About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products

Clinical Summary

Zyflamend is a formulation containing ten different herbs (1). It is promoted as having anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties. Supporters claim the beneficial effects of Zyflamend are due to the constituents, many of which reduce inflammation by decreasing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity. In vitro studies showed that Zyflamend inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, induces apoptosis (4), and inhibits proliferation (8) of human prostate cancer cells.
Results from a small phase I trial of Zyflamend indicate a reduction in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) (7). More studies are warranted.

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Purported Uses
  • Antiaging
  • Cancer treatment
  • Inflammation
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Constituents
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Mechanism of Action

Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese gold thread and Scutellaria inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 activity and thereby reduce inflammation. In vitro, Zyflamend reduced the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by inhibiting COX-2 activity and by inducing apoptosis (2). It also down-regulated NF-kappa B activiation (6) and inhibited leukotriene B4 formation in an animal carcinogenesis model (5).

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Warnings

The FDA issued a letter to an Internet distributor for exaggerated claims made for Zyflamend (3). Individuals using Zyflamend should be cautious of such claims.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physicians before using Zyflamend.

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Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.

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Herb-Drug Interactions

The herbal constituents of Zyflamend can potentially interact with prescription drugs.

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References
  1. Product web site. http://www.new-chapter.com . Accessed October 11, 2011.
  2. Capodice JL, et al. ZyflamendTM, a unique preparation inhibits arachidonic acid metabolism and suppresses prostate cancer cells, in vitro. Abstract presented at the 1st International Conference of the Society for Integrative Oncology, Nov 18, 2004.
  3. Food and Drug Administration.
    http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/
    EnforcementActivitiesbyFDA/CyberLetters/ucm059203.pdf    .
    Accessed October 11, 2011.
  4. Bemis DL, et al. Zyflamend, a unique herbal preparation with non selective COX inhibitory activity, induces apoptosis of prostate cancer cells that lack COX-2 expression. Nutrition and Cancer 2005; 52(2): 202-12.
  5. Yang P, Sun Z, Chan D, et al. Zyflamend reduces LTB4 formation and prevents oral carcinogenesis in a 7,12-dimethylbenz[alpha]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster cheek pouch model. Carcinogenesis. 2008 Nov;29(11):2182-9.
  6. Sandur SK, Ahn KS, Ichikawa H, et al. Zyflamend, a polyherbal preparation, inhibits invasion, suppresses osteoclastogenesis, and potentiates apoptosis through down-regulation of NF-kappa B activation and NF-kappa B-regulated gene products. Nutr Cancer. 2007;57(1):78-87.
  7. Capodice JL, Gorroochurn P, Cammack AS, et al. Zyflamend in men with high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: results of a phase I clinical trial. J Soc Integr Oncol. 2009 Spring;7(2):43-51.
  8. Yang P, Cartwright C, Chan D, et al. Zyflamend-mediated inhibition of human prostate cancer PC3 cell proliferation: effects on 12-LOX and Rb protein phosphorylation. Cancer Biol Ther. 2007 Feb;6(2):228-36.
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How It Works

Bottom Line: Zyflamend has not been shown to treat cancer.

Zyflamend is a herbal supplement consisting of Holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, rosemary, hu zhang, Chinese goldthread, barberry, oregano, and scullcap. Promoters of Zyflamend claim that it has anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects. It has been shown in one laboratory study to reduce inflammation and cause cell death. Results from a small study indicate it may help lower prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker of prostate cancer. More research is needed.

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Purported Uses
  • Cancer treatment
    One laboratory showed that Zyflamend can reduce the number of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. A small study suggests benefits of Zyflamend in men with prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN). More research is needed.
  • Inflammation
    A lab study showed that Zyflamend reduces inflammation but there are no data from clinical trials.
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Research Evidence

One laboratory study showed that Zyflamend reduced the number of prostate cancer cells by inactivating the COX-2 enzyme activity and by inducing cell death.

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Patient Warnings

The FDA issued a letter to an Internet distributor for exaggerated claims made for Zyflamend. Individuals taking Zyflamend should inform their physicians.
Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physicians before using Zyflamend.

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Do Not Take If

If you have hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.

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Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
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E-mail your questions and comments to aboutherbs@mskcc.org.
Last updated: October 11, 2011