Is Maca or DHEA trouble for the prostate?
Q. I read about Maca and DHEA and the importance of testosterone levels. There's one thing that bothers me: Can someone who has a prostate problem (say an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer) use these products safely?
R. G., Corrimal, Australia

Dr. Martin Milner answers:
A. Your question is a very important one. Let's take the items in turn.
First, there is very little data on Maca and testosterone levels. Nevertheless, when tested on women, the herb was found to raise estrogen levels slightly-so it does have an effect on hormones. We can reasonably project that it may also raise testosterone, and an increase in those levels has been associated in the medical literature with aggravating enlarged prostates and prostate cancer.

DHEA can affect testosterone levels as well-I've seen it do so in my practice.
However, the real issue here is the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-the most problematic form of testosterone for prostate difficulties. Saw palmetto has been shown to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT, so you might consider using it in concert with DHEA or Maca. I'd also recommend you try 7-Keto DHEA (see the October 1999 Members Alert), since it minimizes the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

If you decide to try either of these, I highly suggest you get both a serum test and a salivary test for DHT levels and continue monitoring your testosterone with your doctor. You really don't want to be reckless with your prostate health.

7-Keto DHEA, Center for Natural Medicine Dispensary,
1330 S.E. 39th Ave.,Portland, OR 97214; tel. (888)305-4288 or (503)232-0475,
or go to www.cnm-inc.com. 60 capsules cost US $29.95 for HSI members.

Herbal protection for chemo and radiation-therapy dangers
Q. I've recently been reading about herbs that aid in chemotherapy and radiation therapy. One of them is called ashwagandha. What information do you have on this product?
S. H., Wheeling, WV

A. Ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry and Indian ginseng, is a shrub found primarily in western India and Israel and has existed for 2,500 years. It has been used in Ayurvedic [Eye-er-VAY-deck] medicine to treat a variety of diseases (with its roots and leaves usually prepared as powders, oils, and poultices). Although ashwagandha is primarily known as an aphrodisiac, it also acts as a folk remedy against arthritis, asthma, colds, diarrhea, fever, hiccups, hypertension, heart problems, inflammations, lumbago, nausea, psoriasis, rheumatism, ringworm, scabies, senility, and syphilis.

Researchers from Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, discovered that some of the chemicals in ashwagandha are very powerful antioxidants. They tested these for their effects on the brains of rats and found an increase in the levels of three natural antioxidants (which may explain the brain strengthening, anti-stress, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects produced by the herb).

In response to your question, there is evidence that ashwagandha aids radiation and chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. First, it appears to make the tumor more sensitive to radiation-thereby making it more vulnerable to radiation treatment. This was confirmed in studies conducted in 1993 and 1996.

One of the chief side effects of chemotherapy is immunosuppression-the weakening of the body's natural defense against disease and infection. Leukopenia (the abnormal decrease in defensive white blood cells) and myelosuppression (the acute weakening of bone marrow) are two manifestations of this immune-system breakdown.

A 1994 study showed that ashwagandha prevented both leukopenia and myelosuppression in animals treated with a chemotherapeutic chemical. This result was repeated two years later, when the herb prevented myelosuppression in mice given three different immunosuppressive drugs.

In a related effect, ashwagandha prolonged the survival of mice infected with aspergillus-an infection/colonization of the lung, sometimes brought on by the immunosuppressive effects of chemotherapy.

But the herb's effectiveness isn't restricted to protecting the immune system; it has also been shown to have anti-tumor effects. A 1992 study found that doses of 400 mg/kg given to mice with transplanted tumors "produced complete regression of tumor after an initial growth, the percentage of complete response increasing with increasing dose."

If you're facing the prospect of chemo or radiation therapy, ashwagandha might be an ally you could use in your corner. A bottle of 50 capsules can be purchased for $9.29 from VitaCost. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you'll be glad to know that it's also available as a liquid extract.

Ordering information: Ashwagandha, 50 capsules for $9.29 plus $4.95 s/h. VitaCost, 2049 High Ridge Rd, Boyton Beach, FL 32426 Phone: 800-793-2601; www.vitacost.com

Too much vitamin E?
Q. I've been taking a multivitamin that contains vitamin E tocotrienols (along with mixed tocopherols). However, I'd also like to start taking Care Diem, which also contains tocotrienols. Is it OK to do this, or will I be getting too much vitamin E?
J. C., Bel Air, MD

Dr. Randall Wilkinson answers:
A. The likelihood of getting too much vitamin E is extremely low. Toxicity studies show that you'd have to consume quite a lot before problems would arise.

As long as you're restricting yourself to the recommended dosage for both the multi-vitamin and Care Diem, you shouldn't have a problem.

A cure for MS?
Q. I've heard that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) recently issued a warning to its members regarding the controversial MS treatment Procarin®. I've heard conflicting things about it. Where does HSI stand on this issue?
J. P., Chicago, IL

A. Procarin is indeed a controversial treatment. The statement of the NMSS said, in effect, that it's an unproven and untested product that relies on an antiquated theory and has only limited anecdotal support. Additionally, according to the society, "there is no scientific rationale to suggest possible benefit" of Procarin use. In other words, according to the society, it's a waste of time and money ($249 a month).

