Condition

Prostate Cancer Support

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Western countries, arising from epithelial cells of the prostate gland — the walnut-sized gland below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. Androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) drive prostate cell growth, and most prostate cancers express androgen receptors that fuel their proliferation — the basis for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The disease is highly heterogeneous: many prostate cancers are slow-growing, clinically insignificant, and confined to the gland for years or decades (low-grade, Gleason score 6); others are aggressive, infiltrating locally into seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes before spreading haematogenously to bone (the dominant metastatic site), liver, and lungs. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) — a glycoprotein produced by prostate epithelium — is the primary surveillance marker, though it lacks specificity. Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) emerges when tumour cells develop mechanisms to activate androgen receptors despite castrate testosterone levels, representing a major therapeutic challenge. The gut microbiome and androgen metabolism are closely linked — certain gut bacteria convert bile acids to androgens and influence systemic androgen levels. Lycopene (from tomatoes and cooked tomato products) has the strongest epidemiological association with reduced prostate cancer risk of any dietary factor. Integrative support targets androgen metabolism, immune enhancement, lycopene and selenium optimisation, inflammation reduction, and quality of life support — always in coordination with the urology and oncology team.

Safety notice — CRITICAL

This is a serious medical condition that requires diagnosis and ongoing management by a qualified physician or specialist. Herbal protocols may complement — but cannot replace — professional medical treatment. Always discuss any herbal use with your treating doctor.

Sunaras provides educational wellness content only. This is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual responses to herbs vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for personalised guidance.

High-dose curcumin (above 1g/day) has antiplatelet properties. Use with caution alongside blood thinners. Also lowers blood sugar — monitor closely if on diabetes medications.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus membranaceus

Widely used in TCM oncology protocols for prostate cancer alongside androgen deprivation therapy. Supports immune function, reduces treatment fatigue, and may help counteract immunosuppression from hormone therapy.

Preparation:

Decoction: simmer 15–30g dried root in 4 cups water for 45 min.
Drink 2 cups daily.
Or standardised extract 3–6g daily.

Dosage:

9–30g daily as decoction or 3–6g extract

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
Avoid with active autoimmune conditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum

Immune modulating mushroom used in integrative prostate cancer protocols. Triterpenes have demonstrated anti-androgenic activity — reducing DHT binding to androgen receptors — making reishi particularly relevant for androgen-driven prostate cancer.

Preparation:

Simmer 5g dried slices in 1L water 45 min.
Drink 2 cups daily.
Or use dual-extract standardised capsules.

Dosage:

1.5–9g dried mushroom daily or 1–1.5g concentrated dual extract

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Saw Palmetto Berry

Serenoa repens

Traditionally used for prostate health. Saw palmetto inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone to the more potent DHT. Commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia and as supportive therapy in low-grade prostate cancer under watchful waiting.

Preparation:

Standardised liposterolic extract (85–95% fatty acids and sterols) is the only effective form — teas are ineffective.
Take 160mg capsule with meals.

Dosage:

320mg standardised extract daily (in one or two doses) with meals

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
Discuss with urologist before use if under active surveillance

Indigenous North American / Western Herbalism

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcuma longa

Curcumin has demonstrated direct anti-proliferative activity against prostate cancer cell lines and inhibits PSA transcription in LNCaP cells. Used as an integrative anti-inflammatory support throughout prostate cancer treatment.

Preparation:

Golden milk or cooking daily; liposomal curcumin supplements preferred for therapeutic doses.
Always combine with black pepper (piperine) to increase bioavailability.

Dosage:

1–2 tsp culinary turmeric daily or 400–600mg liposomal curcumin

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
High-dose supplements may affect CYP3A4 drug metabolism

Ayurveda

Pygeum Bark

Prunus africana

African cherry tree bark used traditionally for prostate conditions across sub-Saharan Africa. Contains phytosterols that reduce DHT levels and inhibit prostate cell proliferation. Used as a complementary support in prostate cancer management.

Preparation:

Standardised lipophilic extract (13% total sterols): take 100mg once daily or 50mg twice daily with meals.
Raw bark decoction is less standardised.

Dosage:

100mg standardised extract daily

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
Source ethically — Prunus africana is over-harvested and CITES-listed

African Traditional Medicine

Green Tea Extract

Camellia sinensis

Green tea EGCG has demonstrated anti-proliferative activity in prostate cancer cell lines. Epidemiological studies show strong inverse correlation between green tea consumption and prostate cancer progression in Japanese men.

