Clinical Experiences with Unique TCM Prostate Support Formula
By Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., D.A.B.F.M., Dc.A.B.C.T.
ProstaPhase® is a unique, potent, TCM botanical formulation based on the ancient “essence tonic” tradition of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Essence tonics are formulas comprised of medicinal herbs in various combinations specifically designed to preserve physiological systems, and to maintain and support healthy, balanced functioning throughout the aging process.
I have found this TCM formulation to be remarkably effective for the support and relief of genitourinary problems in men associated with the prostate gland. Such problems can include feelings of urgency, increased frequency of urination, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), hesitancy (delayed urinary flow), weakened urinary stream and post-void dribbling. These issues are all related to benign prostatic hypertrophy, or hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that occurs when swelling and/or inflammation of the male prostate gland causes it to compress the bladder while squeezing down and constricting the urethra as passes through the prostate gland, thereby impeding and reducing urinary flow.
Case 1
My first observation of this unique formula arises from my own, very personal experience with prostate issues. At about the age of 55 years I was having to get up two to three times every night to urinate. I also noticed some hesitancy in initiating the urinary stream in the early morning hours, and it was taking me longer to empty my bladder. In addition, I was occasionally experiencing some burning and irritation during urination. But, by far, the most annoying symptom was the post-urination dribbling.
I began taking 4 capsules daily, and maintained a careful clinical record of my progress, which I recorded carefully. After five weeks of taking the formula I observed the following improvements: the prolonged emptying of my bladder had diminished by 50%, my nocturia had dropped by 56%, hesitancy by 67%, post-urination dribbling by 22%, and the irritation during urination was completely gone. By the eighth week my post-urination dribbling had reduced by about 70%, which was quite tolerable, and the improvement in the other areas of prostate function were steadily maintained.
Most significantly, from my perspective, was the noted improvement I recorded in my PSA levels. PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland that is present in small quantities in the blood serum of men with healthy prostates, but often elevated in the presence of prostate issues. Prior to beginning the evaluation program, my PSA level was 2.4, and after taking the formula for eight weeks my PSA level had dropped to 0.7 – a very significant 71% reduction! I was duly impressed with this significant, subjective and objective, clinical response, and am continuing to take the formula as a part of my daily, health-promoting regimen.
Case 2
My second case, W.W., is a 63-year-old merchant marine engineer who came to me complaining of marked weakening of his urinary stream, accompanied by prolonged and incomplete bladder emptying, frequent need to urinate, excessive urine production (polyuria), nocturia (waking up at night to urinate), painful urination (dysuria) and major post-urination dribbling, all clear-cut symptoms of BPH. I prescribed the TCM formula, two capsules twice daily, and instructed him to keep a careful record of his symptoms. Since his business involved prolonged trips overseas, he did not return for follow-up care for about six months. When he came in for his next appointment, W. informed me that he was so pleased with the benefits he had experienced that he had, on his own initiative, continued to participate in the formula evaluation program.
After W. had taken the TCM formula for eight months, I ordered a blood test to measure his percent-free PSA ratio. The percent-free PSA ratio test measures how much PSA is circulating by itself (unbound) in the blood and how much is bound together with other blood proteins. This test, which estimates the risk of developing severe prostatic problems, revealed that W.'s percent-free PSA ratio had improved by 8%, which is clinically significant. Finally, at his recent follow-up visit, W. related to me that his weak urinary stream had improved by over 70%, and all his other prostate complaints had totally resolved. When asked how he felt about his progress and prostate health, he remarked, “I think this formula is great!”
Case 3
RG is a 45-year-old equestrian trainer who spends a lot of his time horseback-riding. He came to my clinic complaining of chronic pain and a sensation of uncomfortable fullness in his perineum, along with intermittent urgency, increased frequency, nocturia, hesitancy and bladder heaviness that became notably worse after a day on horseback. RG was very worried that his days in the saddle were numbered.
His urologist had diagnosed BPH, as well as non-bacterial prostatitis and prostadynia (pain in the prostate gland). Several courses of antibiotics and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) were of no benefit whatsoever. His initial PSA was 3.2, suspicious for his age, and his percent-free PSA ratio was 21%, placing him in a higher risk category. I put RG on a course taking 3 capsules twice daily, as well as QB-Zyme Pro (a potent, natural, anti-inflammatory, protease enzyme-bioflavonoid complex designed to help reduce and control prostatic and systemic inflammation), 3 capsules twice daily.
After four weeks RG reported that his chronic pain and the uncomfortable sensation of fullness in his perineum had diminished by half, so we continued with the regimen. By the next follow-up visit, about two months later, RG reported that the chronic pain and sensation of uncomfortable fullness in his perineum, as well as his intermittent urgency, urinary frequency, nocturia, hesitancy and bladder heaviness were all at least 85% better to his amazement. He also noted that the QB-Zyme Pro greatly helped him with the chronic inflammation, aches and stiffness in his lower back, hips, knees and ankles caused by repetitive horseback-riding injuries.
Repeat laboratory testing revealed that his PSA level had dropped to 1.7, an improvement of 47%, and the percent-free PSA ratio was now 26%, representing a 20% reduction in his risk for more serious prostate problems. He was indeed a very happy horseback-rider, and he stated that he was convinced that the TCM formula and QB-Zyme Pro had “successfully resurrected his career as an equestrian trainer.” They are now a part of his daily self-care regimen.
Case 4
JJ, a 65-year-old retired correctional officer, is morbidly obese and suffers with arthritis and cardiovascular disease. JJ came to me with multiple symptoms of BPH, including weak urinary stream, very prolonged and incomplete bladder emptying, extreme urinary frequency, accompanied by urgency, irregular urination, abdominal straining, nocturia, post-urination dribbling and occasional urinary incontinence. After eight weeks of taking the TCM formula, two capsules twice daily, he reported significant improvement in all his symptoms, including a greater than 50% reduction in the prolonged and incomplete bladder emptying and post-urination dribbling, as well as a 37% improvement in his urinary stream. His other BPH symptoms were also reduced by about 20 to 40%. JJ was pleased with his progress and has continued taking the TCM formula with continued benefit. Interestingly, his cardiovascular disease has improved without any change in the conventional, allopathic medications prescribed by his cardiologist.
In summary, I am continually researching and seeking out new, cutting edge, clinically effective, scientifically sound, nutraceutical agents (pharmaceutical-grade nutritional supplements) for the restoration, enhancement and maintenance of optimum health and well being. It is my professional opinion that this unique TCM formula represents a major advance in the natural, safe, non-toxic and cost-effective support of prostate health. My patients and I are all happy with the benefits we have and continue to experience.
Editor’s Note: Dr. Mitch Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., D.A.B.F.M., Dc.A.B.C.T., is a double, board certified, homeopathic family physician specializing in holistic, integrative CAM (complementary alternative medicine). Dr. Fleisher serves as a professional, integrative medicine consultant to several major health care institutions and corporations, and contributes articles on homeopathic medicine, nutritional therapy, chelation therapy and integrative, complementary alternative medicine to medical journals and popular magazines.
ProstaPhase™ is available from Tango Advanced Nutrition, or Toll-Free at 866-778-2646.
QB-Zyme Pro is available from Progressive Labs, 800-527-9512, order #7876.