Vitamin E Boosts the Ability of Lycopene to Fight Prostate cancer

According to German and Dutch researchers low doses of the antioxidants Lycopene and Vitamin E slow the growth of prostate cancer tumors. The researchers tested the effects of Lycopene and vitamin E, either alone or together, at different dosages on the growth of prostate cancer in mice. The Lycopene with vitamin E supplements together had a synergistic effect slowing the growth of the prostate tumor by 73% by the 42nd day of the study. The study was presented in Geneva recently at the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-National Cancer Institute-American Association for Cancer research Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

It is interesting but not surprising that Lycopene works better for prostate cancer in the company of vitamin E. Studies show that this is also the case with Selenium and Vitamin E (all 8 isomers) and prostate cancer. The forms of vitamin E and Lycopene used in the study were synthetic; I have published dramatic studies with natural Lycopene for prostate cancer on this site. Other nutrients-foods that are beneficial for prostate cancer include soy foods, soy Isoflavones, Indole-3-Carbinol, Aged Garlic, Green Tea, Natural complex Vitamin E with Tocotrienols and abundant Gamma-Tocopherol, Green Tea EGCG, and Saw Palmetto Berry Sterols.

More Cranberry Means Greater Urinary Tract Protection

The more cranberry the merrier, at least for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium E. Coli, a bacterium commonly found in the intestines. Drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice nearly doubled the protection against UTI vs. drinking 4 ounces according to research from Yale University. Women are more prone to UTIs than men because of hormonal influences and a shorter urethra. Women with a UTI urinate frequently and have a burning with urination; they may also experience lower back pain by the kidneys. In this study giving 8 ounces of cranberry juice doubled the prevention of developing an infection by E. coli by doubling the effect of blocking the bacterium from attaching to the bladder. There is a tannin unique to Cranberry and also Blueberry that interferes with little projections on the bacterium preventing it from suctioning onto the urinary tract wall. The study used a concentration of 27% cranberry juice, this equates to 65mg of purer, somewhat concentrated Cranberry. The study was presented yesterday in Boston at the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Commentary by Jerry Hickey, R.Ph.

Women who are prone to urinary tract infections lack the ability to create a mucous in the urinary tract that makes it slippery to bacteria. The tannin found in Cranberry and Blueberry has the same effect in the urinary tract preventing bacteria from attaching to the lining of the kidneys, bladder or urethra. All Cranberry and Blueberry sources are beneficial whether it is a juice (fattening), a capsule, or a tincture.

Soy Isoflavones Relieve Menopausal Hot Flashes and Protect Against Heart Disease

In a study of 50 postmenopausal women whose diets did not include soy foods, or who did not use hormone replacement therapy for at least six months, the effects of a soy supplement supplying 60mg of Isoflavones was compared to inactive placebo. The women rated the severity of their menopausal symptoms after two, four, and six months. Their vaginal and uterine health were examined and blood tests were taken regularly during the study. 44% of the women on the Isoflavones reported complete relief from hot flushes. Vaginal changes seen during menopause predictably worsened on placebo, but vaginal tissue in the Isoflavone group remained unchanged and healthy.

Blood tests showed a significant drop in LDL-cholesterol levels (11.8%), and a very important and dramatic increase in protective HDL levels (27.3%) after six months on the Isoflavones. No changes in these blood levels occurred on placebo. The Soy rich in Isoflavones offered cardiovascular protection and improved hot flushes. The study is published in the number 48, 2004 current issue of Maturitas, the official journal of the European Menopause and Andropause Society.

Rhodiola Rosea Boosts Endurance and Physical Performance

Two new studies show that Rhodiola rosea root extract boosts stamina and exercise performance. In the first study, a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study of 24 individuals, giving 200mg of Rhodiola rosea root extract standardized for 3% rosavin and 1% salidroside increased the time to exhaustion vs. a placebo even after just one serving, and lung power also improved. In the second placebo-controlled double blind study using the same Rhodiola rosea standardized extract over time did not result in a decrease of any of these benefits to exercise performance. The studies are published in the June 2004 issue of the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism.