Vitamin C

Master Immune Stimulant and Antioxidant

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a major role in numerous biological functions including:

  • collagen synthesis (production of tendon, ligament, cartilage and skin)
  • immune function – increases white blood cell activity, interferon production and thymic hormone secretion.
  • cardiovascular health
  • cancer prevention

Levels of vitamin C are quickly depleted during infection. Our vitamin C is specially buffered to reduce acidity.

Vitamin C CapsulesVitamin C Buffered Capsules

One full gram of buffered vitamin C in every capsule.

An excellent source of antioxidant support, Buffered Vitamin C uses pure crystalline ascorbic acid to supply 1 gram of vitamin C in each capsule. This well-tolerated vitamin C formula supports a healthy immune system response and helps maintain healthy skin, collagen, and connective tissues.

Each (one) Capsule contains:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – 1000 mg
Calcium (as calcium carbonate) – 20 mg
Magnesium (as magnesium carbonate) – 12 mg

Suggested dose: 1 capsule, 1-3 times per day, OR 1 capsule every 1-2 hours during acute illness, OR 1 capsule 3-4 times a day for accelerated vitamin C therapy.

Vitamin C Buffered Capsules – Product # 266 (60 Capsules) $15.95

Buffered Vitamin C Does Not Contain

  • artificial coloring
  • artificial flavoring
  • corn
  • dairy products
  • gluten
  • ingredients of animal origin
  • preservatives
  • salt
  • soy
  • sugar
  • wheat
  • yeast

Other Ingredients: vegetable capsule (modified cellulose), and ascorbyl palmitate.


Vitamin C Buffered Crystals

Description – High potency buffered vitamin Cpreparation in an effervescent, mineral-rich blend. Mixes easily in water or other beverages.

Each 1/4 teaspoon contains:
Vitamin C – 1066 mg
Calcium (calcium ascorbate) – 117 mg

Suggested dose: 1/4 teaspoon, 1-3 times per day, OR 1/4 teaspoon every 1-2 hours during acute illness, OR 1/4 teaspoon 3-4 times a day for accelerated vitamin C therapy.

Vitamin C Buffered Crystals – Product # 146 (8.8 ounces) $18.95

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)


“Chaste Berry” for Hormone Balance

Vitex, commonly known as “Chaste-berry” because of it’s effect on hormones, has hormonal effects on both men and women.

Vitex inhibits the action of male androgens (sex hormones). The name “Chaste tree” came from it’s use by monks to decrease libido. Vitex effects prolactin, the hormone responsible for making breast milk in women (although men have prolactin hormone, too). In very small doses, (120mg), prolactin may be increased in men. In higher doses, prolactin is decreased in both men and women.

In men, Vitex is used to treat prostate cancer because of its ability to inhibit male hormones and keep prolactin levels low. In women, Vitex has progesterone effects and is often used as a hormone regulator when more progesterone is indicated, such as in menopause.

The more common uses of Vitex include:

  • Prostate cancer
  • Female menopause
  • PMS
  • Irregular periods
  • Infertility

Recommended dose: 2 caps (500mg) per day between meals.

REFERENCES

  1. Merz G, Gorkow C, Schrödter A, Rietbrock S, Sieder C, et al. The effects of a special Agnus castus extract (BP1095E1) on prolactin secretion in healthy male subjects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 1996; 104(6): 447-453.
  2. Sliutz G, Speiser P, Schultz AM, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res 1993;25:253–5.
  3. Böhnert KJ. The use of Vitex agnus castus for hyperprolactinemia. Quart Rev Nat Med 1997;Spring:19–21.
  4. Bone K. Vitex agnus-castus: Scientific studies and clinical applications. Eur J Herbal Med 1994;1:12–5.
  5. Milewicz A, Gejdel E, Sworen H, et al. Vitex agnus castus extract for the treatment of menstrual irregularities due to latent hyperprolactinemia. Arzneim Forsch 1993;43:752–6 [in German].

 

SMOKING…….JUST THE FACTS

  • Smoking weakens the immune system by inhibiting cellular immunity.
  • Tobacco smoke contains carbon monoxide, a substance that is toxic to the brain.
  • Tobacco smoking is associated with a higher incidence of gingivitis and tooth loss.
  • Tobacco smoke contains cadmium, a heavy metal that can cause high blood pressure, kidney stones, and other toxic symptoms.
  • Tobacco smoke induces the formation of free radicals – highly reactive molecules that can bind to normal, healthy cells and destroy them.
  • Smokers have a higher incidence of peptic ulcer disease, a decreased response to anti-ulcer medications, and a higher mortality from peptic ulcer.
  • Female smokers are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
  • Female smokers are at higher risk for premature menopause.
  • Smoking accelerates skin aging and wrinkle formation.
  • Smoking causes a decrease in penile blood flow and can cause impotence in males.
  • Smokers have a three to five-fold increase in coronary artery disease compared to non-smokers.
  • Smoking is associated with the development of urinary tract cancer, bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, cervical and uterine cancer – and yes, lung cancer.
  • Smoking is a potent risk factor for atherosclerosis.
  • 40% of heavy smokers die before they reach retirement age.
  • Nicotine causes adrenaline release, which can cause anxiety, heart palpitations, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.
  • Hydrogen cyanide, a chemical in tobacco smoke, causes inflammation of the bronchi which leads to bronchitis. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema often eventually result.
  • The adrenal stimulation caused by nicotine can aggravate hypoglycemia. Eventually, adrenal exhaustion results.
  • The American Lung Association reports that 350,000 Americans die each year from cigarette smoking. This is more than the combined deaths from illegal drugs, traffic accidents, suicide, homicide, and alcohol.

Don’t Kid Yourself.
Smoking tobacco is incompatible with a healthy lifestyle.

 

PSA CAPSULES (formerly called Prostate Support)


A PC-SPES-Like Herbal Formula for Prostate Cancer

Prostate Support – now called PSA Capsules – contains a combination of herbs that support the prostate gland and immune system in the presence of prostate cancer. This formula is similar to “PC-SPES” without the undisclosed drugs.

Suggested dose: 1-2 capsules, 3 times per day on an empty stomach.

Dr. Myatt’s comment: It is important to work with a skilled holistic physician when treating any form of cancer.

Each (two) capsules contain:
(Please Note: Due to variances in the processing of these herbs, actual mg amounts may vary slightly)

Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)………..172 mg
Baikal skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis)…..146 mg
Rabdosia root (Rabdosia rubescens) …………….120 mg
San-Qi ginseng root (Panax notoginseng)……….112 mg
Ban Lan Gen root (AKA Dyer’s Woad root)
(Isatis indigotica)…………………………………………………94 mg
Mum flower (Dendranthema morifolium) …………..78 mg
Saw Palmetto berry (Serenoa repens)……………….70 mg
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)…………………………70 mg

NOTE: This product is only available to Dr. Myatt’s private practice patients.

The Truth about PC-SPES

The product PC SPES worked well for many men. Unfortunately, it contained a number of undisclosed drugs which not only caused some undesirable side effects such as breast enlargement and tenderness, but also side effects that could be downright dangerous, even lethal. When tested, PC-SPES was found to contain diethylstilbesterol (DES), a synthetic form of the female hormone estrogen. This compound can cause a number of negative side effects, the most significant of which is blood clotting which can lead to cardiovascular events including heart attach and stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).

Another compound found in PC-SPES was Warfarin (aka “rat poison”) – a powerful blood thinner presumably included to counter the potential blood clotting effects of the DES. Finally, the drug Indomethacin (Indocid) – a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID)- was found. This drug has the potential to cause severe gastrointestinal side effects such as GI bleeding, ulceration and blood clotting problems.

It is believed that the great success of PC Spes was due to the undisclosed DES (female hormone). As many have noted, men would vary the dose to achieve the best  effect – from one or two to as many as a dozen capsules per day. This exposed men to potentially very dangerous levels of the other undisclosed drugs in addition to high hormone levels.

I am including a link to a very informative paper on this subject, an essay by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

ITM Online

Dr. Myatt’s product Prostate Support is the result of Dr. Myatt’s suspicions about the product PC Spes and her analysis of it which demonstrated the undisclosed drugs. She then formulated a replacement which contained the beneficial herbal components, without the potentially dangerous drugs. The drugs that were hidden in PC Spes are all easily available to a physician if they are needed, and Dr. Myatt felt that it was far safer and more effective to use carefully tailored separate doses of these drugs when necessary to achieve the desired effects.

This allowed Dr. Myatt to develop a very effective herbal formulation, without risking the potentially dangerous, even lethal side effects that could result from the hidden drugs. Her further observation regarding the PC Spes formula was that if the manufacturer was willing to hide drugs in it’s formula, what else was it willing to do? The drug were undisclosed – this means that the doses were also undisclosed and could be changed or even eliminated at any time.

As you will have seen from this website, we at The Wellness Club have no love for the FDA. In this instance, however, we believe that they did the right thing by removing PC Spes from the marketplace.

Dr. Myatt has a great deal of experience in treating prostate cancer. She also has a very personal interest – she has been treating her own father for prostate cancer for the two decades. His conventional physicians wanted to do the  “cut, burn, and poison” treatments when it was first discovered. Instead, Dr. Myatt pioneered a then-unconventional form of hormonal suppression therapy. This proved highly successful and she has used these techniques on hundreds of men since then with the same excellent results. Her techniques are now accepted and commonly used in conventional medicine.

Please visit our web pages where we discuss Cancer , Prostate Cancer , Prostate Enlargement , and Man Health & Fitness where Dr. Myatt discusses male hormones. There is information available on hormone testing on our Medical Tests page.

As I mentioned, my recommendation to any man who is dealing with prostate cancer – at any stage of development or treatment – is to run, not walk, to arrange a consultation with Dr. Myatt! Please see the information regarding her alternative medicine consultations  – a consultation with Dr. Myatt is an excellent investment in good health, and her patients find that the cost of her consultations is more than offset by the improved health and the money saved on both prescription drugs and treatments and on other non-prescription “treatments” of questionable value and safety.

Although different in every man who has it, prostate cancer is almost always a disease that can be managed as a chronic condition (like diabetes). Prostate cancer should certainly not be a death sentence when treated appropriately.

A transcript of the original, fully annotated notes for a lecture on Prostate Cancer presented by Dr. Myatt in May of 2000 at the 2000 Pacific Northwest Herbal Symposium may be found at the link below: Botanical and Nutritional Considerations in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer –
Dana Myatt, N.M.D.

 

Pau ‘d’ Arco


(Tabebuia spp.) [a.k.a. Lapacho]

Actions: Anti-tumor; anti-Candidal; antibiotic; immune stimulant; anti-inflammatory; tonic.

Uses: Candidiasis; fungus; immune stimulation; infections; cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER (also see CANCER)


Natural Support Strategies for the most common male cancer in the U.S.

