Even more of a concern than losing the gut is the health of our prostate.. For those of us over 40 keeping this little gland funtioning well should be a high priority..

Talk about the "family jewels", this little "gem" is the most valuable..

I will add a couple of articles from a little book below.. Feel free to add any other information or questions...

Science and Beta-sitosterol


Traditionally such herbs as saw palmetto, Pygeum species, nettles, star grass and other herbs have been used to treat prostate problems. The trouble with using these is that generally they only contain a mere one part in three thousand! of the beta-sitosterol complex. That means you would literally have to eat about a pound of saw palmetto berries to get a mere 330mg of beta-sitosterol. Even with the best “10x” (ten times) extracts of these herbs one would still have to eat about two hundred 500mg capsules to get the 330mg of beta-sitosterol! So it is obvious these herbs are useless despite their continual promotion by the so-called natural health industry. Please under- stand that saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum and other herbs and their extracts are simply not effective.

But what about the herbal extracts sold by prescription only over in Europe? These extracts are standardized according to beta-sitosterol content regardless of their source. Whether you buy Permixon in France, Harzol, Tadenan and Azuprostat in Germany or Prostaserene in Belgium, these are all based on how much beta-sitosterol content they have. And they are very, very expensive. A bottle of 60 tablets of Permixon, for example, containing 30mg of beta-sitosterol per tablet will cost about 50 American dollars.

After one really researches beta-sitosterol it becomes obvious that herbs are a completely uneconomic source, but soybeans, sugar cane pulp and pine oil (tall oil) are excellent, inexpensive sources. Many sugar processors now extract the valuable chemicals from the pulp after the sugar is pressed out.

There are dozens and dozens of classic double blind studies done with real men on the effects of beta-sitosterol on benign prostate hypertrophy or BPH. We’ll discuss a few of these to give you some exaples of the first rate research that has been done around the world.

A study published in volume 21 of Eurpean Urology (1992), at the Institute of Clinical Medicine at the University of Rome, DiSilverio and his colleagues studied 35 men with BPH for 3 months and gave half of them a placebo (inert capsules). They concluded, “On the basis of these considerations, monotherapy with S. repens extract (beta-sitosterol extracted from saw palmetto) may be more favorably accepted, since on account of similar clinical results, when compared to the combination therapy cyproterone acetate plus tamoxifen...”

The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in volume 18 (1984) at the Hospital Ambroise in Paris, Champault and two other doctors did a classic double blind study with 110 men half of them getting a placebo. They concluded, “Thus as predicted by pharmacological and biochemical studies PA109 (4 tablets of Permixon daily) would therefore appear to be a useful therapeutic tool in the treatment of BPH.”

In volume 98 of the German journal Fortschrifte Medizin (1980) at the Klinische Endokrinologie in Freiburg, Zahradnik and other doctors studied the beta-sitosterols taken from star grass sold as the prescription extract Harzol in regard to the development of prostate enlargement and prostaglandin levels. High prostaglandin levels support tumor growth.

In the Italian journal Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica, volume 37 (1985), doctors at the University of Padova studied the effect of beta-sitosterol extract on 27 men with BPH. Dr. Tasca and his associates measured urine flow and other parameters in men ranging from ages 49 to 81 compared to men receiving a placebo.

In Medical Science Research, volume 16 (1983), Drs. Malini and Vanithakumari at the Institute of Medical Sciences in Madras, India studied the effect of beta-sitosterol on the fructose concentration of the prostate. Fructose is vital to the function of the prostate with regard to the androgenic hormones such as DHEA and testosterone. This was a very unique and thorough study lasting almost two months.

One of the very best studies done was published in the British Journal of Urology, volume 80 (1997), at the University of Dresden. Drs. Klippel, Hilti and Schipp studied 177 men for 6 months who suffered from BPH. Half the men got a placebo and half got the prescription extract Azuprostat containing 130mg of beta-sitosterol. They cited a full 32 references to substantiate their research. They carefully screened all the men and tested them extensively during the study. They concluded, “These results show that beta-sitosterol is an effective option in the treatment of BPH.”

