Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is common as a man ages. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, most men have a degree of prostate enlargement by the time they reach age 60. Although prostate enlargement is not dangerous in itself, it may cause urinary problems; for example, a man with BPH may need to urinate frequently or may experience recurrent urinary tract infections. Minimally invasive techniques such as laser surgery are sometimes used to shrink prostate tissue. Medicines including alpha blockers might also help to alleviate symptoms. The herb red clover might also help to reduce symptoms, although evidence to prove it works is limited. Talk to your doctor before taking herbal extracts.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Red clover, also known as cow grass or meadow clover, is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, although it is also sometimes used to treat chest congestion and muscle spasms. It contains compounds known as isoflavones that may have similar effects to the hormone estrogen. An article published in the December 2002 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" notes that isoflavone-containing supplements, including red clover, are widely used in patients with BPH.
Administration
Red clover flowers are used to prepare herbal extracts, which may be taken in capsules or as a tea or liquid tincture. Since red clover extract is not a proven treatment for an enlarged prostate, guidance regarding a suitable dose is lacking. However, Mississippi Baptist Health systems states that a typical dosage of red clover extract provides 40 to 260 mg of isoflavones daily. Confirm with your doctor that this dose is suitable before using.
Research
Red clover has not been widely studied as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. However, the results of a single clinical study published in the January 2010 issue of the "National Journal of Andrology" show that red clover isoflavones inhibit the growth of prostate cells and might also induce prostate cell death. The authors note, however, that red clover is less effective than finasteride, a prescription treatment for BPH.
Safety Considerations
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that short-term red clover use is safe for most adults. Furthermore, this herb is included on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized as Safe list. However, red clover extract may interfere with hormone treatments and might also interact with anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin and aspirin. Do not use red clover extract if you're undergoing treatment for prostate cancer - it may make radiotherapy less effective.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Red Clover
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Flavonoid and Botanical Approaches to Prostate Health; A.E. Katz; December 2002
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Red Clover
- Mississippi Baptist Health Systems: Red Clover
- "National Journal of Andrology"; Red Clover Isoflavones Inhibit the Proliferation and Promote the Apoptosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Stromal Cells; M.Y. Chen, et al.; January 2010
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