PC-SPES

**PC-SPES** is a discontinued, patented combination dietary supplement composed of eight herbal ingredients: baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra or uralensis), reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum), isatis (Isatis indigotica), ginseng (Panax ginseng or Panax pseudoginseng var. notoginseng), chrysanthemum flowers (Dendranthema morifolium), dong ling cao (Isodon rubescens), and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)[5][7]. It was marketed for prostate health and investigated as a complementary and alternative therapy for prostate cancer, particularly hormone-resistant forms[1][3][6]. It showed in vitro anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in both androgen-sensitive and -insensitive prostate cancer cells, likely mediated through estrogenic/phytoestrogenic activity; however, later analyses found undisclosed pharmaceutical adulterants, notably diethylstilbestrol (DES), which is itself an estrogenic drug used for prostate cancer treatment[1][7][8]. The observed clinical responses (PSA decline and tumor control) in studies were attributed primarily to these contaminants. PC-SPES was withdrawn from the market in 2002 due to these safety and labeling issues[1][5][7][8].

Brand names

PC-SPESPC-CARE

Other names

Ponicidin