Prostate carcinoma is the most common male cancer in the U.S. It accounts for an estimated 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers. (Other forms of prostate cancer, such as sarcoma, are rare). The incidence of disease increases with each decade of life over age 50. Prostate cancer rates have risen 108% since 1950, believed due in part to earlier detection. Death rates from the disease have increased 23% in spite of widespread use of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

There is great debate in the medical community regarding the value of conventional treatment. Prostate cancer is, in most cases, slow-growing. Increased survival rates reported in some studies may be due to earlier detection, not treatment. Many newly diagnosed and early stage cancers in older men would never progress to morbidity or mortality. Considering the risk of impotence (50-60% with surgery), incontinence (from surgery or radiation) and other treatment side-effects, the value of conventional therapy must be questioned in all cases of cancer in older men.

Prostate carcinoma is a hormone-dependent cancer. Therefore, in addition to general immune enhancing and anti-cancer therapies, hormonal manipulation has a role to play in treatment of this disease. Herbal and nutritional treatment for cancer can be considered an adjuvant therapy in all cases of prostate carcinoma and the sole therapy in many cases. Even when conventional treatment is deemed advisable, non-traditional uses of conventional hormone-suppressive drugs (called “Androgen Deprivation Therapy” or ADT), may be safer and more advantageous than standard therapy alone. This is because, in it’s early stages, prostate cancer is highly controllable with hormone-blocking therapy.

Laboratory Evaluation of Prostate Cancer

In additional to generalized immune testing and basic cancer workup (chemistry screen, CBC, TFT’s, etc.), several tests specific to prostate disease allow the clinician to track progression non-invasively and with greater accuracy. These tests include prostatic-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and prolactin.

PSA is now used as the preferred screening test for both benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer. Because PSA may be elevated in both benign and cancerous prostate disease, the test is not specific for prostate cancer. Values in the “indeterminate” range (4-12) present a special diagnostic dilemma. It is further estimated that 25% of men with prostate cancer will have PSA’s less than 4. Taken together, the PSA test poses a significant number of both false-negative and false-positive results. The PSA is an accurate measure of cancer cell activity once the diagnosis has been established.

Free-PSA is a more recent marker that has not yet been universally embraced by conventional medicine. Current research suggests that the free-PSA is a useful “next step” for evaluating elevated PSA’s. In men with PSA’s ranging from 4.1-10, higher levels of free-PSA (18.9 median value) correlated with benign disease while lower levels of free-PSA (10.1 median) correlated with cancer. It is estimated that 95% of “indeterminate” PSA reading could be clarified non-invasively with the additional use of the free-PSA test.

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) was the prostate cancer screening test that preceded use of the PSA. An elevated PAP in a patient with known prostate cancer is indicative of lymphatic spread of the disease.

Prolactin hormone is an additional growth factor to the prostate gland, and rising prolactin levels correlate with progression in advanced prostate cancer cases. Prolactin receptors are found on prostate cancer cells, and it is postulated that these receptors may facilitate the entry of testosterone into the cell. Even with hormone ablation therapy, detectable androgen remains in the blood from adrenal sources. Blocking prolactin secretion may therefore be another method for slowing progression of the disease. It is recommended that prolactin levels be kept below 3 in all patients with hormone-responsive cancers.

Specific Goals of Prostate Cancer Therapy

Testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, insulin, glucose and arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins (especially PGE2) act as growth factors for prostate cancer. Decreasing circulating levels of these hormones and blocking inflammatory pathways should be undertaken in addition to non-specific cancer therapies such as immune enhancement.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

Low saturated fat diets decrease the body’s endogenous and exogenous hormone production. Conversely, diets high in saturated fats decrease NK cell activity and increase arachidonic acid, an inflammatory precursor. Rates of breast, colon, prostate, uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers are significantly higher in countries with high saturated fat intakes. Saturated fats promote inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis while omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory.

A ketogenic (very low carbohydrate) diet such as The Super Fast Diet decreases the availability of glucose and insulin. Insulin is a growth factor for cancer and the primary metabolic pathway of cancer cells is anaerobic glycolysis, meaning that cancer cells thrive with a high glucose diet. In animal studies, even s slight change toward metabolic acidosis resulted in tumor regression. A low carbohydrate diet which induces ketosis (metabolic acidosis) may duplicate this effect. Overweight patients can afford to lose weight on such a diet, to further reduce their own hormone production. (Fat cells manufacture estrogen, a growth-promoting hormone).

Foods of Special Benefit

Garlic, lemon peel (the peel contains limonene), fish, flax seed, soy and soy products, fresh vegetables (especially non-starchy, dark leafy greens), blueberries and other berries (high in flavonoids and low in sugars), grains (whole grain only, to reduce insulin response and increase fiber content).

Grains should be used sparingly. In patients with more than twenty pounds to lose, they do not need to be used at all until desired weight is achieved.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

  • A ketogenic diet such as The Super Fast Diet should be followed to lower insulin and glucose levels.
  • Achieve and maintain an optimal body weight and BMI. (BMI 18-22).
  • Exercise regularly to improve prostate circulation. Walking and running are the best for prostate circulation because they use the major leg muscles. Cycling restricts blood flow to the prostate and testicles and should not be used as the primary form of exercise for men.

PRIMARY SUPPORT

  • Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of vitamin A, carotenes, C, D and selenium appear particularly important.
  • Omega 3 fatty acids:
    Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
    OR
    Max EPA (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day). (Or eat fish 3 times per week and use 2 teaspoons of ground flax seed per day added to food).
  • Vitamin D: 1,000-5,000IU per day based on blood test results
  • Bromelain: 1-2 caps, 3-4 times per day between meals.
  • Melatonin: 10-40mg before bed.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

(NOTE: These therapies should be undertaken with the guidance of a physician who can order laboratory tests to determine hormone levels and immune function, monitor the effectiveness of treatment, assess possible toxicity and prescribe drugs when advisable). Please strongly consider obtaining a consultation with Dr. Myatt.

To Decrease testosterone

  • Saw palmetto: Serenoa repens, S. serrulata (Palmaceae)
    Saw palmetto blocks the conversion of testosterone to
    dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and there is evidence that DHT may be five times as potent as testosterone in stimulating prostate cancer cell growth.
  • Chaste berry: Vitex agnus-castus, V. negundo (Verbenaceae)-
    Vitex spp. decreases testosterone production in vivo and inhibits prolactin synthesis and release in animal models. As the name “chaste tree” implies, this herb was traditionally used by monks to reduce libido.
  • Rx: Casodex, Flutamide, Lupron, Zoladex

To Decrease prolactin

  • Vitex spp.- Chaste tree
  • Vegetarian diet
  • Rx: Bromocriptine, Pergolide, Dostinex

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol): 1,000 I.U., 2-3 times per day with meals.
Vitamin D3 induces prostate cancer cell death (apoptosis) by apparent translocation of the cancer cell androgen receptor. This makes the cell less susceptible to testosterone-induced cell-growth stimulation. D3 encourages cancer cells to become more normal (induces differentiation), inhibits a cancer cell from developing it’s own blood supply (inhibits angiogenesis) and shows antitumor activity. Because vitamin D has the potential to cause toxicity, doses over 1,000 I.U. should be monitored by a physician. Increased blood calcium levels can result from toxicity. In clinical practice, D3 appears to benefit metastatic bone disease in higher doses, perhaps because this vitamin is needed for normal calcification of bone matrix.
Food sources of vitamin D include cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), butter, egg yolks and dark green leafy vegetables. Sunlight acting on the skin will also create vitamin D. In areas of decreased sunlight, increases of breast and colon cancer have been observed.

DR. MYATT’S COMMENTS

Prostate cancer, especially early and mid-stage cancers in older patients, respond favorably to natural remedies. Whether as an adjuvant to conventional therapy or as the sole therapy, such treatment strategies should be considered.

Cancer, including prostate cancer, behaves differently depending on the age of the patient, the extent of the disease, the patient’s basic level of health, hormone status, etc., etc. For this reason, cancer patients should seek qualified holistic medical help when designing a natural (adjuvant or primary) treatment protocol.

PHYSICIAN NOTE #1:
Digestive enzymes (multi enzymes), whether from animal sources (pancreatin, etc.) or botanical (bromelain, papain), have been shown to increase survival time, inhibit metastasis, and stimulate immune cells. Enzymes induce differentiation and inhibit angiogenesis, possibly through antifibrinolytic mechanisms. It has also been postulated that enzymes may help unmask tumor cells and make them more accessible to the immune system.

PHYSICIAN NOTE #2:
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It regulates circadian rhythms and plays a role in sleep regulation. It is also a more potent antioxidant than glutathione or vitamin E. In vitro, melatonin demonstrates anti-estrogen activity and immune stimulation. Recent research shows that melatonin inhibits cell proliferation profoundly in vivo but only weakly in vitro. It is synergistic with IL-2 and increases the effectiveness of IL-2 treatment. Dosages used are much higher in cancer treatment than for insomnia or longevity protocols.

Prostate Cancer: Case Studies

The following case studies are meant to highlight for the reader or physician the effects of diet, hormone deprivation therapy, and adjuvant therapy on prostate cancer. Information about new prostate cancer blood tests, as well as new ways to interpret older tests, are also given. Anyone with a diagnosis of cancer should be working with a knowledgeable physician. Cancer can often be controlled through non-invasive measures but regular blood tests are important to verify the success of treatment. The interpretation of such tests is best done in conjunction with a physician. I am available for consultation.

Case # 1:

An otherwise healthy 65 year old male was found on routine physical exam to have a PSA of 19.7. Digital rectal exam (DRE) was unremarkable; Gleason score 2 + 3 on biopsy. Other relevant data: weight 208 pounds, height 5’11″, blood sugar 110, cholesterol 211, triglyceride 244.

The patient had originally declined conventional treatment offered him at the time of diagnosis. He began a self-prescribed regimen of CoQ10, vitamin A,C,E, N-acetyl cystein and MGN3 (mushroom preparation). In four months, his PSA was 14.0, other vitals remained relatively unchanged.

At this point, the patient consulted me. I performed a PAP which was 1.1, normal. I put the patient on a ketogenic diet, substituted Maxi Muli formula for his separate vitamins, added Maxi Greens and vitamin D3. One month later, his PSA was 10.2, weight 189, blood sugar 83, cholesterol 167 and triglycerides 43.

Dr. Myatt’s comments

PSA is an accurate marker of prostate cancer activity after the diagnosis of cancer has been established. Any significant decreases of PSA represent a slowing of the disease process, so this number can be used in early and mid-stage prostate cancer to assess efficacy of treatment. The patient’s initial decrease of PSA was due entirely to his supplement regimen since no diet changes were made at that time.

After beginning The Super Fast Diet, the patient had a further decline in PSA, accompanied by significant improvements in blood sugar, weight, cholesterol, and triglycerides. After two months and four months, the patient’s PSA’s remain at 10.2. A continuing decline is desirable, but this “holding pattern” is still good.

The ketogenic diet made the most dramatic improvement in this case. Not only did it result in further control of the cancer, but the patient is now at lower risk for cardiac and other weight-related problems as well. It is important to remember that a disease such as prostate cancer rarely appears in isolation. Overall improvement of the patient’s health is necessary to gain control of the disease and minimize risk of other diseases. What good is it to save a person from prostate cancer only to have them die of a heart attack?

