PC-SPES

The "PC" stands for prostate cancer, and "spes" is Latin for "hope." For a time, it looked as though the product might actually live up to its name. Several scientific studies found the combination of herbs -- including saw palmetto, panax pseudo-ginseng, and six assorted Chinese herbs -- to be an effective treatment for prostate cancer. But even before the product was recalled, there was cause for concern.

Like some already established prostate cancer treatments, PC-SPES cuts off supplies of the male hormone testosterone, a major source of fuel for prostate cancer. According to a report in the August 2001 issue of Urology, the concoction can reduce testosterone dramatically. For patients with prostate cancer, this drastic measure has real benefits. As the level of testosterone plummets, the tumor stops growing (at least temporarily) and may even begin to shrink.

Of course, anything that reduces testosterone to that level is bound to cause side effects. Nipple tenderness and swelling in the breasts are very common. About one-third of patients have diarrhea, and another one-third have cramps in the legs or muscles. Blood clots in the legs or lungs are the most serious potential side effect, and they are also, thankfully, very rare. Anyone still using PC-SPES should stop immediately. You may develop severe pain in the legs or calves or sudden shortness of breath after taking it.

In summary, the supposed herbal supplement PC-SPES carried all of the punch of a prescription drug -- because it actually contained drugs. The supplement ran afoul of authorities only after tests by the California Department of Health Services turned up traces of warfarin, a prescription blood thinner that can raise the risk of serious bleeding. BotanicLab Inc., the company that distributed PC-SPES, voluntarily recalled the product nationwide.