Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer to affect men and is the the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Prostate cancer does not usually present any symptoms in the early stages, but painful or frequent urination and the presence of blood in the urine are common symptoms in more advanced cases. Treatment may involve surgery to remove cancerous tissue, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Some herbs may aid cancer treatment, but they should never be used in place of conventional cancer treatment. Consult your doctor before using them to ensure they do not compromise your treatment plan.
Types
UMMC notes that green tea and saw palmetto may be beneficial herbs for men with prostate cancer. Green tea has antioxidant effects and may lower the risk of developing some forms of cancer, while saw palmetto, also known as Serenoa repens, may help to alleviate a number of prostate-related health problems.
Efficacy
A laboratory study published in the May 2009 issue of the medical journal "BJU International" demonstrated that saw palmetto induced death of prostate cancer cells. However, more studies are needed to confirm whether this herb has the same effect in men with prostate cancer. Findings of a study published in the November 2010 issue of "Current Molecular Medicine" show that substances found in green tea may prevent the development of prostate cancer. However, the study was carried out in an animal model, not in men with the disease.
Use
UMMC recommends taking 250 mg to 500 mg of a standardized extract of green tea once daily. You may prefer to consume this herb as a beverage. Alternatively, you may wish to take 160 mg of a standardized extract of saw palmetto twice daily. These doses are intended as a guideline only. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate dose and treatment schedule for you.
Side Effects
Saw palmetto is mostly well tolerated, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes. However, it may may cause side effects including stomach discomfort. Short-term use of green tea is likely safe for most people, but drinking more than five cups daily may cause side effects including irritability, nervousness, headache and nausea, Medline Plus notes.
Contraindications
Do not take green tea alongside stimulants such as amphetamines or ephedrine as it may overstimulate your nervous system and make you feel jittery. Also avoid this herb if you have high blood pressure, a heart condition or diabetes. Green tea may be unsuitable for people with anxiety, glaucoma or a bleeding disorder. Saw palmetto may heighten the effects of anticoagulant drugs. Talk to your doctor before using either to treat prostate cancer.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- PubMed: Serenoa Repens Extract Targets Mitochondria and Activates the Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway in Human Prostate Cancer Cells
- PubMed: Use of Transgenic Mice as Models for Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention
- MedlinePlus: Green tea
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Saw Palmetto
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Saw Palmetto
