Herbs for Prostate Health

What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a gland located below the bladder, found only in men. Its function is to secrete and store the white fluid that will be part of a man's semen. As men grow older, problems with the health of the prostate can arise. Among them is prostatitis (bacterial infection), benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH - enlarged prostate), and prostate cancer.

Herbs for Prostate Health
Perhaps the most known herb for prostate health is saw palmetto. This herbal remedy is isolated from the fruits of a palm tree growing in the U.S.'s southeastern coasts. After the age of 40, testosterone levels in men decline and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increases. DHT stimulates cell growth and prostate enlargement. Saw palmetto alleviates prostate enlargement by inhibiting the synthesis of growth-stimulating DHT.

Pygeum is an African native herb obtained from a tree bark. Studies indicate that pygeum can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. Its action is also related to the inhibition of DHT.

Rye pollen extract has been shown to have beneficial effects in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, according to a study published in the Journal of British Urology. This systematic review of the scientific evidence published at that time showed that rye pollen extract reduced symptoms related to an enlarged prostate.

Nettle is another herb recommended for prostate health. Nettle has anti-inflammatory effects and is used extensively in Germany for BPH. It works by inhibiting the production of DHT.

Nutrition for Prostate Health
Prostate health diseases seem to stem from a deficiency in nutrition. Studies show that countries where people drink a lot of milk have higher rates of prostate cancer. Calcium is probably the cause of this increased rate. Also, studies are showing that people who eat tomatoes and products derived from them have a lower risk of prostate cancer. Lycopene is the antioxidant compound responsible for this protective effect.

Foods rich in selenium, vitamin E, and other antioxidants have been shown to have beneficial effects on prostate health. Also, according to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2005, foods that contain a compound called phytoestrogens (soybeans, red clover, kudzu, and others) exhibit an apparent protective activity against prostate cancer.

A combination of proper nutrition and specific herbs for prostate health can help treat and protect against problems such as BPH and prostate cancer. Always ask your doctor before taking supplements to treat prostate problems.

Sources:
A systematic review of Cernilton (rye pollen extract) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU Int. 2000 May;85(7):836-41.
Cristoni A, et al (2000). Botanical derivatives for the prostate," Fitoterapia, 71: 21-28.
Saw Palmetto: The Herb for Prostate Health. 1998 by Christopher Hobbs and Stephen Brown.
Chan JM et al. What causes prostate cancer? A brief summary of the epidemiology, Seminars Cancer Biology, 8 (4) pp. 263 '"273.