Abstract
In order to fully understand the progresses and achievements in Chinese medicines for the treatment of prostate cancer, we summarize all the available reports on formulas, extracts, and compounds of Chinese medicines against prostate cancer. A number of clinical trials verified that traditional Chinese formulas had some unique advantages in the treatment of prostate cancer. Many Chinese medicine extracts could protect against prostate cancer, and many compounds isolated from Chinese traditional medicines showed a clear anti-prostate cancer effect. However, Chinese medicines are facing many problems regarding their multicomponent nature, complicated mechanisms of action, and high doses required for therapy. Herein, we review the functions of Chinese medicines in prostate cancer and focus on their mechanisms. The review will deepen the understanding of Chinese medicines potential in the anti-prostate cancer field. In addition, we put forward a question concerning the current research on Chinese medicines: in order to better illustrate that Chinese medicines can be used in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer, should our research focus on formulas, extracts, or compounds?
Highlights
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer in elderly men
This study has reviewed the progresses of Chinese medicines in the field of anti-prostate cancer treatment
We did not address the adverse or toxic effects of the formulas, extracts, and compounds discussed in this review
Summary
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer in elderly men. The incidence of PCa is different in different countries, and the general mortality rate of prostate cancer reaches 1–2% [1]. Some patients, who were found to have cancers in the late stage, could not undergo surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, and accepted Chinese medicines treatment, which restrained the tumor progression, improved their quality of life, and obviously extended their survival [4]. Traditional Chinese medicine formulas are widely used in clinical cancer treatment in Chinese hospitals [6]. More and more compounds isolated from Chinese medicine herbs were found to inhibit the development of prostate cancer via different pathways. Pharmacological research on the antitumor efficacy of Chinese herbal extracts and formulas is developing promptly, and the application of Chinese medicine compounds in clinical oncology has been widely accepted. Studies on Chinese medicines in anticancer therapy have demonstrated some achievements, there is still a long way for the wide application of Chinese medicines in the treatment of prostate cancer. This work intends to summarize the recent progresses in the use of Chinese medicines for PCa treatment and points out possible future breakthroughs
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