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[Special Report]
Prostate Elements II™:
Next Generation Support For Total Prostate Health

by Pure Prescriptions, Inc.

Pure Prescriptions' Prostate Elements II™ is a brand new formula that can benefit men with prostate health...and those without. Prostate Elements II™ combines the most promising new compounds with established and trusted prostate nutrients. The multiple modes of action benefit the prostate in complementary ways, offering 360-degree protection and support for prostate health in one product.
  • Antioxidant Support for Prostate Tissue
  • Safe Approaches to Discouraging Inflammation
  • Hormonal Balance: Mitigating the effects of estrogen, optimizing testosterone
  • Circulation Support: Especially important when the prostate is swollen or congested
  • Immune Support: Ingredients proven to support immune function
  • Urinary Support: Ingredients with proven effects on BPH symptoms

    Overview of Prostate Element's ingredients

Quercetin
Sometimes referred to as the "natural antihistamine", quercetin is a nutrient categorized as an antioxidant flavanoid. Quercetin is found in many fruits and vegetables, with apples being a particularly good source. Quercetin inhibits the release of biochemicals that promote inflammation in the prostate and elsewhere. 1,2 These chemicals include histamine, leukotrines and prostaglandins (so named because they were first discovered in prostate tissue). Chronic inflammation is problematic anywhere in the body but especially so when it occurs in the congested tissue of an enlarged prostate. The prostate gland is encased in a tough fibromuscular sheath called the prostatic capsule. This capsule is not able to stretch to any great extent. Therefore inflammation, swelling or enlargement of softer vascular and glandular tissue within the capsule can impair circulation and urinary function. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit the release of tumor markers like PSA and hK2 in prostate cancer cells. 3

Curcumin C3 Complex®
Curcumin C3 Complex® is a unique, patented extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) root. Turmeric has been a fixture in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its use is increasing because of turmeric's versatility and safety. The active compounds in turmeric, known as curcuminoids, can benefit multiple body systems body in multiple ways. Supplement makers have begun to include curcumin compounds into a broad range of product categories; cardiovascular, detoxification and inflammation formulas among them.

Prostate Elements™ includes Curcumin C3 Complex® primarily because it provides natural support for inflammation and healthy circulation.

  • Curcumin's effects on inflammation arise from it's ability to inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds. 4,5,6
  • Curcumin's effects on circulation stem from it's ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, a process that leads to thicker blood and can lead to the formation of dangerous blood clots. 7
  • Curcuminoids have also been studied for their various effects on prostate cancer cells.
  • Studies suggest curcumin may enhance the effectiveness of certain chemotherapeutic drugs used in prostate cancer. 8,9
  • Curcumin C3 Complex® is standardized to contain high concentrations of curcuminoids.10

To read more about Pure Prescription's Curcumin C3 Complex® Click Here

To read the Health Notes entry on Turmeric, Click Here

The National Cancer Institute is currently developing curcumin as a drug for the treatment of cancer. To read about it, Click Here

Ellagic Acid
Ellagic acid is present in many red fruits and berries, including raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, cranberries, pomegranate and some nuts including pecans and walnuts.11 Ellagic acid seems to have some anti-cancer properties. It can act as an antioxidant, and has been found to cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells in the lab. Ellagic acid acts as scavenger to “bind” with cancer causing chemicals, making them inactive.12

Sterols and Sterolins
Plant foods and unrefined oils provide nutrients called sterols and sterolins. These compounds are structurally similar to cholesterol but function in a very different way, providing support to multiple body systems. Certain sterols such as beta-sitosterol occur in herbs used in traditional medicine (saw palmetto, stinging nettle, etc.).

Sterols and sterolins are used in a broad range of product categories including immune support formulas (Moducare®), cardiovascular/cholesterol formulas (CholestePure) and prostate formulas (Prosta-Response, Prostasol). Sterol/sterolin compounds are used in prostate formulas primarily for their effect on BPH-related symptoms and clinical measurements.13,14

Prostate Elements incorporates an expensive but very high-quality sterol and sterolin blend. It provides a broader range of the most desirable sterols and sterolins in precise ratios, unlike generic blends

Saw Palmetto extract
Saw palmetto is perhaps the best-known botanical substance used for prostate health. It is rarely seen in any other kind of product. A natural source of beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto has been shown to be effective in some cases of BPH15,16 and has been studied for its effect on prostate cancer. 17,18 It may offer yet-undescribed benefits for healthy prostates as well.

Although saw palmetto products have been popular since the 80's, it's still among the most important prostate herbals and no prostate formula is really complete without a good quality saw palmetto extract. We use a top-quality solvent-free extract, standardized to a high potency of active sterols.

Flower Pollen extract (Graminex™ G63)
Supplemental flower pollen may promote prostate health and may have anti-inflammatory activity. 20Several studies have demonstrated positive effects for flower pollen extracts in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a flower pollen extract taken for six months achieved significant subjective improvement in 69% of patients receiving it, compared with 30% improvement in placebo subjects. Treated subjects had significantly decreased residual urine and significantly decreased antero-posterior diameter of the prostate on ultrasound. In some other studies, average and maximum urine flow rates have also significantly improved with flower pollen supplementation.

