Prostate Cancer: Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are pills, powders, liquids, tea leaves, and other products that
use herbs as the main ingredient to promote health. They are a form of complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM). And can also be called integrative medicine.
What is CAM?
CAM uses methods of healing that are not part of standard healthcare. Standard healthcare
is treatment that has been tested, and found to be safe and effective, and approved
by the FDA. Complementary medicine is any form of nonmainstream therapy used along
with standard healthcare. It's used to help relieve symptoms and improve quality of
life. Alternative medicine is a nonmainstream approach used in place of standard healthcare.
Do herbal supplements work?
Most herbal supplements that claim to treat prostate cancer have not gone through
a clinical trial. A clinical trial is a research study to test a treatment in humans.
Other herbal supplements have been shown to slow or stop prostate cancer cell growth
in lab studies. But lab studies are done on cancer cells, not people. An herbal supplement
tested in a lab may not have the same effect on a person with prostate cancer. Clinical
trials are needed to determine if there are safe and effective herbal supplements
that can be used for prostate cancer.
Risks of herbal supplements
Herbal supplements may have risks, serious side effects, and interactions with prescribed
and over-the-counter medicines you're taking. Some are unsafe for people with conditions
such as blood-clotting problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Some herbal supplements
have been taken off the market after serious warnings by the FDA.
Talking with your healthcare provider
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking any type of herbal supplement. They
can help you learn what may help, and what may not be safe to use. Your healthcare
provider will also make sure the supplement does not interact with a medicine you
are already taking. An oncology pharmacist can also provide information about supplements
and possible interactions with your medicines.