Preparation:

3–5 cups high-quality green tea daily (2g per cup, 80°C water).
Or standardised EGCG extract 200–400mg with meals.

Dosage:

3–5 cups daily or 200–400mg EGCG

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
Avoid high-dose extract with bortezomib or during active liver stress

Traditional Chinese Medicine / Japanese Kampo

Boswellia Resin

Boswellia serrata

Frankincense resin used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for inflammatory conditions. Boswellic acids inhibit 5-lipoxygenase-driven inflammation in the tumour microenvironment and have demonstrated direct anti-tumour activity in prostate cancer cell lines.

Preparation:

Standardised extract (30–40% AKBA boswellic acids): 300–400mg capsule 2–3× daily with meals.
Avoid low-quality powders without standardisation.

Dosage:

300–400mg standardised extract (30% AKBA) 2–3× daily

Avoid if:

Always consult your oncologist before adding any herb or supplement during cancer treatment — some may interact with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or radiation.
May cause GI discomfort — take with food

Ayurveda / Unani Medicine

Rosy Periwinkle

Catharanthus roseus

Traditionally used in African Traditional Medicine for gonorrhea, chlamydia, high blood pressure.

Preparation:

Infusion or powder: Steep as a tea, or grind and fill into size-00 capsules.
Can also be added to smoothies or warm water.

Dosage:

1–3 cups daily, or 500 mg–1 g as powder/capsule

⚠️ Diabetes Medications: May enhance the blood sugar–lowering effect of insulin or oral diabetes medications. Monitor blood glucose closely.

Avoid if:

Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
Diabetes medications — may enhance hypoglycaemic effect; monitor blood glucose closely

African Traditional Medicine

Prostate Cancer Support

Astragalus Root

Reishi Mushroom

Saw Palmetto Berry

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Pygeum Bark

Green Tea Extract

Boswellia Resin

Rosy Periwinkle

Paw Paw Leaf

Cat's Claw (Uña de Gato)

Vilcacora

Noni (Morinda)

Graviola (Soursop)

Soursop (Guanábana)

Billy Webb (Sour Sop Bark)

Sweet Annie (Artemisia)

Periwinkle (Vinca)

Graviola

Ipê Roxo (Lapacho)

Soursop Leaf (Sirsak)

Mangosteen Peel (Manggis)

Kaempferia (Temu Putih)

Elephant Ear (Keladi Tikus)

Waterfall Plant (Co Suong Song)

Sweet Wormwood (Thanh Hao)

Wild Grape (Nho Rung)

Typhonium (Nokhoi Ovs)

Chaga Mushroom

Mistletoe (Omela)

Mistletoe (European)

Cooked Tomatoes (Lycopene Source)

Pomegranate

Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetables

Brazil Nuts (Selenium Source)

Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel)

Green Tea

Turmeric with Black Pepper

Green Tea

Hibiscus-Pomegranate Tea

Saw Palmetto Berry Decoction

Turmeric-Black Pepper-Ginger Tea

Rosy Periwinkle

Paw Paw Leaf

Cat's Claw (Uña de Gato)

Vilcacora

Noni (Morinda)

Graviola (Soursop)

Soursop (Guanábana)

Sweet Annie (Artemisia)

Reishi Mushroom Dual-Extract Tincture

Astragalus Tincture

Saw Palmetto Liquid Extract

Rosy Periwinkle

Paw Paw Leaf

Cat's Claw (Uña de Gato)

Vilcacora

Noni (Morinda)

Graviola (Soursop)

Soursop (Guanábana)

Billy Webb (Sour Sop Bark)

Sweet Annie (Artemisia)

Periwinkle (Vinca)

Graviola

Ipê Roxo (Lapacho)

Soursop Leaf (Sirsak)

Mangosteen Peel (Manggis)

Kaempferia (Temu Putih)

Elephant Ear (Keladi Tikus)

Waterfall Plant (Co Suong Song)

African Wild Potato Extract (Hypoxis hemerocallidea)

Pomegranate-Tomato Lycopene Blast

Watermelon-Grapefruit Pink Carotenoid Juice

Beet-Carrot-Tomato Anti-Inflammatory Blend

Gentle Comfort Body Oil for Oncology Support

Frankincense & Rose Hip Regenerating Serum

Lymphatic drainage massage

Acupuncture

Sauna therapy

Cold plunge / contrast hydrotherapy