Prostasol is a fast selling herbal supplement marketed to fight prostate cancer. It is also known as PC-SPEC, PC-HOPE, PC-CARE or PC-Plus. Prostasol consists of eight herbs namely: chrysanthemum, isatis, licorice, ganoderma lucidum, Panax pseudoginseng, Raddosia rubescens, saw palmetto and skullcap. The difference comes from the variation of preparation.
FDA Warning
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration warned against the use of PC-SPEC. Chemical analysis of the herbal concoction revealed the presence of warfarin and two other prescription drugs. Warfarin is an ingredient in rat poison.True, it prevents blood clotting. However it must be close monitored by a doctor. The lethal side effect is internal bleeding.
Positive cancer research
In a surprising twist, clinical trials revealed that PC-SPEC was better with standard cancer care. It lowers testosterone blood levels and consequently, decrease the PSA. IT was used for patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer. These events have a direct effect on slowing prostate cancer growth by lowering testosterone levels. Testosterone, as we know, feeds prostate cancer cells to grow and replicate.
The down side
This should be good news. But the development of blood clots can initiate catastrophic events. A blood clot can occlude a cerebral artery and can cause a stroke. Or a thrombus blocks a coronary artery and cause a heart attack.
Bottom line
If you or someone you know are thinking to buy prostasol, be warned. I’ve given you this information to raise your awareness of the consequences. It may be an effective alternative therapy for prostate cancer but the side effects are deadly. Don’t self-medicate. If you’re considering it as a supplement, inform your health care provider. Your doctor can help you make the right decision or monitor you.
Helping tips
I’d advise you to consider other options with your standard prostate cancer therapy. The best is to incorporate foods rich in isoflavones as part of a balanced diet. Tofu and other soy products are excellent sources. Studies clearly show that soy products decrease blood PSA levels. A low PSA level mirrors a slowing of prostate cancer growth. Grounded Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds have similar results. I’d additionally recommend mushrooms to strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system works well against cancer growth. Save yourself from deadly heart attacks and stroke. Simply enjoy your tofu and mushrooms.
Are there any reports of renal failure due to prostasol
There are no direct link for the used of Protasol and kidney failure by scanning the last 5 years of cancer researches.
Prostate cancer is known to cause kidney failure. So it is hard to known what will cause the kidney failure.
However there is a increase risk of blood clots with the use of Prostasol which can be potentially fatal.
If you are planning or taking it, tell your doctor, he is the best position to known if there are contraindication with your standard cancer treatment
Frankly I would complement standard cancer care with functional foods ( 5 to 10 a day) with 30 min exercises.