In the journal Urolage A, volume 24 (1985) at the University of Basel, Switzerland, Dr. Vontobel and his colleagues studied a strong extract of nettles containing a high concentration of beta-sitosterol in a double blind study of 50 men for nine weeks. They said that the use of beta-sitosterols from nettles, “The evaluation of the objective parameters showed significant differences.”

In the Lancet, vol 345 (1995) a very professional study was done at the University of Bochum in Herne, Germany by Dr. Berges and his associates. They used pure beta-sitosterol with 200 men half of whom received a placebo over the course of a year. They said, “Significant improvement in symptoms and urinary flow parameters show the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH.” This is clearly one of the most important and well done studies on prostate ever published.

Again, in Minerva Urologica e Nefrologica, volume 39 (1987), Drs. Bassi et al at the University of Padova studied 40 men with BPH with and extract of Pygeum africanum with a high beta-sitosterol content. Half the men received a placebo and many parameters were measured for the two month study. They concluded, “The preliminary results demonstrate a significant improvement of the frequency, urgency, dysuria (difficult, painful urination) and urinary flow in patients treated with the active drug.”

In the German journal Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift, volume 22 (1990) at eight different urological clinics in Europe 263 total patients with BPH were studied over a two month period. They were given either Tadenan (a Pygeum africanum extract standardized for beta-sitosterol content) or a placebo. This very extensive study compiled from different clinics and different doctors yet all agreed that, “Treatment with the Pygeum africanum extract led to a marked clinical improvement: a comparison of the quantitative parameters showed a significant difference between the Pygeum africanum group and the placebo group with respect to therapeutic response.”

In volume 77 of the German journal Midizinische Klinik (1982) a study done at the Urological Clinik of Krankenhauser in Ludenscheid-Hellersen was performed on 23 patients. Dr. Szutrely gave the patients either Harzol (herbal extract standardized for beta-sitosterol content) or a placebo for patients with prostate enlargement over a two month period. They measured their prostates with ultrasound equipment before and after treatment. At the end he said, “Within the scope of a controlled double blind study to demonstrate the effect of conservative therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia with Harzol, ultrasonic examination of the prostate adenoma (enlargement) was carried out on 23 patients before and after therapy with the trial preparation of a placebo. Within a two month treatment with Harzol there was a significant change in echo structure of the prostate adenoma, and this is interpreted as a reduction in the interstitial formation of oedema (swelling).”

A most unique review of 31 years of studies was published in the volume 280 of the Journal of the American Medical Association (1998) where they chose 18 different trials involving 2,939 men in total who were treated for BPH with strong extracts of saw palmetto containing beta-sitosterol. They said after reviewing all these studies, “The evidence suggests that Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) improves urologic symptoms and and flow measures.”

Another unique review in a different manner was done by Dr. Buck in the British Journal of Urology, volume 78 (1996). At the Department of Urology in Glasgow, Scotland he did a 12 page review of herbal therapy for the prostate including Harzol, Tadenan, Permixon, Strogen and Sabalux (all European prescription herbal extracts standardized for beta-sitosterol content). He documents his review with 59 published worldwide studies and discusses the biological basis of prostate illness. His conclusions of the efficacy of herbal treatment of prescription drugs and therapy are well founded certainly.

In volume 55 of Current Therapeutic Research (1994) a study done at the University of Brussels, Belgium by Dr. Braeckman using Prostaserene (an extract standardized for beta-sitosterol) for a mere six weeks led him to conclude, “Tradi tional parameters for quantifying prostatism, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score, the quality of life score, urinary flow rates, residual urinary volume, and prostate size were found to be significantly improved after only 45 days of treatment. After 90 days of treatment, a majority of patients (88%) and treating physicians (88%) considered the therapy effective.”