Case # 2:

An obese (250 pounds+) 56 year old male with a history of asthma was found on routine physical exam to have a PSA of 4.4 and a free PSA of 5.9, suggesting cancer. Biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. During the first four weeks after diagnosis, the patient’s PSA rose from 4.4 to 6.2, a rapid increase suggesting a possibly aggressive cancer. The PAP was within normal limits, indicating no lymphatic or extra-capsular spread.

The patient was advised to follow a The Super Fast Diet (a ketogenic diet), which would be expected to benefit both the cancer and asthma. (Obesity is associated with an increased likelihood of asthma and contributes a large hormone burden to the body because fat cells manufacture estrogen. Estrogen is a growth factor for hormone-related cancers including prostate cancer). The patient has thus far failed to follow a ketogenic diet. Hormone deprivation therapy was initiated, and this dropped the PSA to less the 0.1 in one month, indicating current control of the disease. Since cancer cells eventually “escape” hormone suppression, this treatment will not be expected to work indefinitely. During this time, the patient will be encouraged to lose weight, preferably on a ketogenic diet. I will continue to encourage him to either have surgery or become more dedicated to a non-surgical cancer control program. Prostate cancer is one form of cancer that is highly amenable to diet and lifestyle modification if the individual is willing to make some modest positive changes.

This article is developed from the lecture notes for a lecture presented by Dr. Myatt in May of 2000 at the 2000 Pacific Northwest Herbal Symposium. A transcript of the original, fully annotated notes may be found at the link below:

Botanical and Nutritional Considerations in the
Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Dana Myatt, N.M.D.


References

Lab Evaluation and Incidence

1.) Beers, Mark M.D., Berkow, Robert M.D. , editors, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Merck research Laboratories, 1999, p. 1918.
2.) Boik, John, Cancer and Natural Medicine, Oregon Medical Press, 1996, p. 87
3.) Faloon, William, Disease Prevention and Treatment Protocols, Life Extension foundation, Hollywood, FL, 1998, p. 192.
4.) Murphy, Gerald M.D., Lawrence, Walter Jr. M.D., Lenhard, Raymond M.D., Clinical Oncology, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, 1995, p. 315. [copies of this textbook may be obtained by calling your local branch of the American Cancer Society or call 1-800-ACS-2345].
5.) European Journal of Cancer, Vol 31A, No. 6, 1995.

Low Carbohydrate Diet

1.) Freedland SJ, Mavropoulos J, Wang A, Darshan M, Demark-Wahnefried W, Aronson WJ, Cohen P, Hwang D, Peterson B, Fields T, Pizzo SV, Isaacs WB. Carbohydrate restriction, prostate cancer growth, and the insulin-like growth factor axis. Prostate. 2008 Jan 1;68(1):11-9.
2.) Venkateswaran V, Haddad AQ, Fleshner NE, Fan R, Sugar LM, Nam R, Klotz LH, Pollak M. Association of diet-induced hyperinsulinemia with accelerated growth of prostate cancer (LNCaP) xenografts.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2007 Dec 5;99(23):1793-800. Epub 2007 Nov 27.
3.) Zhou W, Mukherjee P, Kiebish MA, Markis WT, Mantis JG, Seyfried TN. The calorically restricted ketogenic diet, an effective alternative therapy for malignant brain cancer.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2007 Feb 21;4:5.
4.) Borugian MJ, Sheps SB, Kim-Sing C, Van Patten C, Potter JD, Dunn B, Gallagher RP, Hislop TG. Insulin, macronutrient intake, and physical activity: are potential indicators of insulin resistance associated with mortality from breast cancer? Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Jul;13(7):1163-72.
5.) Seyfried TN, Sanderson TM, El-Abbadi MM, McGowan R, Mukherjee P.: Role of glucose and ketone bodies in the metabolic control of experimental brain cancer.Br J Cancer. 2003 Oct 6;89(7):1375-82.
6.) Muti P, Quattrin T, Grant BJ, Krogh V, Micheli A, Schünemann HJ, Ram M, Freudenheim JL, Sieri S, Trevisan M, Berrino F. Fasting glucose is a risk factor for breast cancer: a prospective study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Nov;11(11):1361-8.
7.) Meixensberger J, Herting B, Roggendorf W, Reichmann H: Metabolic patterns in malignant gliomas.J Neurooncol 1995, 24:153-161
8.) Fearon KC.: Nutritional pharmacology in the treatment of neoplastic disease.Baillieres Clin Gastroenterol. 1988 Oct;2(4):941-9.
9.) Pedersen PL: Tumor mitochondria and the bioenergetics of cancer cells. Prog Exp Tumor Res 1978, 22:190-274.

Foods of Special Benefit

Garlic

1.) Morioka, N., Morton, D.L., and Irie, R.F.: A protein fraction from aged garlic extract enhances cytotoxicity and proliferation of human lymphocytes mediated by interleukin-2 and conavalin. Proc Ann Meet Am Assoc Cancer 34:A3297, 1993.
2.) Legnani C., Frascaro M., Guazzaloca G., et al.: Effects of a dried garlic preparation on fibrinolysis and platelet aggragation in healthy subjects. Arzneim Forsch Drug Res 43:119-122, 1993.
3.) Kiesewetter H., et al.: effects of garlic coated tablets in peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Clin Investig 71:383-86, 1993.
4.) Lau, B.H., Yamasaki, T., and Gridley, D.S.: Garlic compounds modulate macrophage and T-lymphocyte function. Mol Biother 3:103-107, 1991.
5.) Dausch JG., Nixon DW.: Garlic: a review of its relationship to malignant disease. Prev Med 19:346-61, 1990.
6.) Kandil O.M., et al.: Garlic and the immune system in humans: its effect on natural killer cells. Fed Proc 46:441, 1987.
7.) Kandil, O.M. et. al.: Garlic and the immune system in humans: Its effect on natural killer cells. Fed Proc 46:441, 1987.
8.) Belman S.: Onion and garlic oils prohibit tumor promotion. Carcinogenesis 4(8):1063-5, 1983.
9.) Kroning, F.: Garlic as an inhibitor for spontaneous tumors in predisposed mice. Acta Unio Inter Contra Cancrum 20(3):855, 1964.

Super Foods

1.) Khan N, Afaq F, Mukhtar H. Cancer Chemoprevention Through Dietary Antioxidants: Progress and Promise. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2007 Dec 21 [Epub ahead of print].
2.) Moreno DA, López-Berenguer C, García-Viguera C. Effects of stir-fry cooking with different edible oils on the phytochemical composition of broccoli. J Food Sci. 2007 Jan;72(1):S064-8.
3.) Cohen JH, Kristal AR, Stanford JL. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92(1):61–8.
4.) Cohen JH, Kristal AR, Stanford JL. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. J Natl Cancer Inst 2000;92(1):61–8.
5.) Kune GA. Eating fish protects against some cancers: epidemiological and experimental evidence for a hypothesis. J Nutr Med 1990;1:139–44 [review].
6.) Rose DP, Connolley JM. Omega-3 fatty acids as cancer chemopreventive agents. Pharmacol Ther 1999;83:217–44.
7.) Demark-Wahnefried W, Price DT, Polascik TJ, et al. Pilot study of dietary fat restriction and flaxseed supplementation in men with prostate cancer before surgery: exploring the effects on hormonal levels, prostate-specific antigen, and histopathologic features. Urology2001;58:47–52.
8.) Davis JN, Singh B, Bhuiyan M, Sarkar FH. Genistein-induced upregulation of p21WAF1, downregulation of cyclin B, and induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. Nutr Cancer 1998;32:123–31.
9.) Barnes S, Peterson TG, Coward L. Rationale for the use of genistein-containing soy matrices in chemoprevention trials for breast and prostate cancer. J Cell Biochem Suppl 1995;22:181–7.
10.) Jacobsen BK, Knutsen SF, Fraser GE. Does high soy milk intake reduce prostate cancer incidence? The Adventist Health Study (United States). Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:553–7.
11.) Geller J, Sionit L, Partido C, et al. Genistein inhibits the growth of human-patient BPH and prostate cancer in histoculture. Prostate 1998;34:75–9.

Body Weight (BMI) and Prostate Cancer

1.) Talamini R, La Vecchia C, Decarli A, et al. Nutrition, social factors and prostatic cancer in a Northern Italian population. Br J Cancer 1986;53:817–21.
2.) Andersson S-O, Wolk A, Bergstrom R, et al. Body size and prostate cancer: a 20-year follow-up study among 135,006 Swedish construction workers. J Natl Cancer Inst 1997;89:385–9.

Exercise and Prostate Cancer

1.) Greenspan SL. Approach to the prostate cancer patient with bone disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Jan;93(1):2-7.
2.) Barnard RJ, Leung PS, Aronson WJ, Cohen P, Golding LA.A mechanism to explain how regular exercise might reduce the risk for clinical prostate cancer. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2007 Oct;16(5):415-21.
3.) Darlington GA, Kreiger N, Lightfoot N, Purdham J, Sass-Kortsak A. Prostate cancer risk and diet, recreational physical activity and cigarette smoking. Chronic Dis Can. 2007;27(4):145-53.
4.) Farrell SW, Cortese GM, Lamonte MJ, Blair SN. Cardiorespiratory fitness, different measures of adiposity, and cancer mortality in men. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2007 Dec;15(12):3140-9.
5.) Galvão DA, Taaffe DR, Spry N, Newton RU. Exercise can prevent  and even reverse adverse effects of androgen suppression treatment in men with prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2007;10(4):340-6. Epub 2007 May 8.
6.) Kruk J. Physical activity in the prevention of the most frequent chronic diseases: an analysis of the recent evidence. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2007 Jul-Sep;8(3):325-38.
7.) Monga U, Garber SL, Thornby J, Vallbona C, Kerrigan AJ, Monga TN, Zimmermann KP. Exercise prevents fatigue and improves quality of life in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2007 Nov;88(11):1416-22.
8.) Chang SC, Ziegler RG, Dunn B, Stolzenberg-Solomon R, Lacey JV Jr, Huang WY, Schatzkin A, Reding D, Hoover RN, Hartge P, Leitzmann MF. Association of energy intake and energy balance with postmenopausal breast cancer in the prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer screening trial. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2006 Feb;15(2):334-41.

Multiple Vitamins and Cancer / Prostate Cancer

1.) Simone CB 2nd, Simone NL, Simone V, Simone CB. Antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and can increase kill and increase survival, part 1. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):22-8.
2.) Simone CB 2nd, Simone NL, Simone V, Simone CB. Antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and can increase kill and increase survival, Part 2. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Mar-Apr;13(2):40-7.
3.) Moss RW. Should patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy be prescribed antioxidants? Integr Cancer Ther. 2006 Mar;5(1):63-82.
4.) Moyad MA. The use of complementary/preventive medicine to prevent prostate cancer recurrence/progression following definitive therapy. Part II–rapid review of dietary supplements. Curr Opin Urol. 2003 Mar;13(2):147-51.
5.) Kristal AR, Stanford JL, Cohen JH, Wicklund K, Patterson RE.Vitamin and mineral supplement use is associated with reduced risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1999 Oct;8(10):887-92.