Stinging nettle extract
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioicia) extracts have traditionally been used in products for allergies or urinary tract health such as BPH-related symptoms. Prostate researchers found that nettle compounds slow down or inhibit the process by which hormone-protein complex binds to prostate cell membranes. 21

This may be it's mechanism of action in benefiting BPH. 22 Saw palmetto and stinging nettle are approved drugs in Germany for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement and may help healthy prostates remain healthy. Prostate Elements includes a premium quality Stinging nettle extract. Besides benefiting BPH, research has shown that nettle extract has an antiproliferative effect on prostate cancer cells. 23

Lycopene (Lycomato®)
Lycopene is a red carotenoid found in foods like tomatoes, pink grapefruit and watermelon. Lycopene functions as a powerful antioxidant that benefits several body system besides the prostate including the eyes, cardiovascular system and skin, although most supplements using lycopene are prostate formulas. Researchers continue to follow up on findings that suggest a relationship between lycopene consumption and certain cancers including prostate. 24,25,26

Prostate Elements™ uses Lyco-Mato® lycopene. Lycomato® is the trademark for the premium lycopene extract available to manufacturers.

Bioperine®
Bioperine® is known as "Nature's Bioavailability Enhancing Thermonutrient." It is a standardized extract from the fruit of Piper nigrum L (black pepper) or Piper longum L (long pepper). It contains 95 percent of piperine. Bioperine® is the only product sourced out of piperine to obtain a patented status for its ability to increase the bioavailability of nutritional compounds. Secondly, it is the only source from piperine to have undergone clinical studies in the U.S. to substantiate its safety and efficacy for nutritional use.

Indole-3-carbinol
Scientists have identified specific extracts from cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, etc.) that modulate hormones in a way to help maintain healthy cell division. For instance, animal studies have shown that the cruciferous vegetable extract indole-3-carbinol (I3C) modulates estrogen hormones by favorably changing the ratio of protective 2-hydroxyestrone versus the damaging 16-hydroxyestrone.1 Indole-3-carbinol also induces phase I and II detoxifying enzymes that can help neutralize estrogen metabolites and xenobiotic estrogen-like environmental chemicals. Human studies support the beneficial role of I3C in positively altering estrogen metabolism. Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown in animal studies to help maintain normal levels of a potentially damaging estrogen called 4-hydroxyestrone.

For various reasons, rising estrogen levels are associated with male mid-life (and beyond) and poor prostate health. Prostate Elements II is designed to help buffer the effects of estrogen on prostate health.

Zinc picolinate
The mineral zinc is used all over the body but the prostate gland has the highest concentration of zinc. Zinc is needed for the manufacture and function of enzymes; those which affect the prostate directly and those affecting hormones which in turn affect the prostate.

Optimal levels of zinc can inhibit the action of the aromatase enzyme29, which convert testosterone to estrogen and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), both of which can adversely affect prostate health. Expert opinion about the optimal level of zinc varies but 50 mgs a day would be a reasonable place to set the bar for a mature man concerned with prostate health.

Dietary sources include seafood and meat but most people probably don't get optimal levels of zinc on a consistent daily basis. For this reason Prostate Elements includes a modest amount of supplemental zinc in the form of zinc picolinate.

Boron citrate
Boron is another nutrient mineral, although less-studied than zinc. Boron's role in the body is not yet completely understood but it appears to improve the absorption and utilization of some vitamins and minerals. 30,31 Some data suggest an association between boron intake and prostate cancer. 32

Prostate Elements™ includes boron in the form of highly absorbable boron picolinate.

    References:

