The prostate gland surrounds the male urethra, producing fluid for semen. While prostate inflammation can occur at any age, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, affects older men. Prostate enlargement is probably due to hormonal changes, and can cause you considerable discomfort from trouble urinating, especially at night. Prostate cancer may have similar symptoms or no symptoms, and nutritional supplements should not be a substitute for regular cancer screenings.
Zinc
An antioxidant, zinc is normally found in high amounts in the prostate gland, which may protect it against damage that could lead to cancer. Zinc supplementation in the treatment of prostate cancer, however, is controversial. Before beginning a zinc regimen, discuss the benefits and potential risks with a health care professional. Nutritionist Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that zinc deficiency is linked to enlarged prostate, but that doses over 100mg a day can depress immune function. Balch states that zinc deficiency can be a result of alcohol abuse. The mineral can be found in pumpkin seeds, peanuts, beans, brewer's yeast, mushrooms, spinach, salmon, dark meats and liver.
Selenium, Lycopene and Saw Palmetto
Balch states selenium has antioxidant properties that can protect prostate cells. Like zinc, too much selenium can be toxic. Lycopene is a bioflavonoid related to beta carotene. To increase your intake of lycopene, eat more bright red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes. Saw palmetto berries are used to relieve urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate and may fight hormonal changes that cause BPH. G. Bonvisutto and colleagues, at the University of Catania in Italy, induced prostate inflammation and partial bladder obstruction in male rats. A combination of selenium, lycopene and saw palmetto was effective in treating the inflammation. The researchers, who published the findings in the November 2010 issue of "Urology," suggest that a lycopene, selenium and saw palmetto mixture might be useful in the treatment of BPH. More scientific, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to prove the safety and effectiveness of these natural substances in the treatment of prostate disorders.
Pygeum
As men age, testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Your prostate enlargement may be due to the effects of this hormone. Pygeum is extracted from the bark of trees native to Africa. Traditionally used as a remedy for BPH, it may work by competing with DHT in the prostate. Y. Yoshimura and colleagues, at Fukushima Medical University in Japan, produced prostate enlargement in rats using DHT. Animals treated with pygeum extract during or following the administration of DHT were found to have smaller prostate glands that weighed less than those in untreated rats. The study was published in the February 2003 issue of "Urology." As of 2010 in the United States, pygeum has not yet been approved for the prevention or treatment of any condition.
Nettle Root
You may think of stinging nettles as a troublesome weed that grows thicker each time you mow. The leaves are prized for their nutrients, however, and nettle root has been the subject of promising clinical trials on BPH. The herb's use in prostate disorders has not been approved by the FDA. A research team headed by L. Konrad, of Philipps-Universitat Marburg in Germany, studied the effects of nettle root extract on human prostate cancer cells. The herbal extract inhibited the growth of cancer cells by 30 percent on day five of the study, while not affecting normal cells. The findings were published in the February 2000 issue of "Planta Medica."
References
- PubMed.gov: Zinc and prostate cancer: a critical scientific, medical, and public interest issue (United States)
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch, CNC, 2006
- PubMed.gov: Effect of Serenoa repens, Lyocopene, and Selenium on Proinflammatory IκB-α Phenotype Activation: An In Vitro And In Vivo Comparison Study
- PubMed.gov: Effect of Pygeum africanum tadenan on micturition and prostate growth of the rat secondary to coadministered treatment and post-treatment with dihydrotestosterone
- PubMed.gov: Antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer cells by a stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) extract
- PubMed.gov: A comprehensive review on the stinging nettle effect and efficacy profiles. Part II: urticae radix
