An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is a common problem for men as they age. Prostate gland enlargement can lead to blockages in the urinary tract, infections and kidney damage. Conventional treatments include medications to relax bladder muscles or inhibit prostate growth, but these can have unpleasant side effects. Herbs may be an alternative for BPH. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal treatment for enlarged prostate.
Cork Tree
Cork tree, or Phellodendron amurense, is a deciduous tree with a cork-like bark native to Asia. Also known as huang bai, it's one of the fundamental herbs used in complex Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas for bladder, colon and kidney disorders. Cork tree contains the alkaloid berberine and plant estrogens, and has potent effects on the urinary tract system, hormones and smooth muscles. A study published in the January 2010 Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that an extract of cork tree bark inhibited prostate muscle contractions in test animals. Researchers said the extract may relieve bladder obstructions caused by BPH by relaxing prostatic smooth muscles and inhibiting the hormones responsible for prostate enlargement. This study supports the traditional use of cork tree for urinary tract disorders, but further studies are needed to test the effects on BPH in humans.
Reishi
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum, is a fungus used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat hepatitis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, bronchitis and cancer. Reishi contains ganoderic acids. Some of these inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a steroid hormone involved in prostate enlargement. Conventional therapies often use 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor drugs for BPH, but impotence may be one of the side effects of these drugs. A study published in the October 2005 Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested 19 mushrooms for their ability to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase. The study found that reishi had the highest inhibitory action against the enzyme in vitro, and suppressed the growth of animal prostates in vivo. Further studies on humans are needed to confirm these results and determine the efficacy of reishi in treating BPH.
Small-Flowered Willowherb
Small-flowered willowherb, or Epilobium parviflorum, is a small perennial with pale purple flowers. Willowherb contains a tannin called oenothein B, which inhibits the 5α-reductase enzyme. Herbalists and traditional healers throughout Europe use the plant to treat BPH and bacterial prostatitis, a complication of BPH that occurs when a blocked urinary tract harbors Escherichia coli bacteria. This results in an inflammatory infection. A study published in the January 2006 Journal of Ethnopharmacology tested five herbal teas for their effect on BPH. The study found that willowherb acts as a potent anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the enzymes that trigger inflammation, and that it also inhibited the growth of E. coli. This study supports the traditional use of the plant to treat BPH and its complications, but further studies are needed to test the results in humans.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Extracts of bark from the traditional Chinese herb Phellodendron amurense inhibit contractility of the isolated rat prostate gland; Xu Y, Ventura S; January 2010
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-androgenic activities of Ganoderma lucidum; Fujita R, Liu J, Shimizu K, Konishi F, Noda K, Kumamoto S, Ueda C, Tajiri H, Kaneko S, Suimi Y, Kondo R; October 2005
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis; Steenkamp V, Gouws MC, Gulumian M, Elgorashi EE, van Staden J; January 2006
