GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
PC-SPES is marketed as a treatment for prostate cancer. Developed by chemist Sophie Chen PhD
in the early 1990’s, PCSPES is made from chrysanthemum,
isatis, licorice, Ganoderma lucidum, Panax pseudoginseng,
Rabdosia rubescens, saw palmetto, and
skullcap – all of which have been shown to kill cancer cells
or stimulate the immune system in laboratory studies. “PC”
stands for prostate cancer; and “SPES” is the Latin
word for hope.
ROLE IN ANTIAGING:
PC-SPES’s gained popularity as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer
after results of a study by
researchers at the University of California in San Francisco
showed that it reduced prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels by more than 50% in men with
advanced prostate cancer. (Decrease in PSA levels often
means that a prostate tumor is shrinking). Animal and laboratory studies have produced evidence
suggesting that PC-SPES inhibits the growth of certain types
of prostate cancer cells, reduces tumor incidence, slows
tumor growth, and prevent cancer spread (metastasis). However, further studies are needed to
determine whether these findings will translate to humans..
DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS: Not
applicable
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT
PC-SPES is available in capsule form and is
taken daily. Research has shown that the potency of the supplement varies from batch to batch.
The Education Center for Prostate Cancer Patients recommends
that people wishing to take PC-SPES should consult discuss
PC-SPES with their oncologist before starting treatment.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: IMPORTANT:
removed from sale in the US in February 2002 after the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that it contained undeclared prescription drugs that
could cause serious side effects if not taken under medical
supervision. PC-SPES is not suitable for women or children.
PC-SPES contains phytoestrogens that have an estrogen-like effect upon the body in the
body. Consequently PC-SPES may cause nipple tenderness,
enlarged breasts, decreased libido, and erectile
dysfunction. PC-SPES may also increase the risk of
developing blood clots, which can be fatal.
Rye Extract (Secale cereale) GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Rye extract is rich in vitamins, minerals,
enzymes (including Coenzyme Q10) and phytochemicals
such as lignans, isoflavones, and beta
1,3 glucan.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Rye is commonly used to treat colds and flu, rashes, wounds, burns, fatigue, teeth
and gums and cold sores. Coenzyme
Q10 is thought to treat heart disease and lower high
blood pressure, thus rye extract may be beneficial for the cardiovascular system
in general. Beta 1,3 glucan, which
is also found in the extract, is known to help the immune
system fight bacterial, viral, fungal
and parasitic infections by
activating key immune cells known as macrophages. Studies
have shown that rye extract can also improve the
symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
Rye extract is available in drops, creams,
gels and sprays &emdash; follow product label instructions.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICTIONS:
No side effects have been reported, however
those with an allergy to rye should not take rye extract.