Antioxidants (General) and Prostate Cancer

1.) Simone CB 2nd, Simone NL, Simone V, Simone CB. Antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and can increase kill and increase survival, part 1. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):22-8.
2.) Simone CB 2nd, Simone NL, Simone V, Simone CB. Antioxidants and other nutrients do not interfere with chemotherapy or radiation therapy and can increase kill and increase survival, Part 2. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 Mar-Apr;13(2):40-7.
3.) Kirsh VA, Hayes RB, Mayne ST, Chatterjee N, Subar AF, Dixon LB, Albanes D, Andriole GL, Urban DA, Peters U; PLCO Trial. Supplemental and dietary vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C intakes and prostate cancer risk.J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006 Feb 15;98(4):245-54.
4.) Berger MM. Can oxidative damage be treated nutritionally? Clin Nutr. 2005 Apr;24(2):172-83.
5.) Ferguson LR, Philpott M, Karunasinghe N. Dietary cancer and prevention using antimutagens. Toxicology. 2004 May 20;198(1-3):147-59.
6.) Borek C. Dietary antioxidants and human cancer.Integr Cancer Ther. 2004 Dec;3(4):333-41.
7.) Prasad KN. Multiple dietary antioxidants enhance the efficacy of standard and experimental cancer therapies and decrease their toxicity. Integr Cancer Ther. 2004 Dec;3(4):310-22.
8.) Heyland DK, Dhaliwal R, Suchner U, Berger MM. Antioxidant nutrients: a systematic review of trace elements and vitamins in the critically ill patient. Intensive Care Med. 2005 Mar;31(3):327-37. Epub 2004 Dec 17.
9.) Drisko JA, Chapman J, Hunter VJ. The use of antioxidant therapies during chemotherapy. Gynecol Oncol. 2003 Mar;88(3):434-9.
10.) Prasad KN, Cole WC, Kumar B, Prasad KC. Scientific rationale for using high-dose multiple micronutrients as an adjunct to standard and experimental cancer therapies. J Am Coll Nutr. 2001 Oct;20(5Suppl):450S-463S; discussion 473S-475S.
11.) Lamson DW, Brignall MS. Antioxidants in cancer therapy; their actions and interactions with oncologic therapies. Altern Med Rev. 1999 Oct;4(5):304-29.
12.) Prasad KN, Kumar A, Kochupillai V, Cole WC. High doses of multiple antioxidant vitamins: essential ingredients in improving the efficacy of standard cancer therapy. J Am Coll Nutr. 1999
Feb;18(1):13-25.
13.) Lupulescu A. The role of vitamins A, beta-carotene, E and C in cancer cell biology. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 1994;64(1):3-14.
14.) Stähelin HB. Critical reappraisal of vitamins and trace minerals in nutritional support of cancer patients. Support Care Cancer. 1993 Nov;1(6):295-7.

Vitamin A , Carotenes and Prostate Cancer

1.)  Wu K, Erdman JW Jr, Schwartz SJ, Platz EA, Leitzmann M, Clinton SK, DeGroff V, Willett WC, Giovannucci E.Plasma and dietary carotenoids, and the risk of prostate cancer: a nested case-control study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004 Feb;13(2):260-9.
2.) Gann PH, Ma J, Giovannucci E, Willett W, Sacks FM, Hennekens CH,Stampfer MJ. Lower prostate cancer risk in men with elevated plasma lycopene levels: results of a prospective analysis. Cancer Res. 1999 Mar 15;59(6):1225-30.
3.) Giovannucci E, Ascherio A, Rimm EB, Stampfer MJ, Colditz GA, Willett WC. ake of carotenoids and retinol in relation to risk of prostate cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1995 Dec 6;87(23):1767-76.
4.) Majewski S, Szmurlo A, Marczak M, Jablonska S, Bollag W.: Synergistic effect of retinoids and interferon alpha on tumor-induced angiogenesis: anti-angiogenic effect on HPV-harboring
tumor-cell lines.Int J Cancer. 1994 Apr 1;57(1):81-5.

Vitamin C and Cancer / Prostate cancer

1.) Hanck A. Vitamin C and cancer. Int J Vit Nutr Res 1983;(Suppl #24):87–104 [review].
2.) Murata A, Morishige F, Yamaguchi H. Prolongation of survival times of terminal cancer patients by administration of large doses of ascorbate. Int J Vit Nutr Res 1982;(Suppl #23):103–14.
3.)  Cameron E, Pauling L. Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer: reevaluation of prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1978;75:4538–42.
4.) Cameron E, Pauling L. Supplemental ascorbate in the supportive treatment of cancer: prolongation of survival times in terminal human cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1976;73:3685–9.

Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer

1.) Lappe J, Travers-Gustafson D, Davies K, Recker R, Heaney R. Vitamin D and calcium supplementation reduces cancer risk: results of a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Jun;85(6):1586-91.
2.) Ma Y, et al. Study presented at the 2007 centennial meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), April 14 to 18, 2007, Los Angeles.
3.) Holick MF.: Vitamin D: Its role in cancer prevention and treatment. Prog Biophys Mol Biol. 2006 Mar 10;
4.)Woo TCS, Choo R, Jamieson M, et al. Pilot study: potential role of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) in patients with PSA relapse after definitive therapy. Nutr Cancer 2005;51:32–6.
5.) Schwartz GG, Eads D, Rao A, Cramer SD, Willingham MC, Chen TC, Jamieson DP, Wang L, Burnstein KL, Holick MF, Koumenis C.:Pancreatic cancer cells express 25-hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha-hydroxylase and their proliferation is inhibited by the prohormone 25-hydroxyvitamin D3.Carcinogenesis. 2004 Jun;25(6):1015-26. Epub 2004 Jan 23.
6.) Wietrzyk J, Pelczynska M, Madej J, Dzimira S, Kusnierczyk H, Kutner A, Szelejewski W, Opolski A.: Toxicity and antineoplastic effect of (24R)-1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (PRI-2191).Steroids. 2004 Sep;69(10):629-35.
7.) Vegesna V, O’Kelly J, Said J, Uskokovic M, Binderup L, Koeffle HP.: Ability of potent vitamin D3 analogs to inhibit growth of prostate cancer cells in vivo. Anticancer Res. 2003 Jan-Feb;23(1A):283-9.
8.) Grant WB. An estimate of premature cancer mortality in the U.S. due to inadequate doses of solar ultraviolet-B radiation. Cancer. 2002 Mar 15;94(6):1867-75.
9.) Majewski S, Skopinska M, Marczak M, Szmurlo A, Bollag W, Jablonska S.: Vitamin D3 is a potent inhibitor of tumor cell-induced angiogenesis. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 1996 Apr;1(1):97-101.
10.) Schwartz GG, Hill CC, Oeler TA, Becich MJ, Bahnson RR.1,25-Dihydroxy-16-ene-23-yne-vitamin D3 and prostate cancer cell proliferation in vivo. Urology. 1995 Sep;46(3):365-9.
11.) Majewski S, Szmurlo A, Marczak M, Jablonska S, Bollag W.: Inhibition of tumor cell-induced angiogenesis by retinoids, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and their combination.Cancer Lett. 1993 Nov 30;75(1):35-9.

Selenium and Cancer / Prostate Cancer

1.) Meyer F, Galan P, Douville P, et al. Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation and prostate cancer prevention in the SU.VI.MAX trial. Int J Cancer 2005;116:182–6.
2.) Li H, Stampfer MJ, Giovannucci EL, Morris JS, Willett WC, Gaziano JM, Ma J.A prospective study of plasma selenium levels and prostate cancer risk. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2004 May 5;96(9):696-703.
3.)Clark LC, Combs GF Jr, Turnbull BW, et al. Effects of selenium supplementation for cancer prevention in patients with carcinoma of the skin. JAMA 1996;276:1957–63.
4.)  Knekt P, Aromaa A, Maatela J, et al. Serum selenium and subsequent risk of cancer among Finnish men and women. J Natl Cancer Inst 1990;82:864–8.
5.) Fex G, Pettersson B, Akesson B. Low plasma selenium as a risk factor for cancer death in middle-aged men. Nutr Cancer 1987;10:221–9.
6.) Medina D. Mechanisms of selenium inhibition of tumorigenesis. Adv Exp Med Biol 1986;206:465–72.
7.) Willett WC, Polk BF, Morris JS, et al. Prediagnostic serum Selenium and risk of cancer. Lancet 1983;42:130–4.
8.) Beisel WR. Single nutrients and immunity. Am J Clin Nutr 1982;35:417–68.
9.) Shamberger RJ, Rukoven E, Lonfield AK, et al. Antioxidants and cancer. Selenium in the blood of normals and cancer patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 1973;4:863–70.

Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer

1.) Ritch CR, Wan RL, Stephens LB, Taxy JB, Huo D, Gong EM, Zagaja GP, Brendler CB. Dietary fatty acids correlate with prostate cancer biopsy grade and volume in Jamaican men. J Urol. 2007 Jan;177(1):97-101; discussion 101.
2.) Hedelin M, Chang ET, Wiklund F, Bellocco R, Klint A, Adolfsson J, Shahedi K, Xu J, Adami HO, Grönberg H, Bälter KA. Association of frequent consumption of fatty fish with prostate cancer risk is modified by COX-2 polymorphism. Int J Cancer. 2007 Jan 15;120(2):398-405.
3.) Kobayashi N, Barnard RJ, Henning SM, Elashoff D, Reddy ST, Cohen P, Leung P, Hong-Gonzalez J, Freedland SJ, Said J, Gui D, Seeram NP, Popoviciu LM, Bagga D, Heber D, Glaspy JA, Aronson WJ.Effect of altering dietary omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratios on prostate cancer membrane composition, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2. Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Aug 1;12(15):4662-70.
4.) Pilot study to explore effects of low-fat, flaxseed-supplemented diet on proliferation of benign prostatic epithelium and prostate-specific antigen. Urology. 2004 May;63(5):900-4.
5.) Augustsson K, Michaud DS, Rimm EB, Leitzmann MF, Stampfer MJ, Willett WC, Giovannucci E. A prospective study of intake of fish and marine fatty acids and prostate cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2003 Jan;12(1):64-7.
6.) Dietary fat and cancer.Am J Med. 2002 Dec 30;113 Suppl 9B:63S-70S
7.) Pilot study of dietary fat restriction and flaxseed supplementation in men with prostate cancer before surgery: exploring the effects on hormonal levels, prostate-specific antigen, and histopathologic features. Urology. 2001 Jul;58(1):47-52.
8.) Comparison of fatty acid profiles in the serum of patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical Biochemistry, Vol. 32, August 1999, pp. 405-09.

Bromelain (anasas comosus) and Cancer

1.)Kalra N, Bhui K, Roy P, Srivastava S, George J, Prasad S, Shukla Y.Regulation of p53, nuclear factor kappaB and cyclooxygenase-2 expression by bromelain through targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in mouse skin.Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2008 Jan 1;226(1):30-7. Epub 2007 Aug 23.
2.) Báez R, Lopes MT, Salas CE, Hernández M. In vivo antitumoral activity of stem pineapple (Ananas comosus) bromelain. Planta Med. 2007 Oct;73(13):1377-83. Epub 2007 Sep 24.
3.) Beuth J, Braun JM. Modulation of murine tumor growth and colonization by bromelaine, an extract of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosum L.).In Vivo. 2005 Mar-Apr;19(2):483-5.
4.) Wallace JM. Nutritional and botanical modulation of the inflammatory cascade–eicosanoids, cyclooxygenases, and lipoxygenases–as an adjunct in cancer therapy. Integr Cancer Ther. 2002 Mar;1(1):7-37; discussion 37.
5.) Maurer HR.Bromelain: biochemistry, pharmacology and medical use. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2001 Aug;58(9):1234-45.
6.) Desser L, Holomanova D, Zavadova E, Pavelka K, Mohr T, Herbacek I. Oral therapy with proteolytic enzymes decreases excessive TGF-beta levels in human blood. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;47 Suppl:S10-5.
7.) Hubarieva HO, Kindzel’s’kyĭ LP, Ponomar’ova OV, Udatova TV, Shpil’ova SI, Smolanka II, Korovin SI, Ivankin VS. Systemic enzymotherapy as a method of prophylaxis of postradiation complications in oncological patients] Lik Sprava. 2000 Oct-Dec;(7-8):94-100.
8.) Zavadova E, Desser L, Mohr T. Stimulation of reactive oxygen species production and cytotoxicity in human neutrophils in vitro and after oral administration of a polyenzyme preparation. Cancer Biother. 1995 Summer;10(2):147-52.
9.) Taussig SJ, Batkin S. Bromelain, the enzyme complex of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and its clinical application. An update. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988 Feb-Mar;22(2):191-203.
10.) Batkin S, Taussig SJ, Szekerezes J. Antimetastatic effect of bromelain with or without its proteolytic and anticoagulant activity. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 1988;114(5):507-8.

Melatonin and Cancer

1.) Lissoni P, Barni S, Mandalà, et al. Decreased toxicity and increased efficacy of cancer chemotherapy using the pineal hormone melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients with poor clinical status. Eur J Cancer 1999;35:1688–92.
2.) Lissoni P, Cazzanga M, Tancini G, et al. Reversal of clinical resistance to LHRH analogue in metastatic prostate cancer by the pineal hormone melatonin: efficacy of LHRH analogue plus melatonin in patients progressing on LHRH analogue alone. Eur Urol 1997;31:178–81.
3.) Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Tancini G, et al. Is there a role for melatonin in the treatment of neoplastic cachexia? Eur J Cancer 1996;32A:1340–3.
4.) Lissoni P, Paolorossi F, Tancini G, et al. A phase II study of tamoxifen plus melatonin in metastatic solid tumour patients. Br J Cancer 1996;74:1466–8.
5.) Lissoni P, Barni S, Cazzaniga M, Ardizzoia A, Rovelli F, Brivio F, Tancini G.: Efficacy of the concomitant administration of the pineal hormone melatonin in cancer immunotherapy with low-dose IL-2 in patients with advanced solid tumors who had progressed on IL-2 alone. Oncology. 1994 Jul-Aug;51(4):344-7.
6.) Lissoni P, Barni S, Crispino S, et al. Endocrine and immune effects of melatonin therapy in metastatic cancer patients. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol 1989;25:789–95.

Saw Palmetto (Actions)

1.) Di Silverio F, Monti S, Sciarra A, et al. Effects of long-term treatment with Serenoa repens (Permixon®) on the concentrations and regional distribution of androgens and epidermal growth factor in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate 1998;37:77–83.
2. Strauch G, Perles P, Vergult G, et al. Comparison of finasteride (Proscar®) and Serenoa repens (Permixon®) in the inhibition of 5-alpha reductase in healthy male volunteers. Eur Urol 1994;26:247–52.

Chaste Berry (Vitex) Actions

1.) Sliutz G, Speiser P, Schultz AM, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res 1993;25:253–5.
2.) Böhnert KJ. The use of Vitex agnus castus for hyperprolactinemia. Quart Rev Nat Med 1997;Spring:19–21.

 

Potassium Iodide

Potassium Iodide (KI) Can Shield You From Thyroid Cancer

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A RADIATION EMERGENCY?

With over 100 active commercial nuclear reactors in the United States, we live in constant threat of a nuclear emergency every day. A terrorist attack on any one of these facilities, or the release of a “dirty bomb” is also a possibility in today’s “highly charged” world. In fact, in an emergency, if you live within 200 miles of a nuclear reactor, you have a high risk of being exposed to significant doses of radioactive isotopes. In the event of a nuclear accident or attack radioactive materials can be released into the atmosphere, a high percentage of which is radioactive iodine. When a radioactive iodine cloud passes through a populated area, the radiation is concentrated into the thyroid gland of those exposed. The result is irreparable damage to the thyroid, which can lead to cancer. The 1986 Chernobyl accident in the Ukraine is a tragic example as is the Fukushima tragedy in Japan.

Even reactors in other countries can have adverse effects on people in the United States as prevailing winds can quickly spread the radioactive particulate matter from nuclear disasters.

The best protection against thyroid damage and thyroid cancer induced by radioactive iodine exposure is Potassium Iodide. This simple compound protects the thyroid by saturating all of the iodine binding sites in the gland, leaving no room for the binding of radioactive iodine. Potassium Iodide is a low-cost way to protect yourself and your family against the long-term consequences of exposure to radiation. When used correctly, potassium iodide tablets can prevent or reduce the amount of radioactive iodine taken up by the thyroid gland. Even the government and the military stocks up on potassium iodide in case of nuclear disaster.

The body can’t distinguish between radioactive and the benign version of iodine, which is necessary for thyroid function. Taking 130 mg of potassium iodide, the dosage widely recommended for the blocking of radioactive iodine in the event of a nuclear disaster, can quickly and completely protect the thyroid gland, which is one of the organs most commonly damaged by radioactive fallout.

It is important to remember that the precise dose of Potassium Iodide, whether it is 130mg or 125mg or 150mg (for a full-sized adult) is less critical than just simply offering the thyroid a good dose that will allow it to ignore the radioactive iodine that a person may have been exposed to.

Many Americans are cronically “undernourished” with iodine – iodine deficiency is common in North America. The FDA and CDC and other government agencies acknowledge this implicitly by recommending the use of Potassium Iodide in a radiation emergency since a thyroid gland that is not iodine deficient will not be prone to take up radioactive iodine.

Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club offers a selection of supplements that contain potassium iodide.

Tablets are scored for easy breakage in the case of any need for exact or reduced dosages as recommended for children and pets.

How much do you need? The FDA recommends that you have one 130mg dose per person available for immediate use and up to 14 additional 130mg doses available for continuing use if needed.

Here is what the FDA recommends:

 What doses of potassium iodide (KI) should be taken for specific exposure levels?

Exposures greater than 5 cGy:
Birth through 1 mo.  – 16 mg.
1 mo. through 3 yrs.  – 32 mg.
3 yrs through 18 yrs.  – 65 mg. (Adolescents>150 pounds should take adult dose.)

Exposures greater than 10 cGy:
18 yrs through 40 yrs. – 130 mg

Exposures greater than 500 cGy:
Adults over 40 yrs – 130 mg.

7.  How long should potassium iodide (KI) be taken?

Since KI protects for approximately 24 hours, it should be dosed daily until the risk no longer exists.  Priority with regard to evacuation and sheltering should be given to pregnant females and neonates because of the potential for KI to suppress thyroid function in the fetus and neonate.  Unless other protective measures are not available, we do not recommend repeat dosing in pregnant females and neonates.

Remember that during an emergency, you may not be able to get to your home, thus it is recommended to have potassium iodide tablets stored in several places as well. Since the shelf life of this product is virtually unlimited, you should have to purchase your supply only once. Have this on hand for your family, and remember the children, pets, grandchildren, too!

Iodine for Radiation Protection

Iodoral – The Most Trusted Brand Of Natural Iodine

Iodoral (Iodine) For Healthy Thyroid FunctionIodoral® iodine tablets contain both iodine and iodide as the potassium salt. The preparation is absorbed into colloidal silica to prevent gastric irritation and specially coated with a thin film of pharmaceutical glaze to eliminate unpleasant taste.

Recommended Dose for daily use: 12.5 mg tablets – 1-2 tablets, 1-2 times per day as determined by iodine testing. A retest is suggested after 3 months. Best taken in the morning and afternoon to avoid nighttime stimulation.

Once whole body iodine sufficiency is achieved, Iodoral® maintenance dose is typically 1-4 tablets daily. People with thyroid disorders should work closely with their holistic physician or other health care professional.

NOTE: People with known iodine sensitivity should NOT use this product!

To make it easy to be prepared for a Radiation Emergency Dr. Myatt has Iodoral available:


Product # 309 Iodoral -90 tablets per bottle; 12.5mg iodine/iodide per tablet. $29.95


A More Convenient Product Is Also Available For Your Preparedness Kit:

Potassium Iodide Emergency Packs

Inexpensive protection – Click here to learn More.


Also Valuable for your Radiation Protection kit:

Modifilan (Laminaria japonica)

Thyroid and Immune Stimulant, Detoxification and Energizing Aid from the Sea

ModifilanThis “herb” (a variety of seaweed) might be the most important natural health discovery of the decade!

Modifilan was reportedly developed in Russia by scientists at the State Rehabilitation Institute, where victims of the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe underwent treatment.

Hand-harvested from far Northern Pacific waters, Laminaria kelp has numerous health properties that set it apart from other species of seaweed.

Beneficial substances found in Modifilan include:

  • Organic iodine: Organic iodine feeds the thyroid gland, promoting normal metabolism and glandular function.
  • Fucoidan: a polysaccharide that promotes cancer cell death (apoptosis) and stimulates the immune system in animal studies. (1-4)
  • Laminarin: a polysaccharide that improves gut health in animal studies.(5)
  • Fucoxanthin: a natural pigment in the carotenoid family, is a potent antioxidant.(6-11)
  • Alginate: a natural polysaccharide that binds water and chelates radioactive toxins such as iodine-131 and strontium-90.(12-14)

Modifilan may be useful for:

  • Boosting the immune system with anti-viral and anti-cancer properties. (1-4, 15-21)
  • Helping lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels. (22-23)
  • Detoxifying the body from heavy metals, radioactive elements, free radicals and toxins.(12-14)
  • Aiding weight loss by improving thyroid, metabolism and GI-tract function.(24-25)
  • Helping smokers detoxify from heavy metals including strontium and cadmium.(12-14)

It takes 40 pounds or raw seaweed (conscientiously harvested to protect habitat) to make one pound of Modifilan.

Put some “pep in your step,” stimulate weight loss and energy while improving your immune system. This specially processed Laminaria is truly a unique gift from the sea.

Dr. Myatt’s Comment: Many of the “anti-cancer” and immune claims for Modifilan and other seaweed products have not yet been substantiated in humans. However, Modifilan is an excellent source of organic iodine and should be considered by anyone with low thyroid function.

Suggested dose:

For general health maintenance, 4-6 capsules per day.
For heavy metal chelation: 12 capsules per day.
For cancer: as directed by your physician (usually 6-12 capsules per day in divided doses).