These are strong claims-made against a product that many people claim has helped them. So, why the harsh stance from the NMSS? The answer isn't entirely clear.

Here's what we know: In 1988, a nurse named Elaine DeLack was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). As her condition worsened, she searched medical archives for anything that might help her.

The result was Procarin, a prescription cream developed last year that's applied to the skin via a transdermal patch. Delack first tried it on herself, receiving immediate and dramatic results. Apparently, when she used the patch, she was free of all symptoms; when she let the treatment lapse, the symptoms returned.

So, how does Procarin work? Delack's theory maintains that the patch (which contains histamine-2 and caffeine as its primary ingredients) replenishes a neurotransmitter that most MS patients are deficient in. The absence of this neurotransmitter results in the various symptoms of MS.

Is there validity to this theory? That's a tough question. As the NMSS pointed out, it's based on an earlier theory that went out of vogue in the 1950s. Nevertheless, the testimonials surrounding Procarin are dramatic and growing. There may be some unknown mode of action that makes this treatment effective. We simply don't know.

Since there are no studies available on Procarin, and no clear scientific rationale for how it would work, we can't endorse it. Having said that, hundreds of MS sufferers have claimed to benefit from its use.

To find a compounding pharmacist in the United States who produces Procarin, call (800)927-4227 or (281)933-8400.

Pain-free weight loss
Q. I've been using Chitosan for a few weeks now to lose weight, but every time I do, I develop gas and stomach pains. Is there something I can do to avoid this?
T.R., Stone Mountain, GA

Jon Barron answers:
A. The short answer is yes. Here's the longer answer: Chitosan is a natural fiber derived from shellfish. Similar to cellulose, it has been used for 30 years by water-purification plants to bind up oil and grease and remove them from city drinking water. About five years ago, chitosan was introduced as a weight-loss supplement to bind up fats in our food, thereby making the fats calorie-free.

A simple demonstration shows how well it works. Add some oil to a glass of water, and it floats. Mix in some chitosan, and the oil drops to the bottom in large clumps-thus proving the effectiveness of chitosan as a fat blocker/absorber. Unfortunately, it also demonstrates why many people experience intestinal distress. The large clumps of fat/fiber moving through your intestinal tract is causing the cramping and diarrhea.

Recently, a new liquid form of chitosan was developed that eliminates this problem (and is two to three times more effective). Instead of forming large clumps, liquid chitosan causes the fat to form into hundreds of tiny calorie-free "beads" that are far gentler on your digestive tract.

An important sidenote: In addition to binding fats, chitosan can bind the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, making them unavailable to the body. If you use chitosan regularly, I highly recommend you also supplement with a high-quality multivitamin.

Ordering Information: Block Formula (Super Liquid Chitosan), Healing America, tel. (800)283-0075; www.NorthernNutrition.HealingAmerica.com.

References:
Indian J Physiol 41(4):424-426,1997
Indian J Exp Biol 31(7):607-611, 1993; Indian J Exp Biol 34(10):927-932, 1996
Tumori 80(4):306-308, 1994
J Ethnopharmacol 50(2):69-76, 1996
Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 20(1):191-198, 1998
Indian J Exp Biol 30(3):169-172, 1992
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, "Unsubstained Claims of benefit from Procarin®"

Aromatherapy first-aid
Q. I've recently heard about an aromatherapy "emergency mixture," or something like that. Am I correct? If so, what does it contain, and how do I use it?
Steve L., Londonderry, NH

Panelist, Dr. Victor Marcial-Vega answers:
A. "Emergency Mixture" may be the name of a specific product. I'd need to know what company makes it and what oils are in it to comment on that specific item.

However, I've used several oils for emergency situations with great success. The following two are blends I use for these purposes:

The Panic Attack blend contains valerian root oil (known for its relaxing power) and other essential oils. It decreases anxiety attacks from severe stress and grief within minutes in 80 percent of the patients I've observed using it.

It's inhaled directly from the bottle for at least one minute. As you inhale, you'll get calmer and the color will return to your face-indicating a generalized relaxation response (a reaction of the brain to the various scents). This essential-oil blend can be used safely by patients receiving other anti-anxiety medications-like tranquilizers and antidepressants-with very little chance of adverse reactions.

There is also a Stress blend containing ylang-ylang, which is used in much the same way and has a general calming effect in less severe cases. Ideal for day-to-day job-related stress, it can be inhaled as often as needed and can even be diffused in the air. There are two ways to do this. Take a water spray bottle, add about 20 drops of the blend to half an ounce of water and spray the air. This will help purify the air since it has oils that eliminate microorganisms as well as relax the environment.

You can also put the oil on a paper napkin and place it on the intake of an air conditioner. This will also diffuse oil throughout the room.

Panic Attack blend and Stress blend, Health Horizons,
2916 Douglas Road,Coral Gables, FL 33134; tel. (800) 771-0255 or
(305)442-1233 or go to www.healthhorizons-inc.com. $20.00 a bottle, plus $2.50 shipping handling.