Over the centuries, man has gone from a simple diet consisting of meats, fruits, vegetables and grains, to a diet that often consists of foods rich in fats, oils and complex carbohydrates. Nutritional excess and nutritional deficiencies have become problems in today's society - both contributing to several chronic diseases. Many dietary and herbal approaches attempt to balance the body's nutritional well-being. Dietary and herbal approaches may include dietary supplements and herbal medicine.

Herbal medicine or "herbal remedies" for treatment of prostate cancer have not been studied scientifically (in a randomized clinical trial, a highly regarded approach). In particular, combination herbal remedies currently on the market should be approached with caution, since reported side effects have included venous thrombosis (blood clots in veins), breast tenderness, and loss of libido (desire for sex.) For example, a popular supplement sometimes used by men with prostate cancer, called PC-SPES, was taken off the market after a warning by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002. PC-SPES was found to contain other prescription drugs that could cause serious health problems, according the American Cancer Society. In addition, many herbal preparations have not been studied in men with prostate cancer.

Are herbal remedies considered to be a form of complementary and alternative medicine?

Yes. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses unconventional approaches to healing, beyond standard medicine.

Standard/conventional medicine refers to medical treatments that have been scientifically tested, found to be safe and effective, and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Complementary medicine is any form of therapy used in combination with other treatments. Complementary therapy usually serves to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Alternative medicine is used alone, without recommended standard treatment. Some people use complementary treatments to relieve symptoms or side effects while undergoing standard/conventional treatment (such as pain relief during cancer treatment).

It is important to consult with your physician regarding all medications, dietary supplements and herbal remedies that you are taking. Dangerous drug interactions can occur.

We encourage you to contact Renee Sevy Hasterok, Patient Navigator with the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph’s prior to utilizing any type of dietary or herbal supplements in the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer. She can be reached at (678) 843-5665 or rsevy@sjha.org. Renee can help connect you with the services of our oncology dietitian for sound advice and dietary guidance. 

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010. Claims regarding treatment are based on years of clinical experience and industry reported data. The PCC follows American Urological Association and  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Last Updated: October 14, 2010 (RSH)