The prostate gland is an essential part of male reproduction as it produces seminal fluid, the carrier of sperm. Prostate health is now a commonly discussed medical topic, partly because prostate cancer has become the second most common cancer among U.S. males, claiming the lives of about 32,000 per year, according to 2009 information from the National Cancer Institute. Specific herbs can help keep your prostate healthy, but always consult with a health care professional before taking any herb or herbal supplement. A medical professional trained in herbology can help you understand proper dosages, limitations and potential adverse reactions.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto extract, derived from the berries of a small palm tree common in the southeastern United States is a traditional Native American remedy used to reduce prostate enlargement. According to a 1998 review article published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," saw palmetto inhibits the synthesis of DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, which is a steroidal hormone linked to prostate enlargement.
Pygeum
Pygeum is obtained from tree bark and is an indigenous African remedy used to treat prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH, and prostate infections. Pygeum, which is often given in conjunction with saw palmetto extract, also contains substances that inhibit DHT synthesis, as cited in "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine."
Lycopene
Although most might not consider lycopene an herb, it is carotenoid found within tomatoes, guavas, watermelons and pink grapefruits. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, and according to The American Cancer Society, has shown the ability to prevent prostate cancer in some studies and possibly reduce the size of established prostate tumors in others.
Cernilton
Cernilton is a popular European herbal product made mainly from the extract of rye pollen. Numerous studies document cernilton's ability to treat BPH and prostatitis, although effects vary significantly with dosage. A 2008 Chinese study determined that 750 mg daily may achieve faster and more obvious efficacy in improving symptomatic BPH and prevents the progression of BPH with no adverse effects.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is a traditional Native Indian herbal remedy for many ailments, including prostate disorders. Some clinical studies indicate that stinging nettle preparations, marketed as Bazoton in Europe, can relieve symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, as cited in "Medical Herbalism."
Crinium Latifolium
Crinium atifolium is a potent medicinal herb from Vietnam that is used to promote longevity, but also prostate and ovarian health. A Vietnamese study, published in December 2002 in the "Journal of Health and Life of Vietnamese Health Ministry," examined 158 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and gave them a Crinium-based herbal preparation twice daily for 64 days. The researchers found that prostate size returned to normal in 97 percent of the cases after the trial period. A three-year follow up confirmed a high rate of long-term success for those patients who completed the study.
References
- The National Cancer Institute, SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Prostate Cancer
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systemic review; T.J Wilt et al.; November 1998
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- The American Cancer Society: Lycopene
- PubMed.gov: Chinese Study; "A comparative study on different doses of cernilton for preventing the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia"; June 2008
- "Journal of Health and Life of Vietnamese Health Ministry"; Crinum Latifolium in treatment of Benign Hypertrophy of prostate and cancers; Doan Thu Nhu et al.; December 2002
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