There are interesting developments on the horizon regarding the use of natural herbals in the fight against prostate cancer, and Herbal Extracts Plus has custom-blended three herbs that were mentioned specifically in recent studies conducted by Rutgers University in New Jersey, the University of California at Los Angeles and Keio University, Tokyo, Japan. They include Turmeric (sometimes called Curcumin) and found in curry, the capsaicin found in Cayenne/Capsicum (Red Peppers) and Broccoli (and other cruciferous vegetables, i.e., cabbage, watercress, cauliflower, etc.). Furthermore, in view of extensive research and articles released by the National Cancer Institute, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the National Institute of Health, Lycopene is currently considered one of the most "prostate-healthy" and efficient carotenoids for protecting against cancers and an exceptional antioxidant that shields against cell-damaging free radicals. Thus, we feel that the research is far too compelling to be ignored, and Herbal Extracts Plus has added Lycopene to our formula to enhance its efficacy, and based upon these data, Herbal Extracts Plus has formulated a combination of the finest, purest and highest quality plant extracts in a superior herbal product called Prostate Health Support II, using Turmeric, Cayenne, Broccoli and Lycopene. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States with no sign of waning.  In contrast, in other cultures that consume large amounts of plant-based foods that are rich in natural phytochemicals with disease-preventive properties, the incidence of prostate cancer appears to be rather low.

Rutgers scientists injected laboratory mice with Turmeric/Curcumin and PEITC after introducing human prostate cancer cells in the animals - either alone or in tandem with phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), which is found naturally in the cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, etc.). They reported that when Turmeric or PEITC was injected separately in new cancerous tumors, the growth of the tumors was retarded, but in well-established tumors, there was little effect. However, when the combination of Curcumin and PEITC (found in Broccoli) was injected in combination, the results produced even stronger efficacy and significantly reduced tumor growth. Click here to read a related article from the American Association for Cancer Research.

According to an article from Environment News Service, "Turmeric, the mild spice that gives curry its deep yellow color, appears to have good potential for the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, particularly when combined with certain vegetables, Rutgers University scientists have discovered." Click here to read this article.

At UCLA and Keio University, researchers reported in the March, 2006, issue of Cancer Research that capsaicin (found in Cayenne) caused almost eighty percent of prostate cancer cells in mice to die.  It was reported that capsaicin inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in Petri dishes and mice and inhibited the transcription factor, NF-kappa Beta, a molecular mechanism that promotes cancer cell growth. The results of these laboratory experiments suggested that capsaicin can inhibit the growth of androgen sensitive and insensitive prostate cancer and provides a compelling argument for clinical trials in humans with prostate cancer.

The American Association for Cancer Research also has a small article about how Capsaicin inhibits the growth of mutant prostate cancer cells. Click here to read this article.

Lycopene is one of the lesser-known carotenoids that is not produced by the body and must be acquired as a supplement. As an antioxidant, Lycopene appears to digest the free radicals that damage critical cell parts, including lipids, membrane lipoproteins, proteins and DNA. During normal cellular processes, extra oxygen atoms (or free radicals) are often produced and are used by the body to destroy foreign invaders like bacteria. However, if these free radicals are allowed to roam unchecked, they can cause cellular DNA to break down, mutating the cells and transforming normal cells into unhealthy cell.  According to an article released in May, 2006, a new study, published in the journal, Urological Oncology, reported that researchers, led by Nayan Mohanty from VM Medical College and Safdarjang Hospital in New Delhi, noted that blood levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein that is used as a marker for the disease [prostate cancer], decreased by forty-two percent after supplementation.“This initial small trial has shown that Lycopene is an effective chemopreventive agent in preventing HGPIN from becoming prostate cancer,” said Mohanty. Additionally, according to the National Cancer Institute, a "preliminary investigation of twenty-one men with prostate cancer found that Lycopene supplements appeared to reduce the uncontrolled growth of prostate cancer cells (proliferation) and restored normal cell turnover (apoptosis and differentiation).

