Prostate Health

TURMERIC (Curcumin) and Soy; their relationship to Prostate Health

Each year around 3,300 Australian men die of prostate cancer making prostate cancer Australia's second cancer killer among men and this matches the impact of breast cancer on women.

Current therapies for prostate cancer include surgical removal of the prostate, chemotherapy, radiation and/or freezing the tumour however, there are often side-effects including incontinence and impotence (Wang Q, et al. Cancer Research, Dec 2011) Unfortunately success is dependant on a number of factors that include age, early diagnosis and type and progression of the cancer (Loke T. W, et al. BJUI 2011). Solar radiation is a catalyst for vitamin D conversion by humans and is therefore an important factor in dete

There is emerging evidence that changes in lifestyle, diet, the addition of dietary and herbal supplements and environmental factors may contribute to a reduction in the risk of developing prostate cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). In this issue these influences are discussed.

Following are two dietary changes that may help.

India has one of the lowest rates of breast and prostate cancer - and one of the highest levels of turmeric consumption - in the world. While clearly not proving cause and effect, this inverse relationship between breast and prostate cancer and turmeric consumption is of interest given existing scientific evidence that one particular chemical found in turmeric, curcumin, can prevent cancer cell growth. (Indo American News on September 2, 2011)

Prostate cancer is an uncommon cancer in the developing countries affecting 4-5 men per 100,000 population in India. The rate of prostate cancer per 100,000 population in the US is 85 (20 fold difference versus men living in India)

Curcumin causes a marked decrease in the extent of cell proliferation and a significant increase in the extent of apoptosis and  could be a potentially therapeutic anti-cancer agent, as it significantly inhibits prostate cancer growth, and has the potential to prevent the progression of this cancer to its hormone refractory state. (Dorai T, et al. Prostate. 2001 Jun 1;47(4):293-303)

Also, Curcumin acts as a chemosensitizer and radiosensitizer for tumours and in some cases, curcumin has also been shown to protect normal organs such as liver, kidney, oral mucosa, and heart from chemotherapy and radiotherapy-induced toxicity. (Goel A, et al. Nutr Cancer. 2010;62(7):919-30)

As discuss before there is good evidence that soy isoflavones have a positive effect on the incidence and progression of prostate disease and could and as Indian diets also contain Tufu does the combination of soy and turmeric supplements add to the positive data?

A randomised double-blind study of eighty five men examined the expression of androgen receptor and PSA before and after treatment of isoflavones and/or curcumin.

At the six month follow up, production of PSA was markedly decreased by the combined treatment of isoflavones and curcumin in prostate cancer cell line. The expression of the androgen receptor was also suppressed by the treatment. In clinical trials, PSA levels decreased in the patients supplemented with soy isoflavones and curcumin.

The authors of the study concluded that soy-isoflavones and curcumin could modulate serum PSA levels. Curcumin presumably synergizes with isoflavones to suppress PSA production in prostate cells through the anti-androgen effects. (Ide H, et al. Prostate. 2010 Jul 1;70(10):1127-3

Findings  presented at the Ninth Annual American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference  reported that Genistein, a natural chemical found in soy inhibit prostate cancer cells from becoming metastatic and spreading to other parts of the body. So far the cancer therapy drug has worked in preclinical animal studies and now shows benefits in humans with prostate cancer.(News Letter, Northwestern University, November, 2010)

The phytoestrogen biochanin A, found in red clover, significantly reduced tumour size and incidence. Studies indicate that biochanin A inhibits prostate cancer cell growth through induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Biochanin A-regulated genes suggest multiple pathways of action. Biochanin A inhibits the incidence and growth of LNCaP xenograft tumours in athymic mice (Rice L et al, Prostate 2002 Aug 1;52(3):201-12).

Other studies have confirmed these results; before surgery, 20 men consumed 160 mg/day of red clover-derived dietary isoflavones, containing a mixture of genistein, daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A. Serum PSA, testosterone, and biochemical factors were measured, and clinical and pathological parameters were recorded.

The incidence of cell death in prostate tumour cells from radical prostatectomy specimens was compared between 18 treated and 18 untreated control tissues. There were no significant differences between pre- and post treatment serum PSA, Gleason score, serum testosterone, or biochemical factors in the treated patients. Apoptosis in radical prostatectomy specimens from treated patients was significantly higher than in control subjects, specifically in regions of low to moderate-grade cancer (Gleason grade 1-3). No adverse events related to the treatment were reported. This report suggests that dietary isoflavones may halt the progression of prostate cancer by inducing apoptosis in low to moderate-grade tumours, potentially contributing to the lower incidence of clinically significant disease.

