MASON NATURAL PROSTATE THERAPY COMPLEX SOFTGEL CAPSULES

Indications

• Hyperlipidemia
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Cholesterol management

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific paediatric dosing information.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosing recommendations, as they may vary based on the condition being treated and formulation used.

Mechanism of action

Beta-sitosterol exerts its effects by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. It competes with cholesterol for intestinal uptake, leading to decreased levels of serum cholesterol. Additionally, it may influence the metabolism of steroids and other lipids through pathways involved in steroid biosynthesis and degradation, as evidenced by its association with the plant sterol biosynthesis pathway.

Pharmacodynamics

Beta-sitosterol is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and may lead to a slight reduction in serum cholesterol levels. Its phytosterolic structure allows it to mimic cholesterol, which aids in its absorption competitive action. Furthermore, it may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to its therapeutic effects in conditions like BPH and cholesterol management.

Pharmacokinetics

Beta-sitosterol is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but its bioavailability is relatively low due to its poor solubility. The compound is metabolized in the liver and excreted in bile and urine. Its half-life and excretion details may vary based on individual metabolic processes.

Pregnancy

There is insufficient data on the use of betasitosterol during pregnancy. It is advised to consult healthcare professionals before use.

Breast-feeding

Limited data is available regarding the use of betasitosterol during breastfeeding. Caution is recommended, and consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Indications

• Dietary supplement for antioxidant support
• Potential risk reduction for prostate cancer
• Potential risk reduction for lung cancer

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific guidelines as dosing can vary based on the formulation and purpose of use.

Adults: Refer to specific guidelines as dosing can vary based on the formulation and purpose of use.

Mechanism of action

Lycopene functions as a very potent antioxidant, trapping singlet oxygen and reducing mutagenesis. It inhibits cancer cell growth by disrupting growth factor receptor signaling and cell cycle progression. Lycopene upregulates connexin 43, enhancing gap junctional communication which is often deficient in tumors. Furthermore, it exhibits synergistic effects on cell proliferation and differentiation when combined with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, indicating interactions at a nuclear or subcellular level.

Pharmacodynamics

Lycopene's antioxidant properties play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. By trapping reactive oxygen species, it lessens cellular damage and may help to prevent the initiation and progression of cancer. Its ability to modulate cell signaling pathways and improve gap junction communication contributes to its anticancer effects. The interactions with vitamin D3 suggest a complex role in regulating cellular functions.

Pharmacokinetics

Lycopene is absorbed in the intestine and can be detected in the serum and various tissues. Its bioavailability can be influenced by dietary factors, including fat intake, which enhances absorption. Once in the body, lycopene is stored in adipose tissue and the liver. The elimination half-life and exact metabolic pathways are not well defined, but it is believed to undergo some conversion into other metabolites before excretion.

Pregnancy

There is insufficient reliable information regarding the safety of lycopene during pregnancy. Caution is advised.

Breast-feeding

Lycopene is considered safe during breastfeeding, but data on its excretion in human milk is limited.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.

Indications

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Urinary tract symptoms related to prostate enlargement
• Potentially for androgenic alopecia (hair loss)

Dosage

Children: Not established; use in children should be approached cautiously and under medical supervision.

Adults: Refer to specific product guidelines as dosing can vary widely depending on formulation and concentration.

Mechanism of action

Saw palmetto is believed to work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the action of 5-alpha reductase. This inhibition may reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate associated symptoms. Additionally, it may exert anti-inflammatory effects, which could further benefit urinary tract health.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamic effects of saw palmetto include the modulation of androgenic activity and a reduction in prostatic cell proliferation. It may also have a mild diuretic effect, promoting urine flow. Saw palmetto can affect hormone levels, potentially impacting testosterone and estrogen metabolism.

Pharmacokinetics

Palmetto is typically administered orally, and its bioavailability can be influenced by factors such as formulation and meal composition. The active compounds are thought to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Saw palmetto is metabolized by the liver and excreted primarily through the urine, although specific pharmacokinetic parameters such as half-life and clearance rates are not well-established.

Adverse effects

• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Allergic reactions
• Sexual dysfunction

Interactions

• May interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding
• Can potentially affect the metabolism of drugs processed by the liver

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with hormone-sensitive conditions
• Monitor for side effects in patients on concurrent medications

Pregnancy

Safety during pregnancy has not been established; use is generally not recommended.

Breast-feeding

Not enough is known about the safety of palmetto during breastfeeding; caution is advised.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from light, and keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Capsules
• Tablets
• Liquid extracts

Indications

• Prevention of vitamin E deficiency
• Antioxidant therapy
• Support in conditions related to oxidative stress

Dosage

Children: Refer to BNF for Children for specific dosage guidelines.

Adults: Refer to BNF for specific dosage guidelines.

Mechanism of action

Tocopherol acts as a radical scavenger, primarily functioning as an antioxidant for lipid bilayers. It donates hydrogen atoms to free radicals, trapping them and preventing cellular damage. Its effectiveness is influenced by its location within the membrane and its interaction with cytosolic reductants like ascorbate. Tocopherol can trap multiple radicals, including alkyl and peroxy radicals.

Pharmacodynamics

The antioxidant properties of tocopherol lead to significant pharmacodynamic effects, including the inhibition of cell death through modulation of protein kinase C (PKC). Tocopherol also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, which can be attributed to its influence on cytokines, prostaglandins, prostanoids, and thromboxanes. These interactions may contribute to its protective effects in various pathological conditions.

Pharmacokinetics

Tocopherol is absorbed in the intestines and its bioavailability can be influenced by dietary fat intake. It is transported in the plasma primarily bound to lipoproteins. Tocopherol is stored in adipose tissue and the liver, and its elimination occurs through bile and urine. The half-life of tocopherol can vary depending on the individual's nutritional status and other factors.

Pregnancy

Tocopherol is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use.

Breast-feeding

Tocopherol is excreted in breast milk, and while it is considered safe, a healthcare provider should be consulted for specific recommendations.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Mechanism of action

Serum and tissue lycopene levels have been inversely related to the risk of lung and prostate cancers. Lycopene functions as a very potent antioxidant, and it can trap singlet oxygen and reduce mutagenesis in the Ames test. Lycopene at physiological concentrations can inhibit human cancer cell growth by interfering with growth factor receptor signaling and cell cycle progression. Studies using human and animal cells identified connexin 43, a gene whose expression is upregulated by lycopene and which allows direct intercellular gap junctional communication (GJC). GJC is deficient in many human tumors and its restoration or upregulation is associated with decreased proliferation. The combination of low concentrations of lycopene with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exhibits a synergistic effect on cell proliferation and differentiation, and an additive effect on cell cycle progression in the HL-60 promyelocytic leukemia cell line, suggesting some interaction at a nuclear or subcellular level.

Mechanism of action

Tocopherol acts as a radical scavenger. It mainly acts as an antioxidant for lipid bilayers. Tocopherol's functions depend on the H-atom donating ability, location, and movement within the membrane, as well as the efficiency in the radical recycling by some cytosolic reductants such as ascorbate. Tocopherol actions are related to the trap of radicals, and it has been shown that even in the absence of substituents in the ortho-positions, tocopherol can trap more than two radicals. The type of radicals available for tocopherol are alkyl and peroxy.

Pharmacodynamics

The antioxidant effects of tocopherol can be translated into different changes at the pharmacodynamic level. In vitro studies have shown that this antioxidant activity can produce modification in protein kinase C (PKC) which will later be translated into an inhibition of cell death. Some other derivate effects are the anti-inflammatory properties of tocopherol which can be related to the modulation of cytokines or prostaglandins, prostanoids and thromboxanes.