The Prostate Cancer Foundation published an article on their website discussing the benefits of Lycopene and cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli) pertaining to Prostate Cancer. Click here to read this article.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Ingredients:
A mixture of 50% Broccoli 20:1, 35% Curcumin (95% Curcuminoids), 10% Capsicum 10:1, and 5% Lycopene.

Broccoli (in addition to other members in the cruciferous family, such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, etc.) has lately been credited with the ability to enhance the body's resistance to invasion of foreign toxins and infection. Significant medical and scientific studies from Johns Hopkins suggested that the sulforaphane and histidine in Broccoli boost the body's immunity and carcinogen-fighting enzymes (quinone reductase, glutathione S-transferase) and help fight free radicals in the body that can cause damage to important cellular molecules. Free radicals are a "toxic" byproduct of everyday metabolism, but in excessive number, free radicals may be a factor in many serious ailments. Those same constituents in Broccoli appear to rid the system of harmful chemical additives, detoxify carcinogens and may reduce severe problems in the colon, rectum and prostate. The high-fiber content in Broccoli is also said to reduce transit time through the colon, thereby reducing contact time between fecal carcinogens and the colonic mucosa on the walls of the colon.  It is believed that because sulforaphane enables the body's protective proteins to do a better job at clearing out carcinogens, it would clearly be most effective during those periods when carcinogens are most active, well before any problems are clinically detectable. Both vitamin C and beta carotene (Vitamin A) are antioxidants, which are also believed to reduce and prevent the damage caused to human cells by free radicals. (Click here for more information on Broccoli)

Curcumin (also called Turmeric) is said to stimulate the immune system, and recent research claims that it appears to effectively fight free radicals. An active ingredient in Curcumin seems to be a potent anti-mutagenic and antioxidant that scavenges and combats damage-causing free radicals and epoxides.  In addition, the herb's cell-protective properties behave in the same way as the nutrient antioxidant vitamins C and E, which are also thought to inhibit free-radical reactions. Curcumin is said to work well in conjunction with, and aid recovery after, chemotherapy drug and radiation treatments. (Click here for more information on Curcumin)

Capsicum (also called Cayenne) is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. It is considered to be an overall tonic that is said to build up resistance to illness, sore throats, sinus infections and colds. New research has shown favorable results concerning the use of capsaicin (found in Capsicum and in Cayenne) in the treatment of prostate cancer patients. In addition, prostate cancer tumors treated with capsaicin were about one-fifth the size of tumors in untreated mice. (Click here for more information on Capsicum)

Lycopene is associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer (especially prostate cancer), diabetes, osteoporosis and even male infertility. According to the National Cancer Institute, preliminary investigations of men with prostate cancer found that Lycopene supplements appear to reduce the uncontrolled growth of prostate cancer cells (proliferation) and restore normal cell turnover (apoptosis and differentiation). Moreover, in view of extensive research and articles released by the National Cancer Institute, the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the National Institute of Health, Lycopene is currently considered one of the most “prostate healthy” and efficient carotenoids for protecting against cancers and an exceptional antioxidant that shields cells against free radicals that damage healthy cells. (Click here for more information on Lycopene)

Suggested Reading
Battling Bad Cells with Good Eating - A Chowhound Takes Charge of Cancer with Food.
- From MSNBC's Men's Health Section - 08/23/06
Important facts about how good food and proper nutrition can combat cancer. This article was written by a man who was diagnosed with prostate cancer and immediately made healthy (and good tasting) changes to his diet that helped him change his life for the better. (Click here to read full article)

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
This product is not recommended for those who are pregnant or nursing. It should be avoided by those taking prescription blood thinners. Consult a physician if you are currently being treated for any serious medical condition.

Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. Each capsule holds approximately 600 mgs of powdered herb material. (click here for size comparison)