#844 Modifilan (90 Caps) $29.97

Enter Quantity Desired and Click “Add To Cart” Button

References:

Potassium Iodide:

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) final Guidance on Potassium Iodide as a Thyroid Blocking Agent in Radiation Emergencies.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FAQ page on Potassium Iodide

Modifilan:

1.) Funahashi H, Imai T, Mase T, et al. Seaweed prevents breast cancer? Jpn J Cancer Res. 2001;92(5):483-487.
2.) Furusawa E, Furusawa S. Anticancer potential of Viva-Natural, a dietary seaweed extract, on Lewis lung carcinoma in comparison with chemical immunomodulators and on cyclosporine-accelerated AKR leukemia. Oncology. 1989;46(5):343-348.
3.) Itoh H, Noda H, Amano H, et al. Antitumor activity and immunological properties of marine algal polysaccharides, especially fucoidan, prepared from Sargassum thunbergii of Phaeophyceae. Anticancer Res. 1993;13(6A):2045-2052.
4.) Go H, Hwang HJ, Nam TJ. A glycoprotein from Laminaria japonica induces apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells. Toxicol In Vitro. 2010 Sep;24(6):1546-53. Epub 2010 Jul 6.
5.) Lynch MB, Sweeney T, Callan JJ, O’Sullivan JT, O’Doherty JV. The effect of dietary Laminaria-derived laminarin and fucoidan on nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilisation, intestinal microflora and volatile fatty acid concentration in pigs. J Sci Food Agric. 2010 Feb;90(3):430-7.
6.) Park PJ, Kim EK, Lee SJ, Park SY, Kang DS, Jung BM, Kim KS, Je JY, Ahn CB. Protective effects against H2O2-induced damage by enzymatic hydrolysates of an edible brown seaweed, sea tangle (Laminaria japonica). J Med Food. 2009 Feb;12(1):159-66.
7.) Wang J, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Li Z. Antioxidant activity of sulfated polysaccharide fractions extracted from Laminaria japonica. Int J Biol Macromol. 2008 Mar 1;42(2):127-32. Epub 2007 Oct 9.
8.) Wang J, Wang F, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Shi X, Li P. Synthesized different derivatives of low molecular fucoidan extracted from Laminaria japonica and their potential antioxidant activity in vitro. Int J Biol Macromol. 2009 Jun 1;44(5):379-84. Epub 2009 Feb 13.
9.) Wang J, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Song H, Li P. Potential antioxidant and anticoagulant capacity of low molecular weight fucoidan fractions extracted from Laminaria japonica. Int J Biol Macromol. 2010 Jan 1;46(1):6-12. Epub 2009 Oct 31.
10.) Yan X, Chuda Y, Suzuki M, Nagata T. Fucoxanthin as the major antioxidant in Hijikia fusiformis, a common edible seaweed. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1999;63:605–7.
11.) Sachindra NM, Sato E, Maeda H, et al. Radical scavenging and singlet oxygen quenching activity of marine carotenoid fucoxanthin and its metabolites. J Agric Food Chem 2007;55:8516–22.
12.) Davis TA, Volesky B, Mucci A. A review of the biochemistry of heavy metal biosorption by brown algae. Water Res. 2003 Nov;37(18):4311-30.
13.) Sutton, A., Harrison, G. E., Carr, T. E., and Barltrop, D. Reduction in the absorption of dietary strontium in children by an alginate derivative. Br. J.Radiol. 44[523], 567. 1971.
14.) Sutton, A., Harrison, B. E., Carr, T. E., and Barltrop, D. Reduction in the absorption of dietary strontium in children by an alginate derivative. Int.J.Radiat.Biol.Relat Stud.Phys.Chem.Med. 19[1], 79-85. 1971
15.) [No authors listed][Production of cytokines by murine bone marrow dendritic cells in vitro mediated by sulfated polysaccharides obtained from sea brown algae].Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol. 2010 Sep-Oct;(5):34-9. [Article in Russian]
16.) Damonte EB, Matulewicz MC, Cerezo AS. Sulfated seaweed polysaccharides as antiviral agents. Curr Med Chem. 2004 Sep;11(18):2399-419.
17.) Gerasimenko NI, Chaĭkina EL, Busarova NG, Anisimov MM. [Antimicrobic and hemolytic activity of low-molecular metabolits of brown seaweed Laminaria cichorioides Miyabe].Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol. 2010 Jul-Aug;46(4):467-71. [Article in Russian]
18.) Ishikawa C, Tafuku S, Kadekaru T, Sawada S, Tomita M, Okudaira T, Nakazato T, Toda T, Uchihara JN, Taira N, Ohshiro K, Yasumoto T, Ohta T, Mori N. Anti-adult T-cell leukemia effects of brown algae fucoxanthin and its deacetylated product, fucoxanthinol. Int J Cancer. 2008 Dec 1;123(11):2702-12.
19.) Kim KN, Heo SJ, Kang SM, Ahn G, Jeon YJ. Fucoxanthin induces apoptosis in human leukemia HL-60 cells through a ROS-mediated Bcl-xL pathway. Toxicol In Vitro. 2010 Sep;24(6):1648-54. Epub 2010 Jun 8.
20.) Makarenkova ID, Deriabin PG, L’vov DK, Zviagintseva TN, Besednova NN. [Antiviral activity of sulfated polysaccharide from the brown algae Laminaria japonica against avian influenza A (H5N1) virus infection in the cultured cells]. Vopr Virusol. 2010 Jan-Feb;55(1):41-5. [Article in Russian].
21.) Yamamoto K, Ishikawa C, Katano H, Yasumoto T, Mori N. Fucoxanthin and its deacetylated product, fucoxanthinol, induce apoptosis of primary effusion lymphomas. Cancer Lett. 2010 Nov 13. [Epub ahead of print]
22.) Bu T, Liu M, Zheng L, Guo Y, Lin X. α-Glucosidase inhibition and the in vivo hypoglycemic effect of butyl-isobutyl-phthalate derived from the Laminaria japonica rhizoid. Phytother Res. 2010 Nov;24(11):1588-91. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3139.
23.) Woo MN, Jeon SM, Kim HJ, Lee MK, Shin SK, Shin YC, Park YB, Choi MS. Fucoxanthin supplementation improves plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism and blood glucose concentration in high-fat fed C57BL/6N mice. Chem Biol Interact. 2010 Aug 5;186(3):316-22. Epub 2010 May 16.
24.) Woo MN, Jeon SM, Shin YC, Lee MK, Kang MA, Choi MS. Anti-obese property of fucoxanthin is partly mediated by altering lipid-regulating enzymes and uncoupling proteins of visceral adipose tissue in mice. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2009 Dec;53(12):1603-11.
25.) You JS, Sung MJ, Chang KJ. Evaluation of 8-week body weight control program including sea tangle (Laminaria japonica) supplementation in Korean female college students. Nutr Res Pract. 2009 Winter;3(4):307-14. Epub 2009 Dec 31.

Prostate Cancer


:

Lecture Notes By Dr. Myatt

The text that follows is a transcript of the lecture notes for a lecture presented by Dr. Myatt in May of 2000 at the 2000 Pacific Northwest Herbal Symposium where Dr. Myatt was a featured lecturer speaking on several subjects. It is reproduced here in it’s entirety including annotations and references (as is expected of any lecture presented to a medical or scientific body) so that readers may verify the information for themselves and engage in further research. We hope that this will be information useful to persons with an interest in this disease.

Botanical and Nutritional Considerations in the Treatment of

Dana Myatt, N.M.D.

Abstract

Prostate carcinoma is a hormone-dependent cancer. Therefore, in addition to general immune enhancing and anti-cancer therapies, hormonal manipulation has a role to play in treatment of this disease.

Overview

Prostate carcinoma is the most common male cancer in the U.S. It accounts for an estimated 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers. (Other forms of prostate cancer, such as sarcoma, are rare and are not hormone-dependent). The incidence of disease increases with each decade of life over age 50. (1) Prostate cancer rates have risen 108% since 1950, believed due in part to earlier detection. Death rates from this disease have increased 23%. 
There is great debate in the medical community regarding the value of conventional treatment. Prostate cancer is, in most cases, slow-growing. Increased survival rates reported in some studies may be due to earlier detection, not treatment. Many newly diagnosed and early stage cancers in older men would never progress to morbidity or mortality. Considering the risk of impotence (50-60% with surgery), incontinence (from surgery or radiation) and other treatment side-effects, the value of conventional therapy must be questioned in all cases of cancer in older men.

Botanical and nutritional treatment for cancer can be considered an adjuvant therapy in all cases of prostate carcinoma and the sole therapy in many. Even when conventional treatment is deemed advisable, non-traditional uses of conventional drugs may be safer and more advantageous than standard therapy. This is because, in it’s early stages, prostate cancer is highly controllable with hormone-blocking therapy.

Laboratory Evaluation of

In additional to generalized immune testing and basic cancer workup (chemistry screen, CBC, TFT’s, etc.), several tests specific to prostate disease allow the clinician to track progression non-invasively and with greater accuracy. These tests include prostatic-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and prolactin. 

PSA is now used as the preferred screening test for both benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer. Because PSA may be elevated in both benign and cancerous prostate disease, the test is not specific for prostate cancer. Values in the “indeterminate” range (4-12) present a special diagnostic dilemma. It is further estimated that 25% of men with prostate cancer will have PSA’s less than 4. Taken together, the PSA test poses a significant number of both false-negative and false-positive results. The PSA is an accurate measure of cancer cell activity once the diagnosis has been established.

Free-PSA is a more recent marker that has not yet been universally embraced by conventional medicine. Current research suggests that the free-PSA is a useful “next step” for evaluating elevated PSA’s. In men with PSA’s ranging from 4.1-10, higher levels of free-PSA (18.9 median value) correlated with benign disease while lower levels of free-PSA (10.1 median) correlated with cancer. It is estimated that 95% of “indeterminate” PSA readings could be clarified non-invasively with the additional use of the free-PSA test. (3)

Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) was the prostate cancer screening test that preceded use of the PSA. An elevated PAP in a patient with known prostate cancer is indicative of lymphatic spread of the disease. (4)

Prolactin hormone is an additional growth factor to the prostate gland, and rising prolactin levels correlate with progression in advanced prostate cancer cases. Prolactin receptors are found on prostate cancer cells, and it is postulated that these receptors may facilitate the entry of testosterone into the cell. Even with hormone ablation therapy, detectable androgen remains in the blood from adrenal sources. Blocking prolactin secretion may there fore be another method for slowing progression of the disease. It is recommended that prolactin levels be kept below 3 in all patients with hormone-responsive cancers. (5)

Specific Goals of Therapy

Testosterone, prolactin, cortisol, insulin, and arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandins (especially PGE2) act as growth factors for prostate cancer. Cyclooxygenase is the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Decreasing circulating levels of these hormones and blocking inflammatory pathways should be undertaken in addition to non-specific cancer therapies such as immune enhancement.