These have been only a few of the many dozens of studies that have appeared in the major medical journals around the world that have been done in some of the most important urological clinics. This shows that it is, in fact, beta-sitosterol that is the active ingredient in herbs. American herbal products - even the most expensive extracts that claim “85% fatty acids and sterols” - have almost no beta-sitosterol in them and it is never mentioned on the label because of this fact, suggesting that every OTC natural prostate remedy sold in the U.S. has little if any value at all.

Progesterone

The first thing we need to understand is that men and women have exactly the same hormones only indifferent amounts. Women have testosterone, androstenedione and even a prostate specific antigen (PSA). Men have estriol, estrone, estradiol, progesterone, luteining hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone 9FSH). As men age their levels of estrogen rise especially the two most dangerous and potent estrogens ? estrone and estradiol. A man over 50 literally has more estrogen than his postmenopausal wife! That is scary. It is finally becoming clear that this excess of estrogen in aging men is responsible for a variety of problems such as adiposity, breast development, many cancers, prostate problems, baldness and other problems that come with advanced age. What is the most potent antagonist to estrogen! Progesterone. It is progesterone that inhibits those harmful effects of too much estrogen more than anything else. As estrogen levels rise in men there is no parallel rise in progesterone.

Any man over 50 may well choose to use a small amount of transdermal natural progesterone daily to offset the excess estrogens in his blood. Since women commonly use about 25 mg a man could use 5 mg a day. Applying a mere 1/8th teaspoon directly to the scrotum (testicle sac) would equate to about 7 mg if the cream contains 800 g of progesterone per two ounces. A good 5 or 6 mg would be expected to be absorbed out of that. It is reassuring to know that progesterone has no toxicity to speak of especially in these small amounts. It is very safe to use without any known side effects at all. Studies in laboratory animals given very large doses resulted in no side effects. We’ve all heard of 5-alpha reductase and how this is what turns vital testosterone into unwanted dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excess levels of DHT are associated with baldness, prostate disease and a host of other illnesses as men age. Progesterone is a powerful 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Did you know your prostate actually has progesterone receptors and to have a healthy prostate gland your receptors must have enough blood progesterone constantly to keep them filled? Studies on laboratory animals have actually reduced the weights of their prostates just by giving them natural progesterone. It has been used to treat men but in 2001 I cannot find any published studies on this. Nevertheless many men have chosen to use transdermal progesterone based on the overwhelming evidence we have from studies around the world on test animals, DHT, 5-alpha reducatase and prostate metabolism.

Men need only a fraction of that required by women. One 2 ounce jar will last a man 3-4 months, so if you are going to take advantage of our discounts on purchases of 3 or more, think of sharing this remarkable anti-aging supplement with your wife or other women in your life. It is really amazing to see how quickly women's PMS symptoms fade and disappear when their hormones come into balance. Also, it is always wise to test your hormone levels once or twice every 2 years.

Alto,

I couldn"t have said it better myself. In TCM Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine the conditon of the prostate was considered to refelect the overall health and vitality of a male.

I reccomend yearly digital exam for patients over
40 (our favorite) as well as PSA level, total testosterone, free testosterone, prodesterone and DHEA level.

More about herbs and supplements later...

One concern is that a lot of us are leaning towards the Atkins type diet, low carb, high fat.. As you know fat is a killer for the prostate..

What profit a man to lose his gut but die of prostate cancer or at best end up impotent and wearing a diaper due to lack of bladder control?

So.. I've started back on the carbs and vegies with a little chicken, turkey and fish.. Not to say I wouldn't chow down on a steak once every few months but not as a regular practice..

Those $2.30 salads from Subway hit the spot most of the time with a little veggi chili from Trader Joe's or some shrimp stir fry.. Many other options beside a Whopper or other high fat fast food..

