showed marked discrepancies in appearance, impurity profiles, concentration, and activity compared to laboratory-formulated C60 1
  • No regulatory oversight exists for C60 products currently being sold and consumed by people and their pets

Efficacy Evidence

The limited research on C60's potential benefits shows mixed results:

  • A 2022 laboratory study showed C60 dissolved in grape seed oil (C60-Oil) had anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of ulcerative colitis 2
  • A 2023 study demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of liposoluble C60 at cellular, molecular, and animal levels 3
  • However, a 2021 lifespan study in C57BL/6J mice failed to observe significant lifespan or health span benefits from C60 in extra virgin olive oil compared to controls 1
  • Some preliminary research suggests potential applications in cancer therapy 4 and obesity management 5, but these remain highly experimental

Clinical Implications

Lack of Clinical Guidelines

None of the major medical guidelines reviewed (including those for osteoarthritis 6, cancer treatment 6, cardiac care 6, traumatic brain injury 6, and diabetic foot ulcers 6) mention C60 as a recommended treatment for any medical condition.

Potential Risks

  • Light-dependent toxicity observed in animal models 1
  • Unknown interactions with medications or medical conditions
  • Inconsistent product quality and concentration in commercially available formulations 1
  • Lack of standardized dosing protocols or safety monitoring guidelines

Recommendations for Healthcare Providers

  1. Do not recommend C60 for medical treatment due to insufficient safety data and lack of proven efficacy in humans
  2. Advise patients who are using or considering C60 products about the lack of regulatory oversight and potential risks
  3. Encourage patients interested in antioxidant or anti-inflammatory treatments to use evidence-based therapies with established safety profiles
  4. Monitor for adverse effects in patients who choose to use C60 products despite medical advice

Future Directions

While some preliminary research suggests potential therapeutic applications for C60, properly designed human clinical trials are needed to establish:

  • Safety profile in humans
  • Effective dosing and administration methods
  • Specific medical conditions that might benefit from C60-based treatments
  • Long-term effects of C60 supplementation

Until such evidence is available, C60 should not be recommended for medical treatment.

References

5
Research

Effect of C60 fullerene nanoparticles on the diet-induced obesity in rats.

International journal of obesity (2005), 2018

6
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Related Questions

What could be causing a 51-year-old female's hair shedding and loss, elevated bilirubin level, and other abnormal laboratory results, despite taking iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) and other medications, including prenatal pills, vitamin D (cholecalciferol) 10,000 units, and omega-3 fatty acids?
What is the best management approach for a patient with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on dialysis, history of oral cancer, and recent surgery, who is experiencing dysphagia, ineffective airway clearance, agitation, delirium, and sleep disturbances, and is currently on Seroquel (quetiapine), Olanzapine, and Klonopin (clonazepam)?
What is the recommended approach for managing foreign bodies in the airway?
What is the management for a patient with a history of gastric neuroendocrine tumor presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB)?
What are the statistics on foreign bodies in the bronchi (bronchial tubes)?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question