BPH, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a relatively common condition of the male genitourinary system. It involves the enlargement of the prostate gland, occurring most likely in response to age-related hormonal changes. Drugs and surgery can be used to treat BPH symptoms, and a variety of medicinal herbs have been shown to be helpful as well. Consult your doctor about BPH symptoms before beginning any treatment.
Prostate Gland Function
The prostate is a walnut-size gland near the bladder. It produces most of the fluid that goes into the semen. Muscle fibers of the prostate also help with urination. Problems occur when the cells of the gland enlarge and develop into fibrous nodules. The prostate gland may eventually increase in size to the point where it begins to squeeze the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen to the outside of the body.
Urinary Symptoms
Prostate enlargement is not a life-threatening condition. It does put pressure on the urethra, however, and this can block the easy flow of urine. Such blockage often leads to a number of urinary problems such as increased urgency and frequency, the need to get up through the night to urinate, and an incomplete emptying of the bladder. As the condition progresses, the risk of urinary tract infections and kidney damage may increase.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is thought to inhibit the hormones that control prostate enlargement and to reduce inflammation. Researchers at the Minneapolis Center for Chronic Diseases Outcomes Research (CCDOR) did a systematic review of studies on herbs used to treat BPH. Eighteen studies involving over 2,900 men were examined. The research results, published in the December 2000 issue of "Public Health Nutrition," found significant evidence indicating the usefulness of saw palmetto for improving BPH symptoms.
Pygeum Africanum
Pygeum africanum has been shown to reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels in the prostate. Traditional African healers have used it to treat urinary problems for hundreds of years. The Dec. 1, 2000 issue of the "American Journal of Medicine" highlighted the work of researchers at the CCDOR regarding the use of pygeum in the treatment of BPH. Analyzing data from 18 studies involving 1,562 men, the researchers concluded that pygeum appears to improve BPH symptoms significantly.
Warnings
Saw palmetto causes few side effects, although some people have reported dizziness, headache and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Taking the herb may also cause an increased susceptibility to bruising and bleeding in men on anti-coagulant medications. Pygeum is well tolerated. Its main side effect is upset stomach. Even though both herbs may help with BPH symptoms, not all patients will benefit all the time. More research is needed to fully understand their mechanism of action and effectiveness.
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