$2.30 salads from Subway? What Subway is that? I pay almost $4 for mine. Granted, they are big and I whine so they give me a bit more tuna.

On the subject of salads, how about Round Table? For slightly under $6 during lunch you can get the salad bar and a small pizza. Save half the pizza for later and skip the bacon bits and you can feel healthy for hours. All that roughage doing its work..............

Subway prices vary from store to store.. The cheapest one I've found also has the most chicas working.. A veggie delight is $2.29 but no tuna, meat or fowl included.. You can get cheese and everything else.. I get 2 and munch on when hungry..

Save the stamps for a footlong (price of a $1.25 drink which I ususally throw out if it tastes like chlorine)..

The Round Table thing sounds like a good deal for those having time for a sit down lunch, hehe..

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Vitamin E appears to protect against prostate cancer (news - web sites), and new research shows it may do so by interfering with two proteins that are associated with the disease.
Researchers based at the University of Rochester in New York found that adding vitamin E to prostate cancer cells inhibits the production of a receptor for testosterone, called the androgen receptor (AR), which is needed in order for the cancer to grow and develop.

"The fewer ARs there are in a (prostate cancer) cell, the less capable the remaining ARs, no matter how they are activated, are to turn on the genes that stimulate (prostate cancer) growth and progression," study author Dr. Edward M. Messing told Reuters Health.

"Thus, this can be combined with other AR inhibiting strategies to eliminate AR activity in (prostate cancer) cells," he added.

In the US, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death among men. Previous research has shown that vitamin E can protect against the development of prostate cancer, reducing risk from 18% to 12% among male smokers.

However, researchers remained puzzled about how vitamin E lowered the risk of prostate cancer.

Now, the authors of the current study, led by Dr. Shuyuan Yeh, report that vitamin E inhibits the expression in prostate cancer cells of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein that is often elevated in the disease and used as a marker for early detection.

The investigators also note in the May 28th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that the vitamin can prevent cells from making androgen receptors.

In an interview with Reuters Health, Messing said he suspects the benefits of vitamin E stem from its interference with AR production. "The only thing we know of in 2002 that turns on PSA is an activated AR," he said.

Moreover, the researcher added, stopping the production of AR will halt the expression of all other genes that are activated by AR, which can also influence the development of prostate cancer.

"While PSA serves as a good marker molecule of AR activity, more importantly the genes responsible for (prostate cancer's) growth, invasion and metastases, many of which depend upon an activated AR to turn them on, will be down-regulated or totally silenced as well," he noted.

All of the currently available treatments that aim to inhibit AR in prostate cancer cells primarily focus on preventing testosterone from binding to the receptor, Messing explained, but do not have long-term benefits, and can produce serious side effects in other parts of the body.

This is the first study to show how an agent can, in fact, specifically inhibit a prostate cancer cell's ability to manufacture AR, Messing added, and the vitamin appears to affect mostly prostate cancer cells.

Vitamin E might work best when administered with other natural treatments that also appear to protect against prostate cancer, such as vitamin D and selenium, the authors write.

Speaking of prostates I saw an ad on TV today talking about giving a check up as a Father's Day gift to your dad. OK. I guess that is better than the crap we used to have around here ten years ago which was nothing but feminazi rhetoric about going after dead beat dads on Father's Day and locking them all up.

I take and and reccomend patients take minimum
800 mg to 1200 mg gamma E tocopheral availible through www.lef.org. It is the most advanced blend of E vitamines with good research behind it.

Plain d-alpha tocopheral availible at all health food stores is fine as well. DO'NOT take dl-alpha
it is synthetic and doesn't work and may be toxic.

The d-alpha tocopherol 400IU with selenium 50mcg is available at doctorstrust.com for $9.19 a bottle of 100 soft gels..

I usually order other things as well such as horny goat weed, tribulus, etc. If the order is over $25 it's free shipping, and NO SALES TAX..

Gotta luv shopping on the net..