Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in American men, and the risks increase substantially after the age of 50. As such, men 50 years and older are recommended to get their prostate specific antigen, or PSA, levels checked via a blood test. PSA levels are often higher in men with prostate infections and cancers. Many herbs are used to treat prostate problems and may cause reduced PSA levels, although some may exacerbate the problem and raise levels. Consult with your doctor about factors that affect your PSA test.
Prostate Specific Antigen
PSA is a protein normally produced by your prostate gland, albeit in small amounts. When your prostate is injured, inflamed, infected or cancerous it produces more antigens, which can be measured with blood tests. Because PSA is produced by your body and can be used to detect disease, it is sometimes called a biological marker or a tumor marker. However, PSA levels are highly individualized and tend to fluctuate depending on diet and physical activity, so there are no specific normal or abnormal PSA levels, just general guidelines.
PSA Test
A PSA test shows the level of PSA detected in your blood. According to the National Cancer Institute, most doctors used to consider a PSA level below 4.0 ng/mL as normal, but studies have indicated that prostate cancer can exist and cause symptoms at levels below 4.0 ng/mL, and that up to 75 percent of men with PSA levels between 4.1 and 9.9 ng/mL don’t have prostate cancer. Further, it is common for PSA values to vary somewhat between laboratories. Consequently, an abnormal PSA test does not necessarily indicate the need for a biopsy, but should be accompanied by a digital rectal exam. In general though, the higher your PSA level, the more likely that your prostate is not healthy.
Herbs for Treatment
A variety of herbs are used by a growing number of men to combat prostate problems. Many of these herbs can affect PSA levels, often reducing them. The medical community views herbal remedies as interfering with PSA test results, although critics contend that represents proof of their efficacy and not justification for avoiding them. According to “PDR for Herbal Supplements,” the herbal remedies most often used to treat prostate problems include saw palmetto berries, pygeum bark, chrysanthemum, pumpkin seed extract, soy isoflavones and resveratrol from grapes and berries.
Herbs that May Increase PSA Levels
Not all herbs have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties, and some may be inappropriate to take if your prostate is unhealthy. According to “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews,” men who have prostate cancer should avoid all varieties of ginseng, cinnamon, cordyceps mushrooms, ephedra, epimedium, sarsaparilla and horsetail because they may contain the compound betasitosterol, which can increase the growth rate of prostate cells, including cancer cells, and lead to higher PSA levels. In general, taking any product that increases testosterone levels is not recommended for those who have prostate inflammation or cancer. Limiting your consumption of animal fats, proteins, processed foods and preservatives are also recommended for those wishing to reduce the risks of prostate problems. Consult with your doctor about which supplements may be of benefit and which are contraindicated for prostate disease.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- “PDR for Herbal Supplements: 2nd Edition”; PDR Medical Staff; 2008
- “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews”; Catherine E. Ulbricht et al.; 2005