1)Kimata M, et al. Effects of luteolin, quercetin and baicalein on immunoglobulin E-mediated mediator release from human cultured mast cells. Clin Exp Allergy 2000 Apr;30(4):501-8.
2) Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, et al. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology. 1999;54:960­963.
3) Nianzeng Xing, Yi Chen, Susan H. Mitchell and Charles Y.F. Young Quercetin inhibits the expression and function of the androgen receptor in LNCaP prostate cancer cells Carcinogenesis, Vol. 22, No. 3, 409-414, March 2001 © 2001 Oxford University Press.
4)Satoskar RR, Shah SJ, Shenoy SG. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of curcumin in patients with postoperative inflammation. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1986 Dec;24(12):651-4.
5) Ramsewak RS, DeWitt DL, Nair MG. Cytotoxicity, antioxidant and anti-inflamma- tory activities of curcumins I-III from Curcuma longa. Phytomedicine. Jul 2000;7(4):303-8.
6) Chan MM, Ho CT, Huang HI. Effects of three dietary phytochemicals from tea, rosemary and turmeric on inflammation-induced nitrate production. Cancer Lett. 1995 Sep 4;96(1):23-9.
7) Shah BH, Nawaz Z, Pertani SA, et al., Inhibitory effect of curcumin, a food spice from turmeric, on platelet activating factor and arachidonic acid mediated platelet aggregation through inhibition of thromboxane formation and Ca2+ signaling. Biochem Pharmacol. 1999 Oct 1; 58(7):1167-72.
8) Dorai T, Cao YC, Dorai B, Buttyan R, Katz AE. Therapeutic potential of curcumin in human prostate cancer. III. Curcumin inhibits proliferation, induces apoptosis, and inhibits angiogenesis of LNCaP prostate cancer cells in vivo. Prostate. 2001 Jun 1;47(4):293-303. Nakamura K, Yasunaga Y, Segawa T, et al. Curcumin down-regulates AR gene expression and activation in prostate cancer cell lines. Int J Oncol. 2002 Oct;21(4):825-30.
9)Hour TC, Chen J, Huang CY, Guan JY, Lu SH, Pu YS. Curcumin enhances cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents in prostate can- cer cells by inducing p21(WAF1/CIP1) and C/EBPbeta expressions and suppressing NF- kappaB activation. Prostate. 2002 May 15;51(3):211-
10) Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):353-6.
11) 1. Bate ­ Smith, E.C. In the pharmacology of plant phenolics Fair bairn, J.W. et. al, Ed. Academic press: New York (1959); pg. 133 ­ 147;
12)8. Castonguay A. Boukharta M., Teel R (1998)- Chem. Res. Toxicol. 11(11), 1258 ­ 1264;
13) Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, Senge T, Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Nat Toxins 1998;6(2):51-9.
14) Klippel K. F.; Hiltl D.M.; Schipp B, A multicentric, placebo controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Altern Med Rev 2001 Apr;6(2):203-206.
15) Marks LS, Partin AW, Epstein JI, et al. Effects of a saw palmetto herbal blend in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. J Urol. 2000;163:1451­1456.
16) Champault G, Patel JC, Bonnard AM. A double-blind trial of an extract of the plant Serenoa repens in benign prostatic hyperplasia. BrJ Clin Pharmacol. 1984;18:461­462
17)Tasca A, Barulli M, Cavazzana A, et al. Treatment of obstructive symptomatology caused by prostatic adenoma using an extract of Serenoa repens. Double-blind clinical study vs. placebo [in Italian]. Minerva Urol Nefrol. 1985;37:87­9.
18) Boccafoschi C, Annoscia S. Comparison of Serenoa repens extract with placebo by controlled clinical trial in patients with prostatic adenomatosis [in Italian]. Urologia. 1983;50:1257­1268
19) Kiuchi F et al., 1992; Srivastava KC, 1986; Flynn DL et al., 1986.
20) Becker H, Ebeling L. Conservative therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Urologe (B) 1988;28:301­6 [in German].
21)Schottner M, Gansser D, Spiteller G. Lignans from the roots of Urtica dioica and their metabolites bind to human sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Planta Med. 1997;63:529­532.
22) Hirano T, Homma M, Oka K. Effects of stinging nettle root extracts and their steroidal components on the Na+,K(+)-ATPase of the benign prostatic hyperplasia. Planta Med. 1994;60:30­33.
23) Konrad L, Muller HH, Lenz C, et al., Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract. Planta Med. 2000 Feb; 66(1):44-7.
24)New Research Shows Combination of Tomato Phytonutrients Effectively Combats Breast Cancer (February 2000). Press Release from LycoRed Natural Products Industries Ltd., P.O.B. 320, Beer -Sheva 84102, Israel.
25) Nomura AM, Stemmermann GN, Lee J, et al. Serum micronutrients and prostate cancer in Japanese Americans in Hawaii. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1997;6:487­491.
26) Gann PH, Ma J, Giovannuci E, et al. Lower prostate risk in men with elevated plasma lycopene levels: results of a prospective study. Cancer Res. 1999;59:1225­1230.
27)Maskarinec G, Franke AA, Williams AE, et al. The effects of an isoflavone intervention on the reproductive cycle of premenopausal women. Presented at: European Conference on Nutrition & Cancer; June 21­24, 2001; Lyon, France.
28)Martini MC, Dancisak BB, Haggans CJ, et al. Effects of soy intake on sex hormone metabolism in premenopausal women. Nutr Cancer. 1999;34:133­139.
29) Leake A, Chisholm GD, Habib FK. The effect of zinc on the 5 alpha-reduction of testosterone by the hyperplastic human prostate gland. J Steroid Biochem. 1984;20:651­655.
30)Newnham RE. Essentiality of boron for healthy bones and joints. Environ Health Perspect. 1994;102:83-85.
31) Nielsen FH, Hunt CD, Mullen LM, et al. Effect of dietary boron on mineral, estrogen, and testosterone metabolism in postmenopausal women. FASEB. 1987;1:394­397
32) Zhang ZF, Winton MI, Rainey C, et al. Boron is associated with decreased risk of human prostate cancer. Presented at: Experimental Biology 2001; March 31­April 4, 2001; Orlando, Fla.
    Further Reading
Prostate Elements™
     


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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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