According to Men’s Health Network, a full 50% of men will develop one of three prostate diseases – enlarged prostate, prostate cancer or inflammation of the prostate – or may even have more than one. The good news: Herbs can help! Here are recent research findings about four such herbs proven to promote prostate health:
- Saw palmetto: This well studied herb appears to ease the symptoms of enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The most common prostate health problem, BPH is a non-cancerous condition that makes it difficult and uncomfortable to urinate. One study of men with moderate BPH found that symptom scores were significantly reduced in men who took 160 mg of saw palmetto twice daily for six months, compared to a placebo group. A separate study found that saw palmetto may delay the progression of mild symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction into BPH. In the case of prostate cancer, saw palmetto may be used for hormonal support – but only under medical supervision.
- Pygeum: A meta-analysis of 18 different trials involving more than 1,500 patients with BPH found that the herb pygeum reduced residual urine volume by 24% compared to placebo and increased peak urine flow by 23%. Pygeum may also help alleviate the symptoms of bacterial and nonbacterial prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, some preliminary evidence suggests.
- Pumpkin seed extract: Especially in combination with saw palmetto, this herb may improve urinary flow and decrease frequency of urination in men with BPH. In one study, 2,245 patients suffering from early stages of BPH received daily one to two capsules of pumpkin seed extract. After 12 weeks, prostate symptoms improved significantly, as did quality of life scores. The researchers concluded the herb extract "facilitates an efficient improvement of BPH symptoms, especially in early stages."
- Flaxseed: According to a study at Duke University Medical Center, flaxseed may help slow the growth of prostate tumours. About 160 men, all scheduled to have their prostates removed, were divided into four groups, of which two received flaxseed daily (one group in combination with a low-fat diet). After the men’s prostates were removed, the researchers found that the cancer cells of patients who took flaxseed developed about 30 to 40% slower than the cells of those who didn’t take flaxseed.
In summary, herbal supplements are well worth exploring for prostate problems. Science as well as tradition point to their usefulness in enhancing prostate health.
Sources: Fam Pract News, Nov 1, 2001:11; Fam Pract News, July 4, 2004:29; Urol Clin N Am, 2002;29:23-29; Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2002;1:CD001044; Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd. 2000 Aug;7(4):200-4; American Botanical Council (abc.herbalgram.org); Men’s Health Network (www.prostatehealthguide.com)
