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American researchers at Columbia University have led the way in studying a unique herbal formulation called Zyflamend [ 12 ] that may inhibit COX-2 without the risky side effects of pharmaceutical COX-2 inhibitors.

COX-2 is the enzyme-protein complex that triggers inflammation that leads to arthritis pain. But scientists have recently discovered that cancerous tissues have alarmingly high COX-2 levels. In fact, COX-2 may be responsible for the growth of several cancer types, including breast, lung and colon cancer.

We originally told HSI readers about Zyflamend a while ago. Now the Columbia team has specifically turned its attention to prostate cancer, and the results so far are very promising.

Zyflamend seen to kill prostate cancer cells:
Researchers from Columbia's Center of Holistic Urology carried out a study in which a herbal product called Zyflamend was added to a culture of human prostate cancer cells. The Zyflamend-treated cultures had a 78 per cent reduction in the number of cancer cells, compared with untreated cultures. Researchers believe that Zyflamend encouraged apoptosis or 'programmed cell death.' A specific protein involved in apoptosis was getting doubled by the herbs. In addition, the herbal formula had almost the same effectiveness as a pharmaceutical in the inhibition of COX-2. Curcumin (a natural COX-2 inhibitor) was also tested, but had very little beneficial effect.

A new lab study from Columbia - reported in the October 2005 issue of Nutrition and Cancer - has shown similar results. The Columbia team writes that when tested on a cancer cell line, 'Zyflamend drastically reduced COX-1 and COX-2 enzymatic activity.' And again, Zyflamend induced apoptosis while also suppressing cell growth.

Human trials are underway:
The Columbia team has now gone outside the lab to test Zyflamend in a human trial that's already underway. The current study is specially designed to examine the effects of Zyflamend on patients who are diagnosed with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). PIN is a condition in which the cells on the prostate gland's surface divide faster than the rest of the prostate cells. Research shows that men diagnosed with PIN have a sharply increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

Researchers are examining the use of Zyflamend on nearly 50 men, aged 40 to 75, who have been diagnosed with PIN. The trial period will continue for 18 months, so I won't be reporting the results until next year at the earliest, but the study will provide an excellent test of the effectiveness as well as safety of Zyflamend.