Current Status and Future Prospects of Nutraceuticals in Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources that provide health benefits. Several natural dietary agents have been studied for their preventive and/or therapeutic effects against prostate cancer. Although most of the information on nutraceuticals and prostate cancer is drawn from epidemiologic and case-control studies, clinical studies conducted so far have not provided clear-cut results. The lack of evidence-based studies limits the use of nutraceuticals and their clinical recommendations. In spite these limitations, the field of nutraceutical research continues to emerge as many of these nutritional agents are tested for their therapeutic potential in pre-clinical and clinical settings. Nutraceuticals have the potential for significant medical and economic impacts. This chapter highlights the present status of nutraceuticals in prostate cancer and discusses future prospects for nutritional strategies that are safe and clinically beneficial.