Increasingly, herbal and nutritional remedies are being studied and tested for the prevention and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. These herbs can be taken individually or in combination remedies that are available.
Beneficial Herbs
Researchers at Duke University found that flaxseed decreased testosterone and lowered the growth rate of tumor cells. The results were thought to come from the lignans in flaxseed and perhaps from the seed's omega-3 fatty acids.
Green tea has been shown to stop the spread of prostate cancer through the action of polyphenols. These findings were published by the American Association for Cancer Research.
Other herbs found effective against prostate conditions are saw palmetto, grape seed extract, damiana, milk thistle, soy and turmeric.
Decker Weiss, a naturopathic physician (ND), treats prostate patients with calcium D-glucarate to rid the body of toxins; selenium, an antioxidant shown to be effective in preventing prostate cancer; broccoli, which inhibits cancer-causing chemicals; green tea, which kills prostate cancer cells; maitake mushroom, which has been shown to destroy prostate cancer cells; and lycopene, the carotenoid in tomatoes that kills prostate cancer cells. These nutrients can be taken separately or in one of the prostate formulas available on the market.
Herbal Formula
One combination product combines several herbal remedies and claims to prevent cancer as well as BPH. It contains Pygeum africanum, which has been popular in Europe for treating prostate conditions; panax ginseng; Equisetum arvense (horsetail) and hydrangea; and saw palmetto, which is a general tonic for the genitourinary tract.
Saw Palmetto Formula
Another combination formula contains the active ingredient in saw palmetto -- beta-sitosterols -- in much greater amounts than you could get by taking the herb alone. It also contains selenium, zinc and other minerals. Because of the potency of the formula, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor before taking this product.
Another Combination Formula
A third combination formula contains ingredients known to treat prostate conditions: quercetin, shown by the Mayo Clinic to block the growth of prostate cancer cells; reishi mushroom, long used by Chinese medicine to treat cancer; Baikal skullcap, a flavonoid; rabdosia; Dyer's woad, whose active ingredient is indirubin; chrysthanemum, a popular remedy in Chinese medicine; saw palmetto; panax ginseng; and licorice.
Warnings
According to the Mayo Clinic, some herbal products can increase risk of bleeding and interact adversely with other drugs. Saw palmetto can interfere with an accurate reading of the PSA prostate cancer test. It is best to discuss any use of herbal formulas with your doctor.
Tags: prostate cancer, cancer cells, prostate cancer cells, prostate conditions, active ingredient, been shown