Botanical formula could 'battle prostate cancer without toxicity'

Washington, Feb 8 (ANI): A botanical formula considerably suppresses tumour growth in aggressive, hormone refractory (androgen independent) human-prostate cancer cells, according to researchers.

Scientists at Indiana University, Methodist Research Institute study a botanical formula that kills aggressive prostate cancer tumours. Their findings are based on experiments in mice using a human prostate cancer tumour model.

This is the third published study from a major university to show significant results of this specific multi-nutrient prostate formula against the invasive behaviour of aggressive prostate cancer cells, tumour growth and metastasis.

The formula combines botanical extracts, phytonutrients, botanically-enhanced medicinal mushrooms, and antioxidants.

"Multiple studies demonstrate that this prostate formula is a possible treatment for hormone refractory (androgen independent) prostate cancer," said lead researcher, Dr. Daniel Sliva.

This study also analyzed the formula for potential toxicity, demonstrating it to be safe with no signs of toxicity at the highest dosages.

"This study is a milestone in the research of this formula, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in treating human prostate cancer in an animal model," said researcher and formulator, Dr. Isaac Eliaz.

These positive results offer a significant contribution to the field of prostate cancer research, and add to the growing body of published data substantiating the role of natural compounds in the treatment of prostate cancer."

Results of the study show that the oral administration of the formula produced a statistically significant 27 percent suppression of tumour growth, compared to controls.

The study was performed using a xenograft tumor model of human prostate cancer in mice.

Even more important, in addition to significant reduction in tumour volume, results showed inhibition of the expression of several genes involved in cancer proliferation and metastasis.

Three prostate cancer-related genes (IGF2, NRNF2 and PLAU/uPA) that were suppressed by this formula not only control aggressive prostate tumor growth, but also relate to the metastatic potential.

It is metastasis that makes prostate cancer deadly. The formula also significantly increased the expression of a gene that fights against prostate cancer, CDKN1A, which works by specifically inhibiting other cancer promoting cellular mechanisms.

By suppressing specific genes related to aggressive prostate cancer growth and proliferation, and increasing the expression of cancer-fighting genes, this integrative formula demonstrated multiple anti-cancer mechanisms and genetic targets.

This pre-clinical in vivo study confirms previously published in vitro data, which also shows the ability of this formula to decrease the expression of PLAU/uPA genes in aggressive, hormone-independent prostate cancer cells.

The study has been published online in The International Journal of Oncology. (ANI)