The enlargement of the prostate gland is a condition experienced by men as they age, according to MayoClinic.com. Left untreated, enlargement of the prostate reduces the flow of urine from the bladder, which potentially results in bladder, kidney and urinary tract problems. Many treatments exist to resolve an enlarged prostate, including surgery and medications. Some evidence suggests that certain natural supplements may relieve some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, according to MayoClinic.com. Medical professionals maintain differing opinions on the use of these natural supplements.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto extract is a natural supplement used to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, according to Healing Daily and MayoClinic.com. The contention is that saw palmetto extract reduces inflammation of the prostate and may inhibit the action of hormones that cause the enlargement of the gland in the first place. Research studies are not available explicitly supporting the effectiveness of saw palmetto. Nonetheless, the use of the supplement appears to have no major side effects, according to Healing Daily.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that plays an integral role in cellular metabolism. Some evidence suggests that maintaining a proper level of zinc in the system does work to reduce or prevent prostate enlargement, according to Healing Daily. A zinc supplement of between 50 to 100mg is recommended to at least somewhat resolve prostate enlargement, Healing Daily says.
Pygeum
Pygeum is another natural supplement used in some cases to obtain relief from an enlarged prostate, according to MayoClinic.com. Pygeum oil is derived from the bark of the African prune tree. Although it is recommended by some natural health practitioners, no specific scientific research demonstrates the effectiveness of this supplement in resolving prostate issues.
Red Clover
Red clover is said to inhibit the formation of DHT, a hormone that contributes to the enlargement of the prostate as a man ages, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. By limiting the formation of the hormone, its impact on the prostate is reduced, resulting in a less severe enlargement. As with other natural remedies, no scientific research directly supports the effectiveness of red clover on resolving or preventing prostate enlargement.