(Zhau R et al, Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2002 Dec;11(12):1689-96)..

Soy may also have other anti-cancer actions in addition to the isoflavones. Soy beans contain the substance, Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor (BBI). Bowman-Birk inhibitor has demonstrated anticarcinogenic activity in both in vitro and in vivo studies(Prostate. 2002 Feb 1;50(2):125-33) BBI derived from soybeans in traditional Japanese diets might underpin low cancer mortality rates in Japan (Manoj H. et al, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012; 60 (12): 3135).

This information is for education purposes only and does not replace the advice given by your health care professional.

Taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate found to reduce pain in OA of knee as well as COX-2 drugs (celecoxib) the natural way

Helping Arthritis the Natural Way

Combined chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for painful knee osteoarthritis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority trial versus celecoxib

Abstract

Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of chondroitin sulfate plus glucosamine hydrochloride (CS+GH) versus celecoxib in patients with knee osteoarthritis and severe pain.

Methods Double-blind Multicentre Osteoarthritis interVEntion trial with SYSADOA (MOVES) conducted in France, Germany, Poland and Spain evaluating treatment with CS+GH versus celecoxib in 606 patients with Kellgren and Lawrence grades 2–3 knee osteoarthritis and moderate-to-severe pain (Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score ≥301; 0–500 scale). Patients were randomised to receive 400 mg CS plus 500 mg GH three times a day or 200 mg celecoxib every day for 6 months. The primary outcome was the mean decrease in WOMAC pain from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included WOMAC function and stiffness, visual analogue scale for pain, presence of joint swelling/effusion, rescue medication consumption, Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Clinical Trials and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OMERACT-OARSI) criteria and EuroQoL-5D.

Results The adjusted mean change (95% CI) in WOMAC pain was −185.7 (−200.3 to −171.1) (50.1% decrease) with CS+GH and −186.8 (−201.7 to −171.9) (50.2% decrease) with celecoxib, meeting the non-inferiority margin of −40: −1.11 (−22.0 to 19.8; p=0.92). All sensitivity analyses were consistent with that result. At 6 months, 79.7% of patients in the combination group and 79.2% in the celecoxib group fulfilled OMERACT-OARSI criteria. Both groups elicited a reduction >50% in the presence of joint swelling; a similar reduction was seen for effusion. No differences were observed for the other secondary outcomes. Adverse events were low and similarly distributed between groups.

Conclusions CS+GH has comparable efficacy to celecoxib in reducing pain, stiffness, functional limitation and joint swelling/effusion after 6 months in patients with painful knee osteoarthritis, with a good safety profile.

Marc C Hochberg1, 

Johanne Martel-Pelletier et al,

Ann Rheum Dis doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206792

• Abstract

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Drugs Aging. 2007;24(7):573-80.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate as therapeutic agents for knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Bruyere O1, Reginster JY.

Author information

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, is a public health problem throughout the world. Several entities have been carefully investigated for the symptomatic and structural management of OA. This review evaluates published studies of the effect of glucosamine salts and chondroitin sulfate preparations on the progression of knee or hip OA. Despite multiple double-blind, controlled clinical trials of the use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in OA, controversy regarding the efficacy of these agents with respect to symptomatic improvement remains. Several potential confounders, including placebo response, use of prescription medicines versus over-the-counter pills or food supplements, or use of glucosamine sulfate versus glucosamine hydrochloride, may have relevance when attempting to interpret the seemingly contradictory results of different clinical trials. The National Institutes of Health-sponsored GAIT (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) compared placebo, glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate and celecoxib in a parallel, blinded 6-month multicentre study of patients with knee OA. This trial showed that glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination did not reduce pain effectively in the overall group of patients with OA of the knee. However, exploratory analyses suggest that the combination of glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate may be effective in the subgroup of patients with moderate-to-severe knee pain. For decades, the traditional pharmacological management of OA has been mainly symptomatic. However, in recent years, several randomised controlled studies have assessed the structure-modifying effect of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate using plain radiography to measure joint space narrowing over years. There is some evidence to suggest a structure-modifying effect of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. On the basis of the results of recent randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses, we can conclude that glucosamine sulfate (but not glucosamine hydrochloride) and chondroitin sulfate have small-to-moderate symptomatic efficacy in OA, although this is still debated. With respect to the structure-modifying effect, there is compelling evidence that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may interfere with progression of OA.

