Herbs for Prostate Health
Male Reproductive Vitality can be Improved with a Few Common Plants
Jul 30, 2008
It has been said that any male who lives long enough will have trouble with his prostate. The prostate gland normally enlarges as men age—potentially leading to difficulties with urination—and the prostate in a man of advanced years is likely to contain small foci of cancerous cells. Genetic factors undoubtedly play a role in the development of prostate disease. Either benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or prostate cancer can have devastating effects on a man’s quality of life.
Treatment for Prostate Disease
The mechanisms that lead to BPH and prostate cancer are not completely understood. Many medications only address a single facet of the known underlying pathology. New research reveals that relatively higher levels of estrogen have at least as much influence on prostate enlargement (and probably cancer) as testosterone levels do. This challenges established precepts about prostate disease.
Both medical and surgical approaches are used for the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Prescription drugs typically exert their effects by targeting the hormonal or inflammatory stimuli that contribute to prostate disease.
Interestingly, some herbal preparations in common use for prostate conditions have demonstrated efficacy equal to or better than some prescription medications. Due to FDA regulations, however, claims regarding the benefits of these alternative treatments must be carefully phrased.
Below is a list of herbs—and their presumed modes of action—that promote optimal prostate health.
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens): This popular herb has been shown to inhibit the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is felt to be responsible for prostate enlargement (and more rapid growth of prostate cancers) by stimulating androgen receptors in prostate cells. In some clinical studies, saw palmetto has been shown to be more effective than Proscar, a prescription drug, for alleviating the symptoms of BPH. Pumpkin seed acts in a fashion similar to saw palmetto.
- Nettle (Urtica dioica): An extract of stinging nettle inhibits the proliferation of prostate cells in both in vivo and in vitro models. Research has confirmed nettle’s ability to inhibit aromatase, an enzyme which converts androgens to estrogens. Both nettle and saw palmetto have anti-inflammatory actions, as well. In Germany, nettle root is used as a first-line agent for BPH.
- Lycopene (Lycopersicon, and others): This carotenoid is what gives tomatoes their red color. It exhibits strong antioxidant activity, acting as a free-radical scavenger. Scientists have found relatively high concentrations of lycopene in prostatic tissue, and research shows that eating lycopene-rich foods (tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon) decreases prostatic damage and inflammation. In cultures where lycopene is consumed in larger quantities, there is a lower incidence of prostate cancer.
- Pygeum (P. africanum): An extract from the African plum tree exhibits the ability to improve urine flow rates, nighttime urination, and residual urine volumes in men affected by BPH. Unfortunately, the tree is threatened due to high demand for its bark.
- Broccoli (Brassica spp): The indoles found in plants from the Brassica genus have demonstrated potential benefit in preventing several kinds of estrogen-driven cancer, including those of the breast and prostate. Indoles inhibit aromatase, thus reducing levels of circulating estrogens. Indoles may also interfere with absorption of estrogens from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Plants containing a group of chemicals called phytoestrogens (soybeans, red clover, kudzu, and others) exhibit apparent protective activity against prostate cancer. In the July, 2005, edition of International Journal of Cancer, investigators reported a 30% decrease in the risk of developing prostate cancer in populations where a significant amount of soy was consumed.
As our understanding of prostate disease improves, we will undoubtedly discover how other plants—as well as vitamins, trace minerals, and medications—can benefit those men afflicted by these common conditions.
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