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New lab evidence suggests preventive effect of herbal supplement in prostate cancer
February 12, 2009PHILADELPHIA - DHEA is a natural circulating hormone and the body's production of it decreases with age. Men take DHEA as an over-the-counter supplement because it has been suggested that DHEA can reverse aging or have anabolic effects since it can be metabolized in the body to androgens. Increased consumption of dietary isoflavones is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Red clover (Trifolium pretense) is one source of isoflavones. Both supplements may have hormonal effects in the prostate and little is known about the safety of these supplements.
In a recent report in Cancer Prevention Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers report that DHEA levels can be manipulated in cells in the laboratory to understand its effects.
Julia Arnold, Ph.D., a staff scientist at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health, said more research is necessary in an environment where men and women concerned about health problems tend to self-prescribe based on information they find on the Internet.
Towards this end, the NCCAM laboratory is studying signaling between human prostate cancer cells and their supporting stromal cells as they grow together in laboratory culture. "DHEA effects in the prostate tissues may depend on how these two cells types 'talk to each other' and further, it may be potentially harmful in tissues containing inflammation or with early cancer lesions because the cells can induce DHEA to become more androgenic," said Arnold.
Combining DHEA with transforming growth factor beta-1 increased testosterone production in the stromal cells and prostate specific antigen protein secretion two to four-fold and gene expression up to 50-fold in the cancer cells. When these cell cultures were treated with red clover isoflavones, the androgenic effects of DHEA were reversed.
"Something is happening in the prostate tissue microenvironment that is illustrating a potential cancer prevention effect from this supplement," said Arnold.
Red clover isoflavones may modify androgenic effects in the prostate but much more work in the laboratory and clinic is needed to validate these effects.
This sort of laboratory manipulation will allow scientists to understand the basic prostate biology as well as learn cellular and molecular mechanisms of over-the-counter supplements and other botanical or herbal agents. Arnold said NCCAM will continue to study DHEA with other supplements to determine any cancer preventive effects.
American Association for Cancer Research
Towards this end, the NCCAM laboratory is studying signaling between human prostate cancer cells and their supporting stromal cells as they grow together in laboratory culture. "DHEA effects in the prostate tissues may depend on how these two cells types 'talk to each other' and further, it may be potentially harmful in tissues containing inflammation or with early cancer lesions because the cells can induce DHEA to become more androgenic," said Arnold.
Combining DHEA with transforming growth factor beta-1 increased testosterone production in the stromal cells and prostate specific antigen protein secretion two to four-fold and gene expression up to 50-fold in the cancer cells. When these cell cultures were treated with red clover isoflavones, the androgenic effects of DHEA were reversed.
"Something is happening in the prostate tissue microenvironment that is illustrating a potential cancer prevention effect from this supplement," said Arnold.
Red clover isoflavones may modify androgenic effects in the prostate but much more work in the laboratory and clinic is needed to validate these effects.
This sort of laboratory manipulation will allow scientists to understand the basic prostate biology as well as learn cellular and molecular mechanisms of over-the-counter supplements and other botanical or herbal agents. Arnold said NCCAM will continue to study DHEA with other supplements to determine any cancer preventive effects.
American Association for Cancer Research
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Brown and beige dominate the plate: Daily dose of color needed to fill America's 'phytonutrient gap'
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The dietary supplement genistein can undermine breast cancer treatment
Women taking aromatase inhibitors to treat breast cancer or prevent its recurrence should think twice before also taking a soy-based dietary supplement, researchers report.
Soy foods are associated with lower sperm concentrations
Men who eat an average of half a serving of soy food a day have lower concentrations of sperm than men who do not eat soy foods, according to research published online in Europe's leading reproductive medicine journal, Human Reproduction, today (Thursday 24 July). The association was particularly marked in men who were overweight or obese, the study found.
USP announces 11 new proposed monographs for dietary supplements
The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) is pleased to announce 11 new proposed monographs for dietary supplements for public notice and comment.
Soy isoflavone may inhibit common gastrointestinal illness in infants
The soy isoflavone genistin--at concentrations present in soy infant formula-- may reduce a baby's susceptibility to rotavirus infections by as much as 74 percent.
Soy found protective against localized prostate cancer
The largest study examining the relationship between the traditional soy-rich Japanese diet and development of prostate cancer in Japanese men has come to a seemingly contradictory conclusion: intake of isoflavone chemicals, derived largely from soy foods, decreased the risk of localized prostate cancer but increased the risk of advanced prostate cancer.