Brain Active helps improve performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks, compared with placebo.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE& MEMORY

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for around 50 per cent of all senile dementia sufferers and without doubt, as we grow older, this form of dementia is the most dreadful. This disease is distinguished by a steady and progressive loss of memory due to the deterioration of brain function and wasting. This deterioration is also associated with the presence of tangles of fibres and plaques within the brain nerve cells.

Alzheimer’s disease may begin at any age after forty but is most likely to affect individuals over fifty years of age. Over the years there has been a better understanding of this disease, but with all our modern technology and knowledge, modern medicine still has no answer to its treatment and/or cause.

There are many theories regarding the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, ranging from genetic deficiencies to slow acting viruses and although these may indeed have merit, I believe that nutritional deficiencies and toxic mineral accumulation over the years may be the key to the cause of both Alzheimer’s disease and other types of senile dementia.

Eating correctly from a variety of foods each day is a must because the diet is the main source of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a healthy body and mind. Many studies have shown that patients suffering from dementia are deficient in one or more of the important vitamins or minerals and if their levels are too low the result may be dementia.

Dietary supplementation with antioxidants including beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A) vitamins C, folic acid and E and the minerals zinc and selenium could be vital in protecting the brain from free radical damage, a possible cause of dementia and premature ageing.

Vitamin E has been shown to be deficient in nearly 60 per cent of Alzheimer’s patients. This essential vitamin is a powerful antioxidant. Vitamin E also helps to maintain a healthy vascular system and reduces the viscosity (thickness) of the blood, reducing the incidence of blood clots in the brain, a major cause of CVA (stroke).

Supplementing with vitamin E may help prevent the intellectual decline that can come with aging. Researchers reported that among 1,800 adults ages 50 to 75, those with higher vitamin E levels were less likely to have low scores on a standardized test of intellectual capacity. Low scores, they noted, indicate intellectual decline and possible dementia such as Alzheimer's disease, a progressive brain disorder marked by memory loss, confusion and problems with perception.

The effect of vitamin E on the study subjects' intellectual function was weak but consistent, according to researchers led by Dr. Reinhold Schmidt of Karl-Franzens University in Graz, Austria. After they accounted for other factors such as age, education level, smoking status and cholesterol levels, the relationship between vitamin E and intellectual capacity remained (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 1998;46:1407-10).

The narrowing and hardening of the arteries leading to, or in the brain can cause a reduction of blood flow and oxygen to the brain, and this is a major cause of senile dementia. By supplementing the diet with an antioxidant formula containing natural beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, B6, B12 and folic acid, along with the minerals zinc and selenium, will ensure that these important nutrients are included in your daily diet that may help promote a healthy vascular system.

B Vitamins

Long-term supplementation of daily folic acid and vitamin B-12 was found to promote improvements in cognitive functioning after 24 months, particularly in immediate and delayed memory performance (Walker, G, et al. Am J Clin Nutr January 2012 vol. 95 no. 1 194-203).

Vitamin D3

A study of four hundred and ninety-eight community-dwelling women found higher dietary intake of vitamin D was associated with a lower risk of developing Alzhiemer’s Disease  (Annweiler, C. et al.  Higher Vitamin D Dietary Intake Is Associated With Lower Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease: A 7-Year Follow-up. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci (2012).

This was also confirmed in a Meta-analysis of 37 studies where the authors concluded lower vitamin D concentrations are associated with poorer cognitive function and a higher risk of AD (Balion, C. et al. Vitamin D, cognition, and dementia A systematic review and meta-analysis Neurology September 25, 2012 vol. 79 no. 13 1397-1405)

Herbs

In the treatment and prevention of senile dementia the herbs Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) have been shown to be of benefit. Clinical studies have found that the ancient herb Ginkgo biloba (maidenhair tree) has a positive effect on the mental performance and vigilance of the elderly. This herb also helps to improve the memory by increasing the blood flow to the brain and its uptake of carbohydrates. In a meta-analysis of more than 50, English and non-English articles regarding Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo, found a significant effect in the improvement of cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease patients (Oken B S, et al, Arch Neurol, Nov, 1998;55:1409-1415). Ginkgo is available from health food stores and pharmacies and could be valuable in the treatment and prevention of many types of dementia including Alzheimer's disease.

