Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the technical term for an enlarged prostate gland, a common condition in men over age 50. By age 60, most men have some degree of BPH, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Although the condition is not cancerous, it can cause unpleasant symptoms such as frequent urination, sudden urges to urinate and difficult urination. Left untreated, BPH can lead to more severe problems including bladder infections and kidney damage.
Saw Palmetto
Serenoa repens, more commonly known as saw palmetto, is the most popular herbal treatment for prostate enlargement, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Saw palmetto improves symptoms involving frequent nighttime urination and urinary flow, even though it does not greatly affect prostate size. The NIH gives the herb an "A" grade for treating BPH, comparing its effectiveness to the medication finasteride (Proscar) with fewer side effects.
Pygeum
Another herbal treatment for prostate enlargement is Pygeum africanum (African plum), as an extract derived from the tree bark. The herb has been used traditionally in Africa to treat bladder and urinary disorders, according to the NIH. The NIH also gives this herb an "A" grade for treating BPH symptoms, explaining that most studies report improvement in symptoms, including frequency of nighttime urination and urine flow. Like saw palmetto, pygeum does not decrease the size of the prostate gland.
Grass Pollen
Secale cereale, commonly known as grass pollen, also improves symptoms of BPH, according to the UMMC. A standardized extract of rye grass pollen, Cernilton, has been shown to reduce frequency of nighttime urination. A study published in the October 1990 issue of the "British Journal of Urology" found that Cernilton significantly decreased the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating in men with BPH, and study participants also showed a decrease in prostate size when measured by ultrasound.
Stinging Nettle
The root of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and Urtica urens) is a common treatment for BPH in Europe. Research has mainly focused on stinging nettle in combination with other herbs, such as saw palmetto, according to the UMMC. Stinging nettle appears to have a positive effect on urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder and continuous urges to urinate, although it does not decrease prostate size.
Lycopene
Lycopene, a natural pigment produced by plants and microorganisms, also shows effectiveness for treating BPH. A study published in the January 2008 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" found that a placebo group experienced progressive prostate enlargement, but a group taking lycopene did not. A significant improvement in symptoms also was found in the men taking lycopene.
