Glucosamine To Treat Prostate Cancer

Recently I received an email from a good friend, and cancer survivor in Australia, relaying a story about a man who believed his prostate cancer cured with the use of a Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplement. Seems he discovered this process when he heard men in retirement homes given glucosamine and chondroitin to improve their joint mobility for exercise, found their PSA going down. Since he was experiencing a failed prostatectomy, he was open to alternative options rather than the next step of radiation. He asked his doctor about it who said, it couldn’t hurt, so he gave it a try. According to the story he began taking 10 caps per day, though I do not currently know the true dosage or length of time taken. He said after taking the glucosamine with chondroitin, his tests showed a much lower PSA than normal, with no need for further treatment. The story goes on to say other men he has shared this information with, have also received improved results with a much lower PSA. To date I have not been able to verify this story first hand, though it opened to question these supplements in relation to prostate cancer and their potential benefit.

I began to wonder why this appeared to help cancer patients, and completed some preliminary research on the subject. It appears chondroitin is NOT recommended for men with PCa based on a limited 2002 study that found men who had a prostatectomy with high levels of chondroitin experienced a 47% chance of recurrence, whereas men with low levels of chondroitin only experienced a 14% chance of recurrence. Many medical institutions are now saying that chondroitin may cause the spread or recurrence of prostate cancer, though research is minimal, and there is no definitive research for the specific substance ‘chondroitin sulfate’. So until more information and testing are done on chondroitin, why take the risk?

On the other hand, I found very promising results for Glucosamine in relation to prostate cancer. Research has confirmed that dose dependent glucosamine inhibits the growth and spread of certain forms of prostate cancer, and causes cancer’s death. There have been some excellent studies on how glucosamine fights cancer and the mechanisms it employs.

I also discovered glucosamine to be very good at reducing the level of C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Considering how increased CRP is believed to facilitate cancer’s occurrence and growth, this in itself could be worthwhile. In addition, glucosamine is a well-known antioxidant, so it can be paired with tocotrienols that also fight cancer and reduce CRP such as delta and gamma-tocotrienols in the form of DeltaGold®, and EGCG therapy in such forms as CAPSOL-T®.

Supplementing with Glucosamine is considered safe, though in limited instances, mild side effects of nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation have occurred pending on the dose. Most glucosamine is made from shellfish though there is a vegan form available. If you have an allergy to shellfish, you will want to seek medical advise before taking. If you experience any side effects, it is best to reduce the dose and consult your medical professional.

To me, the available research brings up some impressive results for glucosamine in relation to prostate cancer. I now wonder if this is the principal agent that had been helping retirement patients in the story reduce their PSA, regardless of the potentially negative chondroitin action? Hearing that several men have had very positive results using a glucosamine/chondroitin mix is wonderful news; though I believe glucosamine alone may be more effective, and without future risk of recurrence. For someone concerned with prostate cancer glucosamine may be an excellent supplement, though it is unfortunate that glucosamine and chondroitin are so often linked together. At present it is possible to obtain glucosamine by itself from several sources, or with the addition of MSM.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. It is present and necessary for health in all people. It has been principally used for joint health and to reduce inflammation, though it does so much more. It promotes healthy circulation, cleanses the digestive tract, improves liver function, boosts metabolism, helps produce glutathione, and reduces toxic impurities in the body. It also improves cell wall permeability allowing for greater oxygen to enter, a process believed detrimental to cancer cells. Sulfur is so important to our bodies that daily we eat many foods containing sulfur including: meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and grains. Unfortunately processed, overcooked and dried foods have their sulfur content greatly reduced, making sulfur supplementation sometimes necessary. Suggested supplement amounts range from 1,000mg to 4,000mg daily. Supplementing with MSM is considered very safe but if one’s stool becomes too loose, a reduction of dosage is suggested.

With this said Glucosamine with MSM certainly appear to be an interesting possibility for future research to mitigate prostate cancer and lower CRP. As always should you look into these supplements I recommend you have a discussion with your doctor or naturopath concerning their use, the dosage, and overall time employed.

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