PC-SPES

PC-SPES is a dietary supplement that was withdrawn from the market in the United States in 2002 due to contamination. It was a blend of eight herbs traditionally used in Chinese medicine, and was marketed as a treatment for prostate cancer.

History

PC-SPES was introduced in the United States in the late 1990s. It was marketed as a dietary supplement and was not subject to the same regulations as pharmaceutical drugs. The supplement gained popularity among men with prostate cancer who were seeking alternative treatments.

In 2002, the FDA issued a warning about PC-SPES after it was found to be contaminated with prescription drugs. The manufacturer voluntarily recalled the product and it was subsequently withdrawn from the market.

Composition

PC-SPES contained a blend of eight herbs: Reishi, Baikal skullcap, Dyer's woad, Rabdosia rubescens, Saw palmetto, San-qi ginseng, Chinese licorice, and Chrysanthemum morifolium. These herbs have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Efficacy and safety

Several studies suggested that PC-SPES could reduce PSA levels in men with prostate cancer. However, the supplement was also found to have side effects similar to those of hormone therapy for prostate cancer, including breast tenderness and loss of libido.

The contamination of PC-SPES with prescription drugs raised serious safety concerns. The product was found to contain Warfarin, a blood thinner, and Indomethacin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. These drugs can have serious side effects and can interact with other medications.

See also

• Dietary supplement
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Prostate cancer

References

PC-SPES Resources
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