The prostate plays a crucial role in male reproduction as it manufactures seminal fluid, the carrier for sperm. Prostate problems are more openly discussed now because of prevalence and increasing mortality rates. Although benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH, is the most common problem to affect men, The National Cancer Institute estimates that prostate cancer kills about 32,000 American males per year. Certain supplements promote prostate health, although medical professionals should be consulted if your prostate is causing you problems.
Saw Palmetto Berries
Saw palmetto berries come from palm trees that grow on the southeastern coasts of the United States. Often made into an extract, saw palmetto is a traditional Native American preparation used to treat BPH and its urinary symptoms. According to a 1998 review article published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," saw palmetto inhibits the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a steroidal hormone linked to non-cancerous prostate growth.
Pygeum
Pygeum is derived from the bark of evergreen trees native to central Africa. Pygeum extract is a traditional African preparation used to treat BPH and prostate infections, both bacterial and viral. Pygeum contains substances that inhibit the synthesis of DHT and prostaglandins, which accumulate in enlarged prostates, according to "Human Biochemistry and Disease."
Lycopene
Lycopene is a type of carotenoid found within tomato, guava, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, and according to the American Cancer Society, there is some scientific evidence that lycopene can help prevent prostate cancer and potentially reduce the size of prostatic tumors.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is needed to increase levels of your immune system's main offensive component: white blood cells. Some of these cells, also called leukocytes, have the ability to kill invading bacteria and viruses, both of which can cause prostate infection. Vitamin B6, along with zinc, can also diminish prolactin levels in men. Prolactin is one hormone that causes increases of DHT, which leads to prostate cell proliferation and enlargement.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential component of your immune system, as it activates leukocytes that can detect and eliminate invading pathogens. Vitamin D also has anti-cancer properties. A 2003 review article published in "Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism" concluded that adequate vitamin D supplements or exposure to sunshine may increase calcitriol synthesis in the prostate leading to reduced risks of prostate cancer, as well as metastasis in existing prostate tumors.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, especially the alpha-tocopherol type, is a potent antioxidant that eliminates free radicals linked with aging, degeneration and cancer. Alpha-tocopherol is needed to synthesize interleukin-2, a compound that destroys bacteria, viruses and cancerous cells, which is helpful for many prostate problems.
Science Daily cites a 2010 Australian study, just released in the "International Journal of Cancer," that found another vitamin E type, gamma-tocotrienol, can destroy prostate cancer stem cells in mice, which inhibits the tumors ability to re-grow. Human trials are being planned.
References
- The National Cancer Institute, SEER Stat Fact Sheet: 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
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease;" Gerald Litwack; 2008
- American Cancer Society: Lycopene
- "Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism;" Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer Prevention and Treatment; T.C. Chen and M. F. Holick; November 2003
- Science Daily: 2010 Gamma-tocotrienol Study in the "International Journal of Cancer"
