PLANT EXTRACTS FOR DEFENCE AGAINST PROSTATE CANCER AND BPH

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A powerful flavonoid found in apples, onions, and berries, quercetin is known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research shows it can:

• Inhibit      cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in      prostate cancer cells
• Suppress      key pathways that fuel tumor development, including androgen receptor      signaling
• Enhance      the effectiveness of other natural compounds when used in synergy

✅ Clinical studies suggest quercetin may slow tumor progression and reduce the risk of metastasis.

Derived from green tea, EGCG is a catechin with powerful chemopreventive properties:

• Blocks      cancer-promoting enzymes and disrupts the formation of new blood vessels      feeding tumors (anti-angiogenic effect)
• Reduces      levels of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen), a key marker in prostate health
• Promotes      apoptosis in malignant cells without harming healthy tissue

✅ Widely studied in prostate cancer models for its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and invasion.

A soy-derived isoflavone, genistein exhibits anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic effects, making it particularly effective in hormone-driven cancers like prostate cancer:

• Disrupts      hormone signaling that fuels prostate tumor growth
• Inhibits      angiogenesis and promotes cancer cell apoptosis
• Synergizes      with other phytonutrients to enhance overall anti-cancer activity

✅ Populations with high soy intake (rich in genistein) have significantly lower rates of prostate cancer.

A plant sterol commonly found in nuts, seeds, and vegetables, beta-sitosterol is best known for its role in supporting urinary and prostate function, but it also has direct anti-cancer effects:

• Induces      apoptosis and blocks cell cycle progression in prostate cancer cells
• Reduces      inflammation and oxidative stress, key contributors to cancer development
• May      enhance immune response against tumor cells

✅ Shown in studies to reduce the size and weight of prostate tumors in animal models.

A carotenoid found in tomatoes and red fruits, lycopene is one of the most potent dietary antioxidants:

• Neutralizes      free radicals that damage DNA and promote tumor growth
• Inhibits      insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which is linked to cancer progression
• Associated      with lower risk and slower progression of prostate cancer

✅ Men with higher lycopene intake show up to 30% lower risk of prostate cancer in epidemiological studies.

Naturally occurring in foods like wheat germ, soy, and aged cheese, spermidine promotes autophagy—the body’s natural process for clearing out damaged cells:

• Supports      cellular detoxification and renewal, which helps prevent cancerous changes
• Regulates      genes involved in cell growth, death, and aging
• Enhances      mitochondrial health, reducing the risk of DNA mutations

✅ Emerging research links spermidine with increased lifespan and reduced cancer incidence.