Avodart and Beta Sitosterol

[WESTYDOG]

Recently received information from Theralogix on Prostate SR. Interesting combination of two herbals. I am concerned with the effect or reaction Prostate SR has when taking Avodart or another 5 alpha reductase inhibitor?

Reason for this inquiry is the possible synergistic effect when both Avodart and beta sitosterol evidence a reduction of one or both isoenzymes of 5 alpha reductase?

Additionally, if Avodart artificially reduces PSA readings by approximately 50%, what is the effect on PSA levels if both are taken?

My concern is not specifically with the PSA reading, but the additive effect Avodart or Proscar may have when taken along with beta sitosterol. All releave urinary frequency and urgency by shrinking the prostate by reducing the level of 5 alpha reductase, so the question to respond to is the synergistic effect, or stated another way, is it redundant to take beta sitosterol AND another reductase inhibitor? If not, is this evidenced based, and where?

[theralogix]

Hello-

Thanks for your question. There have been several studies comparing saw palmetto (many have used Permixon, a European brand) and finasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It seems that saw palmetto does not decrease PSA level, and decreases prostate size only slightly, compared to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which decrease size and PSA level substantially. You may be interested in reading these abstracts-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7805711 (small open-label trial, saw palmetto did not decrease DHT levels)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8876706 (large trial- saw palmetto and finasteride improved urinary symptoms; saw palmetto decreased prostate volume only slightly and did not decrease PSA levels)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9759701 (saw palmetto did decrease DHT, indicating 5-alpha reductase inhibition)

Saw palmetto has also been compared to alpha-blockers (tamsulosin)-
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12074791 (both decreased symptoms, saw palmetto did not decrease PSA, and decreased prostate volume slightly)
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12189744

Mechanism of saw palmetto- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543614
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15540722?dopt=Abstract

As for beta-sitosterol, I am not aware of it inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, and it has not been shown to shrink the prostate, but it has been shown to decrease urinary tract symptoms. We have links to PubMed abstracts on our web site- http://www.theralogix.com/index.cfm?fa=products.prostatesr.references&dvsn=urology#mn

I don't think there are studies showing whether using Avodart and these compounds together has an additive or synergistic effect. One study looked at the use of saw palmetto and an alpha-blocker, and showed that both decreased symptoms but together did not have an additive effect. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17203353?dopt=AbstractPlus

I hope this information helps. Let me know if you have further questions.

Sincerely,
Tiffany Graham, MPH, RD, LD
VP for Research and Education
Theralogix, LLC

[Shaggy]

I had a problem with an enlarged prostate last year , and despite my doctors assurance that all is well , i still feel discomfort at times
I have been using a commercial brand of Saw Palmetto (160mg) w/pygeum (125mg) + Palnt sterol Complex (25mg ) lecithin (25mg) and Lipase (6mg).
I considered using Prostate sr due to it's higher level of saw palmetto (double the amount) .

fter reading this last post , I wonder of the value of using anything at all . It seems as though it's effectiveness is little at best .

I don't want to take avodart or anything similiar due to the side effects and low grade of my symptoms .

i guess I'm asking what my options are since it looks like prostate sr is touted as being superior to other brands on the site and in reality may have little if any success.


i appreciate any insight .

thanks

[WESTYDOG]

I believe the dosage of beta-sitosterol should be about 6-700 mg/2-3 times a day. It has reduced urgency and frequency dramatically for me. Night time urination now at 1-2 X's/night and that is with a large glass of water at 9 - 10 PM. I exercise regularly and keep urine clear. Diet high in fruits and vegs. Prostate is large at about 100 gm. Avodart turned me into a eunuch with low energy. dosage was 1 mg/day and I took it for 10 months. PSA went from 6 to 12 ng/ml as expected. Protocol called for a biopsy. Just had a 5th biopsy this AM, nothing revealing from echo but tissue exam will tell all.
I am a firm believer in beta sitosterol taken at correct dosage mirroring research levels.

[theralogix]

Hello Shaggy,

Thanks for your post. As you may have already read, Prostate SR is a high quality, independently tested and certified saw palmetto and phytosterol (beta-sitosterol) supplement. Studies have shown benefits with these ingredients, although as you indicate in your email, not all men will benefit. Studies indicate that benefit may be seen in six weeks of consistent use, and further benefit may be experienced after 2-3 months. If you decide to try Prostate SR, you can see if you feel that it is more beneficial for you than your current product after about 2 or 3 months of use.

Best regards,
Tiffany

Tiffany Graham, MPH, RD, LD
VP for Research and Education
Theralogix

[WESTYDOG]

Agree with Mrs Graham - and I use Postate SR...

[Shaggy]

Thanks to both of you for responding .
I think i eill give prostate sr a try

[Shaggy]

Tiffany ,
I was wondering if pygeum is included in prostate sr or any of the other products from theralogix ? i looked but i didn't see it . Is it listed with a few other ingredients?

[theralogix]

Hello-

Prostate SR does not contain Pygeum africanum. As discussed previously, it does contain the mixed phytosterols, standardized for beta-sitosterol, which is thought to be the "active" ingredient in pygeum.
None of our other products contain a pygeum extract.

Best regards,
Tiffany

[Shaggy]

Thanks for the Info Tiffany