The herb Ginseng was valued more than gold by the ancient Chinese as it was aid to slow down the ageing process, improve the memory, the concentration and the zest for life. Ginseng has undergone many clinical trials, the results of which indicate that the Chinese were correct in their evaluation of this ancient and valuable herb.

Interesting new evidence about the herb rosemary, the herb of remembrance, has come to light. Rosemary contains at least five acelycholinesterase inhibitors, these inhibitors may prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter that's breakdown is also thought to be associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This herb also contains about 12 phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties. Studies are now under way, and the results could show that by using a little rosemary oil in the bath or on the skin each day may slow or stop the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

The herb Turmeric has been found to have positive effects on brain function. Turmeric contains curcumin that possesses many properties which may prevent or ameliorate pathological processes underlying age-related cognitive decline, dementia or mood disorders. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial examined the acute (1 and 3 h after a single dose), chronic (4 weeks) and acute-on-chronic (1 and 3 h after single dose following chronic treatment) effects of solid lipid curcumin formulation (Blackmores Brian Active contains 400 mg as Longvida®) on cognitive function, mood and blood biomarkers in 60 healthy adults aged 60–85.

One hour after administration curcumin significantly improved performance on sustained attention and working memory tasks, compared with placebo. Working memory and mood (general fatigue and change in state calmness, contentedness and fatigue induced by psychological stress) were significantly better following chronic treatment. A significant acute-on-chronic treatment effect on alertness and contentedness was also observed. (Katherine HM Cox et al. Investigation of the effects of solid lipid curcumin on cognition and mood in a healthy older population J Psychopharmacol October 2, 2014 0269881114552744)

Garlic has been used as a medicinal and culinary herb since ancient times and is a valuable cardiovascular tonic. Studies have shown again that history was correct in the evaluation of this herb over the centuries. The action of fresh or freeze-dried garlic can be beneficial in many ways. Investigations into garlic show that when it is taken on a regular basis it can help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure which can be responsible for strokes and diseases such as hardening and narrowing of the arteries, the known cause of dementia.

Garlic should be included in the daily diet, but if the smell is a problem look for a garlic supplement that has an enteric coating that allows the garlic to be ingested in the intestine and not the stomach resulting in all the advantages of the whole garlic herb without the smell.

Fish oil

A 12-month, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study using concentrated fish oil supplementation was undertaken. The fish oil supplemented group showed significant improvement in short-term and working memory, immediate verbal memory and delayed recall capability. Also, after a 12-month follow-up the fish oil supplemented group had a significantly memory (Lee, L. et al. Docosahexaenoic acid-concentrated fish oil supplementation in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, Psychopharmacology August 2012)

Aluminium

An increase in aluminium levels has been detected in the brain cells of patients who suffer Alzheimer’s disease; many researchers believe that aluminium could be a factor in relation to the cause of the disease.

Some of these studies question the use of aluminium based antacids and deodorants as these can cause elevated aluminium levels within the body. The herb slippery elm is very effective in relieving the symptoms of gastric reflux, heartburn and ulcer pain; symptoms that many people would seek to relieve by using aluminium-based antacids. There are also alternatives to aluminium-based deodorants that are available from health food stores; choose one of these instead.

Soy Lecithin

Phosphatidylserine, a chemical derived from soy lecithin may help alleviate age-related decline in memory, leaning and concentration.  Phosphatidylserine is the building block of cell membranes, and is most concentrated in the brain. As we age we produce less of this important brain chemical, therefore we may need to take it as a supplement in order to maintain correct levels. Keep active both mentally and physically; the mind needs exercise as well.

Prevention is always better than cure so remember it I s never too early to start.

FIVE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY

1. Eat a well-balanced diet, high in fibre and low in animal fats.

2. Supplement with an antioxidant formula daily.

3. Include ginkgo plus garlic and ginseng in the daily diet.

4. Avoid the use of all aluminium products.

5. Keep active both mentally and physically; the mind needs exercise too. Remember it’s never too early to start; prevention is always better than cure.

SUPPLEMENTS

Blackmores Brain Active                      1 capsule daily

Ginkgo Forte 2000                                            1 tablet three times daily

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)                                   2.4g (eq.To fresh plant) daily

Containing bacosides A 25mg

BIO ACE Excel Antioxidant Complex                   1 tablet morning and night

Fish Oil 1000mg                                                   3 capsules daily

Folic acid                                                             500mcg daily

Phosphatidylserine                                              20mg

Vitamin D3                                                           1,000iu daily