Natural Standard Monograph, Copyright © 2014 (www.naturalstandard.com). Commercial distribution prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified health care professional before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.
Uses based on scientific evidence
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Colorectal cancer (adjuvant)
PSK in addition to chemotherapy and surgery has been associated with increased disease-free survival rate for patients with colorectal cancer in various clinical trials as opposed to these pharmaceutical drugs alone. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm these results along with optimal dosing regimens and optimal pharmaceutical combinations. PSK does not seem to affect the cure rate of colon cancer.
Esophageal cancer (adjuvant)
A small number of clinical trials have examined the ability of PSK, in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiation, to increase survival time in esophageal cancer. Further well-designed trials are needed to fully understand PSK's potential therapeutic role in esophageal cancer.
Gastric cancer (adjuvant)
Several clinical trials or case studies have investigated the use of PSK in combination with chemotherapy in the treatment of gastric cancer. Results from many of the clinical trials show that PSK administered along with chemotherapy is associated with increased 2-5 year survival rates. However, some trials found no significant effect on survival over this same period of time. No significant increase in survival has been shown in long-term (greater than five years) studies.
One preliminary human trial in patients with acute leukemia suggests that adjunct PSK therapy may prolong duration of remission and survival time. In a second study in patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, no significant increases in survival were found. Well-designed clinical trials are required in order to determine if PSK therapy may in fact prolong remission and increase survival time in individuals with acute leukemia.
Liver cancer (adjuvant)
Study results of PSK as an adjunct therapy for liver cancer yield mixed results. Well-designed clinical trials are needed to determine the role of PSK on survival time and remission in individuals with liver cancer.
Lung cancer (adjuvant)
PSK has been studied as an adjuvant therapy in lung cancer patients. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (adjuvant)
In preliminary human studies, PSK, used as adjuvant treatment to radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy, has been shown to increase the five-year survival rate following treatment. Well-designed clinical trials, with larger patient numbers, are needed to confirm these results.
Breast cancer (adjuvant)
The available evidence does not support the use of PSK, in conjunction with hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery, to increase survival rates in breast cancer patients.
*Key to grades:
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;B: Good scientific evidence for this use; C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;D: Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work);F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work).
For full grading rationale, click here.
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional
AIDS, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), cancer prevention, hepatic disorders, herpes, HIV, immunomodulator, infections, kidney disease prevention, liver protection, pancreatic cancer, post-surgical recovery, stamina, strength.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if you experience side effects.
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new therapy.
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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