Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland. It is quite common for the prostate gland to grow as a man ages, although why this happens is not clearly understood. BPH is associated with a number of symptoms including the urge to urinate frequently, especially during the night, blood in the urine and urinary retention. BPH is commonly treated with non-invasive surgery or drugs to shrink the prostate. Some herbs may help to alleviate symptoms, although there is limited evidence to show they are effective. Get medical advice before using herbs to treat BPH.
Pygeum
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that pygeum may be beneficial for men suffering from BPH as it may improve urine flow and decrease nocturnal urination. Pygeum, which is derived from tree bark, contains phytosterol and triterpene, compounds which may confer this herb's therapeutic effects. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, pygeum may cause nausea and gastrointestinal upset but is unlikely to interact with other herbs or medicines you may be taking. Nevertheless, get medical advice before using this herb to treat BPH.
Rye Grass
Rye grass may improved BPH symptoms. A review article published in the May 2000 issue of "BJU International" notes that grass pollen mainly improves urological symptoms, especially nocturnal urination. The website RxList states that this herb is likely safe for most people, but it may cause stomach distention and nausea. People who are allergic to grass pollen should not take rye grass supplements. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about using this herb to alleviate your symptoms.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto may help to alleviate BPH symptoms by shrinking the inner lining of the prostate gland, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, an analysis of clinical trial data published in the April 2009 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" revealed that saw palmetto is no more effective than placebo in treating BPH-associated urinary symptoms. Saw palmetto is mostly well tolerated, although it may cause some stomach discomfort. Talk to your doctor before incorporating saw palmetto into your BPH treatment regimen.
References
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pygeum
- PubMed.gov: A Systematic Review of Cernilton for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- RxList: Rye Grass
- PubMed.gov: A Systematic Review of Cernilton for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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