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Nature's Bounty Soy Isoflavones, Non-GMO, 120 Capsules by Nature's Bounty Dietary Supplement. Promotes Menopausal Health. With daidzein, genistein and other soy isoflavones. Soy is the perfect supplement for women undergoing menopausal changes. Soy is a rich, plant-based source of phytonutrients, naturally occurring compounds that help relieve hot flashes in menopausal women. Made from non-GMO certified soybeans, Soy Isoflavones provide holistic supplementation for a woman's most active years. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease). |
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Soy Isoflavones 120 Caps by Swanson Premium Brand Give your body the wonderful benefits of soy every day with Swanson Soy Isoflavones! Regular consumption of soy is associated with a wide range of health benefits relating to cardiovascular maintenance, bone strength, menopausal discomfort, immune function and more. With 750 mg of soy germ complex, our Soy Isoflavone capsules are an easy way to get a healthy supply of natural soy nutrition on a daily basis. |
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Source Naturals Genistein Soy Complex, 1000 mg, Tablets, 240 tablets by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Isoflavone-Rich. Non-GMO Soy. (Not genetically modified). Genistein, an Isoflavone phytonutrient derived from soybeans, has been the focus of scientific research since 1966. Studies have shown that Genistein can bind to the same receptor sites as estrogen. Soybeans are the only significant dietary source of Genistein; however, the amount of soy foods necessary to meet the body's needs can be difficult to incorporate into today's diet. In Asia, where soy is a staple, the daily intake can be up to 20 times that of a Western diet. Source Naturals Genistein Soy Complex is made from Isoflavone-rich soybean powder that yields a consistent standardized Isoflavone content. This unique chemical-free process requires approximately 400 pounds of soybeans to yield just one pound... |
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Methox Power - 90 Capsules 400mg 5-Methoxy- 7-Methoxy-Isoflavone Non-Hormonal Anabolic Anti-Catabolic by Physiomuscle Methoxyisoflavone (5-methyl-7-isoflavone) may be the most potent anabolic compound ever. Methoxyisoflavone is a powerful anti-catabolic compound which significantly reduces cortisol production. Lowering cortisol levels can have a profound effect on your ability to build muscle and recover from training. In addition, to Methoxyisoflavone's powerful anti-catabolic effects, clinical research demonstrates that it also causes a significant increase in protein synthesis and nitrogen retention. Improved protein synthesis is a major contributing factor in achieving an anabolic state and is one of the mechanisms by which steroids help to promote muscle growth. |
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Soy Isoflavones 120 caps by NATROL -Supports Hormonal Balance and Bone Health -To Meet the Changing Needs of Women Soy is a natural source of isoflavones that provide benefits such as hormonal balance support and bone health. The amount of soy isoflavones necessary to achieve these benefits can be difficult to incorporate into today's diet. Natrol Soy Isoflavones support the changing nutritional needs of women throughout all stages of life. Made from non-GMO soy. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
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TruNature Soy Isoflavones Menopause Complex Helps Relieve Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Supports Bone Health 50 mg 180 Softgels best before 02/2010 by TruNature A scientifically supported herb with naturally occurring isoflavones (powerful compounds known as phytoestrogens; plant-based substances that are chemically similar to the hormone estrogen - yet milder). These phytoestrogens can bind to estrogen receptors in the cells and produce various important health benefits to women at or near menopause. |
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Natrol Soy Isoflavones, Capsules - 120 ea (Pack of 2) by Natrol Supports Hormonal Balance and Bone Health* To Meet the Changing Needs of Women.* Soy is a natural source of isoflavones that provide benefits such as hormonal balance support and bone health. The amount of soy isoflavone |
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Natura Bisse Essential Shock Complex + Isoflavones Intensive Anti-Aging Firming Treatment 30ml/1oz An intensive repair treatment formulated to restore firmness and elasticity to mature and wrinkled skin. High concentrations of Natural Collagen and Elastin. High concentrations of Natural Collagen and Elastin Amino Acids in Their Free Form and Soy Proteins penetrate to dramatically renew firmness, elasticity and suppleness while regenerating and revitalizing the skin. Enriched with Isoflavones, a powerful anti-aging ingredient, obtained from Soybeans germ extract and Iris Florentina root extract, this treatment can effectively fight changes in the skin due to hormone fluctuations, common in mature skin. Isoflavones are microencapsulated in Cyclodextrins to penetrate easily, allowing the Isoflavones to retain its properties and effectiveness to be time released within the skin. |
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