Psa And Natural Herbal Treatment

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a naturally occurring substance that is produced by the prostate gland. According to the Mayo Clinic, a PSA test must be conducted by a health-care professional and is most commonly used to detect prostate cancer, but high levels may indicate other conditions, such as inflamed or enlarged prostate. Some herbal medications may help reduce PSA levels and are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, but may not be useful in the treatment of prostate cancer and may mask some symptoms. As with all supplements, talk to your doctor about your condition before beginning a natural herbal treatment regimen.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is one of the most commonly used herbal treatments for BPH. It may help to improve urine stream and avoid nighttime awakenings common with BPH. It appears to work like prescription medications such as finasteride. A 2003 article published in "American Family Physician" indicates that although saw palmetto may reduce troubling symptoms of both BPH and prostate cancer, it appears less likely than other agents to reduce PSA levels, making it less likely to mask symptoms of prostate cancer.

Pygeum

Pygeum is used, often in combination with saw palmetto, to treat both BPH and prostate cancer. It may reduce symptoms such as urinary frequency, nighttime urination and residual urine retention, also decreasing the chance for a bladder infection. It has anti-inflammatory activity and may exhibit some anti-androgenic activity, which may lower PSA levels. It apparently does not stimulate estrogen production, reducing the chance for side effects such as breast enlargement and impotence. Pygeum and other supplements should only be used under the supervision of a doctor in cases of prostate difficulties to ensure that serious conditions such as prostate cancer are treated effectively.

Red Wine Catechins

Antioxidants such as resveratrol, contained in red wine and other fruit-based antioxidants from berries, may help stop cellular processes that lead to tumor growth. It may also provide some anti-androgenic activity that may be of benefit in both prostate cancer and BPH. Slowing tumor growth in the case of prostate cancer may help reduce PSA levels. Consumption of high levels of antioxidants is also thought to correlate with a healthy prostate and low PSA levels.

Herbs to Avoid

Men with prostate cancer and possibly those with BPH should not take herbs such as cinnamon, ginseng, sarsaparilla, ephedra or horsetail. These herbs may contain betasitosterol, which may increase the growth of prostate cells, including prostate cancer cells and increase PSA levels. Some health professionals also recommend limiting the consumption of animal fats and proteins, instead advising the substitute of healthier items such as olive oil, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna and halibut and an increased consumption of green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and kale.