supplement combined with Arimidex okay?

[Laurie252]

Will broccoli seed extract capsules interfere with Arimidex if I take them both?  Apparently broccoli seed extract is also an aromatase inhibitor.  I am on Arimidex and blood tests indicate that it is working, as my estrogen levels are low.  But a 24-hour urine test prescribed by an M.D. with a holistic practice showed a problem in one of my estrogen pathways, and recommended a broccoli seed extract with SGS (sulforaphane glucosinolate). Might it enhance or interfere with Arimidex? My oncologist doesn't seem to know. Thanks.

[Laurie252]

Thanks to you both for your leads. If I learn anything useful, I'll post it.  Best regards, Laurie252

[Paxiled]

My guess is that if anyone knows it will be a naturopath, and a quite good one at that, not an MD.  My other guess is, a with most plants, contraindications are mostly theoretical, as virtually no serious studies have been done, which makes it difficult to answer such questions.  What you might do is ask your holistic MD to research this for you, but also ask if you can just eat broccoli sprouts, which should contain what's in the seed but as it's not an extract it wouldn't be as strong.  That also means it might not do what your doc thinks it does, but it's worth asking.  If all else fails, try contacting the American Herbal Products Association and see if they can direct you to some good information, and also try the books Prescription for Nutritional Healing and Prescription for Herbal Healing, which often contain contraindications.

[laura1967]

That is an interesting thought. I would look into the pharmaceutical company that makes Arimidex and see what contraindications are listed, including food and supplements. Might even be worth putting in an email to them.