Ginseng may be an herb to consider for protecting your prostate health. Specifically, it has the ability to fight prostate cancer. Ginseng is often taken to boost energy and is available as a liquid extract as well as in pill form. Discuss taking ginseng with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any prostate-related condition.
Ginsenoside Rh2
Ginsenoside Rh2, a compound found in panax ginseng, may help keep you free from prostate cancer. A study published in October 2010 in the journal "Fitoterapia" found that ginsenoside Rh2 protects against the spread of prostate cancer cells in the lab. This compound in ginseng lead to apoptosis, or the death of prostate cancer cells.
25-OCH3-PPD
25-OCH3-PPD is another naturally existing compound in ginseng. This compound may help protect your prostate health. 25-OCH3-PPD was found to prevent prostate tumors of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer in a study published in 2008 in the "British Journal of Cancer." Androgen is the male hormone that leads to the development of the male sex organs. Androgen can also stimulate tumor growth in the prostate when imbalanced. Tested on animals, ginseng appears to be safe in that it was not found to lead to toxicity.
Chemotherapy
Ginseng shows potential as a natural treatment that can be used alongside conventional prostate cancer therapies. In a study published in June 2008 in "The Prostate," ginseng was found to boost the tumor-fighting effects of axotere and gemcitabine, two chemotherapy drugs. It also added to the effectiveness of radiation treatment.
MDM2
MDM2 is a protein involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, helping cancerous cells to spread. In the study published in June 2008 in "The Prostate," ginseng was found to reduce the expression of MDM2. Therefore, the researchers state that ginseng shows potential as a therapeutic agent that can be used alone or with conventional therapies in the fight against prostate cancer.
References
- "Fitoterapia"; Stereospecificity of Hydroxyl group at C-20 in Antiproliferative Action of Ginsenoside Rh2 on Prostate Cancer Cells; Jie Liuet et al.; October 2010
- "British Journal of Cancer"; 20(S)-25-Methoxyl-Dammarane-3β, 12β, 20-Triol, a Novel Natural Product for Prostate Cancer Therapy: Activity in Vitro and in Vivo and Mechanisms of Action; W. Wang et al.; 2008
- "The Prostate"; Experimental Therapy of Prostate Cancer with Novel Natural Product Anti-Cancer Ginsenosides; Wei Wang et al.; June 2008
