BPH, or benign prostatic hypertrophy, commonly develops as most men age. BPH is not prostate cancer, although a high percentage of men over the age of 70 with BPH develop prostate cancer. The exact causes of BPH are only theorized, but usually involve hormone and mineral imbalance. Asian ginsengs can alter testosterone levels and are not looked upon favorably by Western medicine for the treatment of BPH despite their recommendation for the condition by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine. Siberian ginseng is not a true ginseng, and has a lesser affect on hormones, but it displays other properties potentially beneficial for BPH. Consult with your doctor if you are experiencing genitourinary symptoms.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
BPH is the slow, continued growth of the prostate gland that is considered abnormal. BPH rarely causes symptoms in men prior to the age of 40, but more than 50 percent of men in their 60s and as many as 90 percent in their 80s experience some genitourinary symptoms, according to “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.” As the prostate enlarges, it starts to put pressure against the bladder and urethra, which cause issues during urination. Common symptoms of BPH include trouble initiating and stopping urination, dribbling, incomplete emptying, increased frequency and urgency of urination, especially during the night, and sometimes, deep, achy pain.
Causes
As men age, they generally produce less testosterone, which causes a higher proportion of estrogen in the bloodstream. As such, one theory of BPH suggests that it occurs because a higher relative amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of compounds that promote prostate cell growth, according to “Human Biochemistry and Disease.” This is why Asian ginsengs are recommended in Asian countries for prostate problems, reduced libido and sexual dysfunction. Another theory of BPH focuses on the production of the hormone DHT, which is made from testosterone in the prostate. However, despite reduced testosterone production with age, many men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate, which is thought to trigger cell growth. Further, many men with BPH have insufficient levels of minerals, especially zinc and magnesium.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, more accurately referred to as Eleutherococcus senticocus or simply eleuthero, is not a true ginseng species, but it produces similar, albeit milder, effects compared to its distant Asian relatives. Siberian ginseng is indigenous to Russia, where it is used to enhance energy, reduce stress, stimulate immunity and help with sexual dysfunction. According to “Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine,” Siberian ginseng displays anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can relax blood vessels, which increases circulation and reduces blood pressure.
Siberian Ginseng for BPH
BPH does not really involve inflammation, which is more a characteristic of prostate infections. As such, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune stimulating properties of Siberian ginseng may be better suited to help treat bacterial and viral infections of the prostate. Its ability to promote circulation may be helpful if the BPH is caused by toxicity or lack of nutrients. Whether or not Siberian ginseng can stimulate production of testosterone and whether that is beneficial for BPH is not well studied. According to “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews,” other natural remedies that are more promising for the treatment of BPH include saw palmetto berries, pygeum bark and pumpkin seeds.
References
- “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine”; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- “Human Biochemistry and Disease”; Gerald Litwack; 2008
- “Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine”; David Hoffman; 2003
- “Natural Standard Herb & Supplement Reference: Evidence-based Clinical Reviews”; Catherine E. Ulbricht et al; 2005
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