Cernitin has a theoretical benefit for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP, which is a common problem that comes along with age if you are a man. This condition also may be called prostate gland enlargement or prostatic hypertrophy. If you are interested in trying Cernitin, consult your doctor before trying it.
Identification
Cernitin is an extract that consists of eight kinds of pollen. It's used in Japan and Europe to treat prostatic diseases, according to the Japanese medical journal "Hinyokika Kiyo." BHP is problematic because it can block urine flow from your bladder, which can lead to urinary tract, bladder and kidney problems, according to MayoClinic.com. Drugs used to treat this condition can cause severe adverse reactions, which is prompting research on nutraceuticals such as Cernitin, notes N. Talpur, lead author for a 2003 study in "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry."
Effectiveness
Cernitin might work just as well as the herb saw palmetto and the drug finasteride for treating prostate enlargement, according to the study by Talpur, et al. All three agents appear to influence the condition by affecting androgen, or male hormone, metabolism, Talpur notes. This study was done on rats, however, so more research is needed to see if the same results will be experienced by humans. A 2002 study published in "Hinyokika Kiyo" concludes that Cernitin pollen extract works better when combined with the BHP drug tamsulosin hydrochloride than when it's used alone for treating urinary problems. Tamsulosin hydrochloride used alone also works better than Cernitin used alone, notes lead study author A. Aoki.
Theories
Other theories exist when it comes to Cernitin's effects on the prostate. One is that it has anti-inflammatory action that is at least partly responsible for its prostate benefits, according to a 2001 study in "Hinyokika Kiyo." Cernitin appears to inhibit the prostatic inflammatory cytokines, or immune system chemicals that promote inflammation, according to lead study author K. Asakawa. A 1990 laboratory study published in the "British Journal of Urology," indicates that Cernitin may be useful in controlling prostate enlargement in cases that are not hormone-sensitive.
Time Frame
You may be able to use Cernitin to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia long-term, according to a 1995 study published in "Clinical Therapeutics." The supplement provides a mild beneficial benefit for prostate size over a year-long time frame, including average urine flow rate and residual urine volume, according to lead study author R. Yasumoto. Researchers observed no adverse reactions during the study, notes Yasumoto. However, consult your doctor before using this nutraceutical, especially if you have a pollen allergy, take medication or have a health condition.
References
- "Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry"; Comparison of Saw Palmetto (Extract and Whole Berry) and Cernitin on Prostate Growth in Rats; N. Talpur, et al.; 2003
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Gland Enlargement; December 2009
- "Clinical Therapeutics"; Clinical evaluation of long-term treatment using Cernitin pollen extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia; R. Yasumoto, et al.; 1995
- "Hinyokika Kiyo"; Effects of Cernitin pollen-extract (Cernilton) on inflammatory cytokines in sex-hormone-induced nonbacterial prostatitis rats; K. Asakawa, et al.; 2001
- "Hinyokika Kiyo"; Clinical Evaluation of the Effect of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride and Cernitin Pollen Extract on Urinary Disturbance Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a Multicentered Study; A. Aoki, et al.; 2002
- "British Journal of Urology"; In Vitro Evaluation of the Pollen Extract, Cernitin T-60, in the Regulation of Prostate Cell Growth; F.K. Habib, et al.; 1990