References

1.) Beers, Mark M.D., Berkow, Robert M.D. , editors, The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Merck research Laboratories, 1999, p. 1918.
2.) Boik, John, Cancer and Natural Medicine, Oregon Medical Press, 1996, p. 87
3.) Faloon, William, Disease Prevention and Treatment Protocols, Life Extension foundation, Hollywood, FL, 1998, p. 192.
4.) Murphy, Gerald M.D., Lawrence, Walter Jr. M.D., Lenhard, Raymond M.D., Clinical Oncology, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, 1995, p. 315. [copies of this textbook may be obtained by calling your local branch of the American Cancer Society or call 1-800-ACS-2345].
5.) European Journal of Cancer, Vol 31A, No. 6, 1995.

Materia Medica classified by action

Reduce sex hormone bioavailability

Glycine max -soy
Linum ussatatissimum -flax
Arctium lappa -burdock
low dietary saturated fat
high dietary fiber

Decrease testosterone

Cannabis sativa- marijuana
Serenoa Spp.- Saw palmetto
Vitex spp
Rx: Casodex, flutamide, Lupron, Zoladex

Decrease prolactin

Vitex spp.
vegetarian diet
Rx: Bromocriptine, Pergolide, Dostinex

Botanical Materia Medica

Arctium lappa (Compositae)- Burdock

Burdock reduces sex hormone bioavailability, perhaps due to its lignan content.(1) In vitro, it induces differentiation and inhibits tumor cell proliferation. (2) Burdock is considered highly in both Western and Chinese medicine as a detoxifier and it is an ingredient in the Hoxey formula. it is thought to stimulate the removal of excess metabolic acids. (3)

Linum ussitatissimum (Linacea)- Linseed, flax seed

Flax seed is much higher in lignans than other plants. Lignans inhibit sex hormone availability. Antiinflammatory effects are attributed to the high omega-3 fatty acid content of the seed oil.

Glycine max (Leguminosae)-Soy

Soy beans contain protease inhibitors, fixed oils, coumestrol, isoflavones including daidzein and genistein, lecithin, protein, vitamins and minerals. Soy foods reduce hormone bioavailability and cholesterol levels through several possible mechanisms, including weak estrogenic effects of the phytoestrogenic isoflavones and fiber content. Genistein is cytotoxic, induces apoptosis and differentiation, inhibits angiogenesis and metastasis (4), and blocks protein kinase which is a cancer growth factor (11) . The isoflavones in soy are both antioxidant and antimutagenic.(5)

One study of 8,000 Japanese living in Hawaii found that men who had the highest intake of soy had the lowest incidence of prostate cancer. Soy-eaters diagnosed with prostate cancer nevertheless have the lowest death rate in the world from the disease.(6)

Cannabis sativa (Cannabinaceae)- Marijuana

Marijuana contains flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids and over 60 different cannabinoids including THC.(7) Smoking the herb reduced testosterone levels or inhibited testosterone receptors in both animals and humans. It is known that marijuana smoking decreases male fertility. (8,9,10)

Serenoa repens, S. serrulata (Palmaceae)- Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (11) and there is evidence that DHT may be five times as potent as testosterone in stimulating prostate cancer cell growth. (12)

Vitex agnus-castus, V. negundo (Verbenaceae)- Chaste berry

Vitex spp. decreases testosterone production in vivo (13) and inhibits prolactin synthesis and release in animal models (14). As the name “chaste tree” implies, this herb was traditionally used by monks to reduce libido.

PC-SPEC

PC-SPEC is a new and novel Chinese herb formula used in the treatment of prostate cancer. “Spec” is Latin for hope, and the formula is reported to be effective in extending quality and length of life even in advanced, hormone-refractory cancers. The formula is cytostatic and cytotoxic, and regulates apoptosis (1). It may stimulate T4 (helper) cells and macrophages (2) and lower PSA levels (3). The popularity of the formula was enhanced by a recent mention in the New England Journal of Medicine which reported that:

“We found PC-Spec…. has potent estrogenic activity in yeast, mice, and humans. In patients with prostate cancer, it causes clinically significant reductions in serum testosterone concentrations, decreases PSA, and with side effects similar to those of pharmacologic doses of estrogen….. PC-SPEC may prove useful in the treatment of hormonally sensitive prostate cancer…..”(3).

The formula contains herbs which may address prostate cancer on a number of levels. According to the book New Guidelines for Surviving (4), the herbs and actions of PC-SPEC include:

1.) Isatis indigotica (da qing ye) contains beta sitosterol, a phytosterol which lowers the bioavailability of estrogen and reduces tumor yield in animals.
2.) Glycyrrhiza spp. (gan cao) stimulates the immune system and possesses in vitro antitumor activity. It also helps lower testosterone levels.
3.) Panax pseudo-ginseng (san qi) stimulates NK cell activity.
4.) Ganoderma lucidum (ling zi) contain polysaccharides that inhibit cancer cells and extend the lifespan of test animal with lung cancer up to 195%.
5.) Scutellaria baicalensis (huang qin) promotes apoptosis, stimulates the immune system and inhibits tumor-cell proliferation.
6.) Dendranthema morifolium Tzvel (Chu-hua) is a lesser-known Chinese herb with reported antiviral and detoxifying properties.
7.) Rabdosia rubescens (don ling cau) is a pain-relieving herb with multiple antitumor effects. Increased survival rates have been noted in patients with esophageal cancer.
8.) Serenoa repens or S. serrulata (Saw palmetto) decreases the bioavailability of testosterone and is widely used in the treatment of BPH.

The recommended dose is 6-12 capsules per day depending on the stage of the disease. This puts the cost of the formula at $300-$600 per month. (CHT averages $800 per month to give some perspective). Since the formula is a non-FDA approved herbal combination, it is available without a prescription.

Dr. Myatt’s comment: This formula has gotten a lot of good press lately. I’d like to see if the results will meet the hype. Unfortunately, since the formula is a non-FDA approved herbal remedy, I have found it challenging to get patients to take it with consistency in the doses recommended. I have yet to see results in two patients who have used it with regularity. PC-SPEC may indeed represent a breakthrough in the treatment of cancer. It could also be that some herbal product manufacturers are getting as clever as the drug companies in creating “buzz,” and getting journal space, about new products. How many “breakthrough” drugs have come and gone? Let’s hope PC-SPEC fares better than the current conventional treatments for prostate cancer.

References

1.) Halicka HD et al.: Apoptosis and cell cycle effects induced by extracts of the Chinese herbal preparation PC-SPEC. Intl J Oncology, 1997;11:437-448.
2.) Whittaker J: The Art of Alternative Medicine. ACAM Conference Proceedings Notes, Nov. 1998.
3.) DiPaola RS et al.: Clinical and biologic activity of an estrogenic herbal combination (PC-SPEC) in prostate cancer. New Engl J Med, Sept. 17, 1998;339(12);785-791.
4.) Lewis, James Jr.: New Guidelines for Surviving , Westbury, NY: Health Education Library Publisher, 1998.

Nutritional Materia Medica

Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D3 induces prostate cancer cell apoptosis by apparent translocation of the cancer cell androgen receptor. This makes the cell less susceptible to testosterone-induced proliferation (15). D3 induces differentiation, inhibits angiogenesis and shows antitumor activity. It may also upregulate vitamin A receptors. (16)

Because vitamin D has the potential to cause toxicity, doses over 1,000mg should be carefully monitored. Increased blood calcium levels can result from toxicity. In clinical practice, D3 appears to benefit metastatic bone disease in higher doses, perhaps because this vitamin is needed for normal calcification of bone matrix.

Food sources of vitamin D include cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, herring), butter, egg yolks and dark green leafy vegetables. Sunlight acting on the skin will also create vitamin D. In areas of decrease sunlight, increases of breast and colon cancer have been observed. (17)

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It regulates circadian rhythms and plays a role in sleep regulation. It is also a more potent antioxidant than glutathione or vitamin E (19). In vitro, melatonin demonstrates antiestrogen activity and immune stimulation (18). Recent research shows that melatonin inhibits cell proliferation profoundly in vivo but only weakly in vitro. It is synergistic with IL-2 and increases the effectiveness of IL-2 treatment. (20)
 

CoQ10 (ubiquinone)

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like substance that is involved in mitochondrial energy production. The heart is a high user of CoQ10, and many chemotherapeutic drugs deplete body stores of this nutrient. CoQ10 has been used successfully to reduce chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
In breast cancer patients, a dose of 90mg daily increase late-stage survival dramatically. Three cases of complete remission have been documented at higher doses (300-400mg) per day. (21)

Enzymes (multi enzymes)

Digestive enzymes, whether from animal sources (pancreatin, etc.) or botanical (bromelain, papain), have been shown to increase survival time, inhibit metastasis, and stimulate immune cells. Enzymes induce differentiation and inhibit angiogenesis (22), possibly through antifibrinolytic mechanisms. It has also been postulated that enzymes may help unmask tumor cells and make them more accessible to the immune system.

Dietary Guidelines

Low saturated fat diets decrease the body’s endogenous and exogenous hormone production. Conversely, diets high in saturated fats decrease NK cell activity and increase arachidonic acid, an inflammatory precursor. Rates of breast, colon, prostate, uterine, ovarian and testicular cancers are significantly higher in countries with high saturated fat intakes.

Saturated fats promote inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis while omega-3 fatty acids are antiinflammatory.

Low carbohydrate diets decrease the availability of glucose and insulin. Insulin is a growth factor for cancer and the primary metabolic pathway of cancer cells is anaerobic glycolysis, meaning that cancer cells thrive with a high glucose environment. In animal studies, even slight change toward metabolic acidosis resulted in tumor regression. A low carbohydrate diet which induces ketosis (metabolic acidosis) may duplicate this effect. Overweight patients can afford to lose weight on such a diet, to further reduce their endogenous hormone production. (Fat cells manufacture estrogen).
 

