Two herbal supplements available in the shops may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men as they age, researchers believe.
DHEA supplements may provide a protective effect against prostate cancer as the body loses its ability to naturally produce the hormone, and red clover supplements are a rich source of isoflavones, which can also help prevent the cancer.
The two have been tested in the laboratory by researchers at the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Lead researcher Julia Arnold says: “Something is happening in the prostate tissue microenvironment that is illustrating a potential cancer prevention effect from this (DHEA) supplement.”
Similarly, the red clover supplements also seemed to be affecting cancerous tissue in the prostate.
(Source: Cancer Prevention Research, 2009; 2: 134-42).