Natural food-based additions that have been investigated as adjuncts to ADT for prostate cancer (PCa) primarily aim to modulate oxidative stress, inflammation, and androgen receptor signaling. While ADT remains the cornerstone of treatment, several dietary components show promise:
These are some, but not all, that have been more extensively researched.
Tomatoes/Lycopene
Epidemiological and early clinical studies suggest that diets rich in tomato-based products may lower prostate cancer risk and help modulate androgen signaling. Lycopene’s antioxidant properties and ability to reduce inflammation are among its key benefits.
Food Sources: The richest natural sources of lycopene include tomatoes and tomato-based products (e.g., tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes), watermelon, pink grapefruit, and guava.
Potential Effective Dose: Clinical studies on prostate cancer prevention and adjunct therapy have typically explored doses ranging from about 7 to 75 mg per day, with many suggesting that approximately 10–30 mg daily may be beneficial. For instance, one cup (approximately 8 ounces) of tomato juice or a half-cup of tomato sauce can provide roughly 10–15 mg of lycopene, making these servings a practical way to approach an effective dietary dose.
Quality of Evidence: The current quality of evidence for lycopene as an adjunct to ADT in prostate cancer is mixed. Mechanistically, robust laboratory and animal studies (rated B) indicate that lycopene may downregulate androgen receptor signaling and exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could theoretically enhance ADT efficacy. However, clinical studies—primarily epidemiological and small-scale trials—provide only modest support for a therapeutic benefit when combined with ADT, with clinical evidence generally rated as C. In summary, while the preclinical data are promising, definitive randomized controlled trials are lacking, and the overall clinical benefit of lycopene adjunct therapy with ADT remains preliminary.
Half life: 2-3 days
Green Tea (EGCG)
Rich in catechins like EGCG, green tea has demonstrated anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. Some pilot studies indicate that green tea extracts might improve PSA kinetics when used alongside ADT.
Food Source: Brewed green tea (e.g., matcha, sencha).
Potential Effective Dose: Clinical studies often use doses equivalent to approximately 250–500 mg of EGCG daily. A typical cup of green tea provides roughly 50–100 mg of EGCG, so consuming about 3–5 cups per day may approximate an effective dose.
Quality of Evidence: Preclinical studies are robust (mechanisms rated B), but early-phase clinical trials yield mixed results (overall clinical evidence rated C).
Half-Life 2-5 hours
Pomegranate Extract
With its potent antioxidant activity, pomegranate has been associated with slowing PSA progression in some studies. Its bioactive compounds may contribute to a less favorable environment for cancer cell growth.
Food Source: Fresh pomegranate juice or whole pomegranate.
Potential Effective Dose: Clinical research has used doses comparable to roughly 8–16 ounces (240–480 mL) of pomegranate juice daily, which provides a bioactive equivalent of pomegranate extract.
Quality of Evidence: Preclinical studies are robust (mechanisms rated B), but early-phase clinical trials yield mixed results (overall clinical evidence rated C).
Half-Life (ellagic acid) 2-6 hours
Soy Isoflavones
Present in soy foods, these compounds can exert mild estrogenic effects and have been observed to interfere with androgen receptor signaling in some preclinical studies, potentially offering complementary benefits during ADT.
Food Source: Soy-based foods such as tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and edamame.
Potential Effective Dose: Effective isoflavone intake is generally in the range of 40–70 mg per day. For example, one cup of soy milk (approximately 240 mL) typically contains around 20–30 mg of isoflavones, so incorporating 1–2 cups of soy milk or equivalent servings of tofu/edamame daily may be appropriate.
Quality of Evidence: Epidemiological and preclinical studies are robust (mechanisms rated B), but early-phase clinical trials yield mixed results (overall clinical evidence rated C).
Half-Life 6-8 hours
Curcumin (Turmeric)
Known for its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has been explored for its ability to interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways in PCa, including those related to AR activity.
Food Sources: Turmeric is the primary natural source of curcumin. It is commonly used as a spice in curries, mustards, and teas (e.g., turmeric latte). Traditional recipes often combine turmeric with black pepper, which contains piperine—an absorption enhancer that improves curcumin’s bioavailability.
Amount Needed:
– Curcumin makes up about 2–5% of turmeric powder by weight.
– Clinical studies investigating curcumin’s therapeutic potential frequently use doses around 500 mg of curcumin per day.
– To achieve approximately 500 mg of curcumin from turmeric powder, one would need roughly 10 grams of turmeric daily (roughly 1–2 teaspoons, depending on the powder’s density).
Keep in mind that the low natural bioavailability of curcumin means that combining turmeric with piperine (from black pepper) or consuming it with dietary fats can help enhance absorption, making the therapeutic dose more effective as an adjunct to ADT.
Quality of Evidence: Extensive preclinical research supports its anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects (mechanistic evidence rated B), yet clinical trials are limited and hampered by low bioavailability (overall evidence rated C).
Half-life 2 hours
• It is important to note that while these natural additions are promising, the overall quality of evidence varies. Many studies are preclinical or small-scale clinical trials. Incorporating these foods as part of a balanced diet is generally considered safe