Foods of Special Benefit

garlic
lemon zest (the peel contains limonene)
fish
flax seed
soy and soy products
fresh vegetables (especially non-starchy, dark leafy greens)
olive oil
blueberries and other berries (high in flavonoids and low in sugars)
grains (whole grain only, to reduce insulin response and increase fiber content. Grains should be used sparingly. In patients with more than twenty pounds to lose, gains need not be used at all until desired weight is achieved)

Materia Medica References

1.) Boik, John: Cancer and Natural Medicine, Oregon Medical Press, 1995, p. 159
2.) Ibid., p. 177
3.) Tilgner, Sharol N.D.: Medicines from the Earth, Wise Acres Press, 1999, p. 44.
4.) Ibid, Boik, p. 184.
5.) Editors of time-Life Books: The Drug and Natural Medicine Advisor, time-Life Books, Alexandria, VA. 1997, p.704.
6.) Yeager, Selene, editor: Food Remedies., Prevention Health Books, Rodale Press, 1998, p. 494.
7.) Chevallier, Andrew: Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. DK Publishing, London, 1996, p.180.
8.) Barnett G.,Chaing CW, Licko V: Effects of Marijuana on testosterone in male subjects. J Theor Biol 1983 Oct 21; …104(4):685-92
9.) Fujimoto GI, Morrill GA, O’Connell ME, Kostello AB: Effects of cannabinoids given orally and reduced appetite on the male rat reproductive system. Pharmagology 1982;24(5):303-13.
10.) Purohoit V, Ahluwahlia BS, Vigersky RA: Marijuana inhibits dihydrotestosterone binding to the androgen receptor. Endocrinology, 1980 Sep; 107(3):848-50.
11.) Sultan C, Terraza A, Devillier C, Carilla E, et al.: Inhibition of androgen metabolism and binding by a liposteric extract of Serenoa repens B in human forskin fibroblasts. J Steroid Biochem 1984 Jan; 20(1):515-9.
12.) The effects of Flutamide on total DHT and nuclear DHT levles in the human prostate. Prostate, 1981, 2/3: 309-314.
13.) Bhargava SK: Antiandrogenic effects of a flavonoid-rich fraction of Vitex negundo seeds: a histological and biochemical study in dogs. J Ethnopharmacol 1989 Dec; 27(3):327-39.
14.) Bohnert KJ: The use of Vitex agnus castus for Hyperprolactinemia. Quarterly Review of Nat Med Spring 1997;19-20.
15.) Vitamin D and : 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors and actions in human prostate cancer cell lines. Endocrin 1993;132(5):1952-60.
16.) Majewski S, Szmurlo A, Marczak M, Jablonska S, Bollag W: Inhibition of tumor-cell induced angiogenesis by retinoids, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and their combination. Canceer Lett 1993 Nov 30; 75(1):35-9.
17.) Murray M: Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Prima Publishing, 1996: p.40.
18.) reiter RJ, Melchiorri D, Swewerynek E, Poeggeler B, et al.: A review of the evidence supporting melatonin’s role as an antioxidant. J Pineal Res 1995; 57:125-28.
19.) Hill SM, Spriggs LL, Simon MA: The growth inhibitory action of melatonin on human breast cancer cells is linked to the estrogen response system. Cancer Lett 1992 Jul 10;64(3):249-56.
20.) Lissoni P, Barni S, Cazzaniga M, et al.: Efficacy of the concommitant administration of the pineal hormone melatonin in cancer immunotherpay with low-dose IL-2 in patients with advanced solid tumors who had progressed on IL-2 therpay alone. Oncology 1994b Jul-Aug; 51(4):344-7.
21.) Boik, John: Cancer and Natural Medicine, Oregon Medical Press, 1995, p. 71.
22.) 22.) Ibid., p.184.

 

Kick Butt


A 5-Point Program to Stop Smoking for Good

Chronic (daily) tobacco use (smoking or chewing) is one of the most health-harming habits anyone can engage in. (Daily bungee-jumping might be more harmful). And it’s not “just” lung disease: the effects of smoking cause premature aging and damage from head to toe.

In case you don’t know about the other “non-lung” problems caused by smoking, read Smoking: Just the Facts^ (The link opens in a new window). Then come back here to learn what you can do to either:

A.) help protect yourself from many of the harmful effects of tobacco use,

OR (better yet)

B.) stop smoking altogether.

Tobacco is a highly addictive substance. Some say that it is one of the most difficult drugs to quit. Here is my 5-point plan for making your “stop smoking” decision easier and surer.

1.) Decide on a “quit date.” Whether you plan on decreasing your tobacco use gradually or quitting “cold turkey,” have a “quit date” selected and stick to it.

In practice, I have observed higher success rates among those who quit “cold turkey,” but pick a plan and stick with it no matter which method you choose.

2.) Keep a “smoking triggers” diary for one week. Write down when you tend to smoke. Is it on work-break? After meals? When driving?

Whatever your “triggers” are, you’ll need to plan alternate activities. For example, if you usually smoke at work breaks, plan to take a brief walk around the building or outdoor area instead.

Nature abhors a vacuum. If you don’t have other activities planned, you’ll revert to your habitual “smoking times,” even when you don’t physically crave a cigarette.

3.) Take a high-quality multiple Vitamin/Mineral Supplement. Smoking depletes B complex vitamins, antioxidants and other nutrients. These nutrients not only protect from some of the harmful effects of smoking, but they are involved in the production of neurotransmitters.

Imbalances in neurotransmitters – aka “brain hormones” – are a common cause of cravings. Taking a high quality multiple vitamin/mineral formula helps balance these brain chemicals and reduce cravings during withdrawal from tobacco.

NOTE: You need an Optimal Dose vitamin formula (6-9 capsules per day), not a “minimal Dose one-per-day formula. Here is a chart to show you optimal doses of individual nutrients: Optimal Dose Vitamins and Minerals

4.) Neurotransmitter Testing. Smoking alters the levels of Neurotransmitters (NT’s). It may also be that alterations in NT levels contribute to initial tobacco addiction.

For example: some people smoke because it increases energy levels. Low energy, in turn, can be cause by low epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (nor-adrenaline) NT levels. If these NT levels are low, normalizing them by natural methods can overcome the “energy rush’ offered by smoking.

Serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, GABA, PEA and histamine can all be involved in the addiction/craving cycle. A simple urine test which measures levels of these important “head hormones” can allow us to balance brain chemistry naturally and break the addictive cycle without low energy, nervousness and other symptoms many “quitters” experience.

Natural alternatives to “head meds” exist, and they can be used to balance brain chemistry once the results of your test are in.

5.) “How Bad Do You Want It”? as the Don Henley tune asks

Make sure your list of “why I want to quit” is a strong one. You’ll use this to remind yourself to stay firm when waves of cravings roll through.

It’s fine to want to quit for someone else, but be sure to have some “me” reasons on the list as well. Here are a few to get you started. Feel free to use any of those that apply to you!

Save money, improve breathing, decrease risk of heart disease, slow the aging process, live long enough to enjoy retirement (or the grandkids), set a good example for the grandkids (or your own children), not smell like stale smoke all the time, be free of addiction, have more energy, move with greater ease.

By following this 5-point program, anyone who really wants to quit can do so. I’ve got hundreds of successful “quitters” in my practice, a testimony to the success of this program and the power of genuine motivation.

 

PC-Spes, Dr. Dana Myatt, and Dr. Myatt’s Prostate Support.


A Letter From Nurse Mark To Those Enquiring About Prostate Support and Matural Prostate Cancer Treatments.

There has been an increase in interest and phone calls to the Wellness Club recently from persons concerned about prostate cancer and interested in Prostate Support and PC Spes.

In response to this I would like to offer the following information, on behalf of Dr. Myatt and Dr. Myatt’s Wellness Club.

First and foremost, for those who wish to call for information, or to have questions answered, or to argue that PC-Spes was “done wrong” by the FDA, the State of California, or anyone else, please note that our toll-free number should be reserved for orders only – if you have more specific questions, please either use our Contact Us page to send us a message or call to arrange a personal consultation with Dr. Myatt.

Please do not ask for names of satisfied patients, or for case histories, or for statistics of success. To give out such personal information is highly unethical and we will not do it. If you want “testimonials” there are plenty of other “practicioners” who will be more than happy to dazzle you with endless unsubstantiated, unprovable “success stories”.

Dr. Myatt has treated a large number of cases of prostate cancer over the past two decades – ranging from men with mild elevations of PSA and minor enlargements of the prostate to men who have been told they have a few weeks to live by their conventional doctors. Most of her patients are happily in remission, getting on with their lives, and to our knowledge not involved with any of the various prostate support groups

There are a few, such as the fellow who was given two to four weeks, who have passed away. That man enjoyed well over a year of good life while following Dr. Myatt’s advice, and actually played 36 holes of golf shortly before he died from complications of the conventional treatments prescribed by his “oncologist” who panicked in response to an aberrant lab result. There are a few case studies available on our website that illustrate a number of Dr. Myatt’s techniques. Please feel free to study them.

Please do not write or call until you have been to our website, and read fully and completely the pages discussing Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Support (which includes a discussion of PC-Spes), and alternative medicine consultations with Dr. Myatt. These pages, and the links within them, will answer most all of your questions.

Dr. Myatt is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor – an NMD – licensed in the State of Arizona with full prescribing privileges and a DEA number. Please note: licensing requirements for NMD’s are as stringent and more than the licensing requirements for “regular” MD’s. Dr. Myatt’s biography can be found on her alternative medical consultations page and the Consultations Brochure page that links to it.

Now, about PC-Spes and Prostate Support: When PC-Spes first appeared Dr. Myatt was impressed by it’s apparent good effect on those who were taking it. Then, following reports of side effects resulting from the use of this formula, Dr. Myatt became suspicious that there might be “more than meets the eye.” She had independent testing done, and found that there was indeed more in the formula than was listed on the label.

She then looked at the individual herbs listed in the formula, determined the best ratios of these herbs for maximal effect, and formulated Prostate Support to provide those beneficial herbs in the very most effective ratios, without the undisclosed drugs that were being discovered to be in some lots of PC-Spes.

There has been some suggestion that the only “good” formulation of these herbs must be obtained from the University of Shanghai in China. Dr. Myatt’s Prostate Support does not come from the University of Shanghai. Dr. Myatt’s Prostate Support formula is compounded here in the USA using the highest quality, purest materials available, standardized and combined to Dr. Myatt’s very exacting standards. There is good reason that she has become known amongst supplement manufacturers as “The Dragon Lady!” She is well known for her lack of tolerance for anything but the highest of quality standards!

Please take note that it is Dr. Myatt’s opinion that for most cases of prostate cancer, hormone suppression should be a cornerstone of treatment. There are also a number of other therapies that must be used in conjunction in order to obtain best results. It is her belief that PC-Spes was highly effective because it contained undisclosed drugs that in effect resulted in hormone suppression therapy in those who used it. It is further her belief that someone needing or wishing to use hormone suppression therapy should be doing so knowingly, with knowledge of the doses of drugs involved, and not by using “shot in the dark” amounts such as were found in some lots and then not others of PC-Spes.

Finally, it is Dr. Myatt’s very strong opinion that Prostate Support, PC-Spes, and any of the other “Prostate Formulas” available must NOT be used as a sole treatment for prostate cancer. The herbs found in PC-Spes and in Prostate Support are valuable adjuncts and support for the prostate and the immune system, but by themselves they will not “cure” prostate cancer.

Here is the bottom line from my viewpoint: Gentlemen, Dr. Myatt has been successfully treating prostate cancer for a decade and a half, her patients include her own 83 year old father who remains alive and well after being diagnosed over 20 years ago. She has been treating my own father for over 6 years. She knows what she is doing, and does it well

Any of you who believe that PC-Spes worked solely because of the combination of herbs that it contained and not because it contained undisclosed drugs, please try our Prostate Support – it is the same optimal combination of herbs, with no adulterants or drugs. It is compounded (mixed) to the very highest of western standards for purity and precision. There will be no surprises or changes from lot to lot with this formula.

Please be aware though that Prostate Support is not a “Holy Grail” of prostate cancer treatment – it is but one facet of a complex treatment plan.

Expecting to treat prostate cancer with a single formula such as this would be like trying to give your car a “tune-up” or even an engine overhaul by using a bottle of “gasoline treatment.” That stuff may help keep your engine clean – great for preventive maintenance – but it won’t fix what’s broken!

Prostate cancer is NOT a “do-it-yourself” disease to be experimented with as you might with toenail fungus.

Prostate cancer can be a deadly disease if managed poorly, or a chronic medical condition if managed skillfully – it’s your choice.

Cheers,
Nurse Mark