PC-SPES: a brief overview.
PC-SPES is a botanically based dietary supplement that has been used by men following prostate cancer treatment to reduce prostate-specific antigen levels. It is a complex matrix comprising 8 herbs whose known chemistry and biology do not account for the observed clinical activity. Recent disclosures have forced the product to be withdrawn from the market. Aspects of previous scientific research on the product, including clinical information, are reviewed, and some suggestions are offered for the future scientific needs of this product. Some thoughts are also offered on what the recall of PC-SPES means for the future scientific directions of the dietary supplement industry.
Cordell
Geoffrey A
GA
Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA. cordell@uic.edu
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; C114209:herbal preparation PC-SPES