Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Holistic)
About This Condition
- See what saw palmetto has to offer
Control BPH symptoms with this effective herbal remedy; take 320 mg a day of a liposterolic extract, standardized for 80 to 95% fatty acids
- Discover the benefits of beta-sitosterol
Take 130 mg a day of this edible plant compound to improve urinary flow and other symptoms
- Try flower pollen
Take several tablets or capsules a day of flower pollen extract to reduce symptoms
- Get to know pygeum
Try 100 to 200 mg a day of this evergreen tree bark extract, standardized for 13% total sterols
- Focus on physical fitness
Increase your physical activity by walking more or adding other exercise
About This Condition
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland.
The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in men. Its major function is to contribute to seminal fluid. If the prostate enlarges, pressure may be put on the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and causing a variety of urinary symptoms. Half of all 50-year-old men have BPH, and the prevalence of the condition increases with advancing age. The name “benign prostatic hyperplasia” has replaced the older term “benign prostatic hypertrophy”; both terms refer to the same condition.
Symptoms
A man with BPH has to urinate more often, especially at night, and experiences less force and caliber while urinating, often dribbling. If the prostate enlarges too much, urination is difficult or impossible, and the risk of urinary tract infection and kidney damage increases. A doctor can usually detect an enlarged prostate during a rectal exam.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
More physically active men have a lower frequency of symptoms related to BPH. In a preliminary study, physical activity was associated with a decrease in occurrence of BPH, surgery for BPH, and symptoms of BPH.1 Walking, the most prevalent activity among men in this study, was related to a decreased risk of BPH. Men who exercised by walking two to three hours per week had a 25% lower risk of BPH compared with men who didn’t use walking for exercise.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 StarsReliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 StarsContradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 StarFor an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
| Supplement | Why |
|---|---|
3 Stars Beta-Sitosterol 60 to 130 mg daily | Men taking beta-sitosterol, a compound found in many edible plants, have reported improved BPH symptoms and urinary flow. Beta-sitosterol, a compound found in many edible plants, has also been found to be helpful for men with BPH. In one double-blind trial, 200 men with BPH received 20 mg of beta-sitosterol three times a day or a placebo for six months. Men receiving beta-sitosterol had a significant improvement in urinary flow and an improvement in symptoms, whereas no change was reported in men receiving the placebo. Another double-blind study reported similarly positive results using 130 mg per day of beta-sitosterol. |
3 Stars Nettle 120 mg of root extract (capsules or tablets) twice per day or 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times per day | A concentrated extract made from the roots of the nettle plant may increase urinary volume and flow rate in men with early-stage BPH. In many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. A concentrated extract made from the roots of the nettle plant may increase urinary volume and the maximum flow rate of urine in men with early-stage BPH. It has been successfully combined with both saw palmetto and pygeum to treat BPH in double-blind trials. It has also been shown in a double-blind trial, when used by itself, to relieve symptoms of BPH and to improve disease severity. An appropriate amount appears to be 120 mg of nettle root extract (in capsules or tablets) twice per day or 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times per day. |
3 Stars Rye Pollen Extract 126 mg three times daily | Rye pollen extract has been shown to improve BHP symptoms. Rye pollen extract has improved the symptoms of BPH in preliminary trials. Double-blind trials have also reported that rye pollen extract is effective for reducing symptoms of BPH This rye pollen extract was shown to be comparable in effect to an amino acid mixture used for BPH in a double-blind study. A double-blind comparison with pygeum resulted in significant subjective improvement in 78% of those given the rye pollen extract compared with 55% using pygeum. Research on this commercial rye pollen extract has used three to six tablets, or four capsules, per day; the effect of other pollens in men with prostate conditions has not yet been studied. |
3 Stars Saw Palmetto 160 mg twice per day of an extract standardized to contain approximately 80 to 95% fatty acids | Saw palmetto, the leading natural treatment for BPH, has been shown to help keep symptoms in check when used regularly. In many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. The fat-soluble (liposterolic) extract of the saw palmetto berry has become the leading natural treatment for BPH. This extract, when used regularly, has been shown to help keep symptoms in check. Saw palmetto appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto also blocks DHT from binding in the prostate. Studies have used 320 mg per day of saw palmetto extract that is standardized to contain approximately 80 to 95% fatty acids. A three-year preliminary study in Germany found that 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice daily reduced nighttime urination in 73% of patients and improved urinary flow rates significantly. In a double-blind trial at various sites in Europe, 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice per day treated BPH as effectively as finasteride without side effects, such as loss of libido. A one-year dose-comparison study found that 320 mg once per day was as effective as 160 mg twice per day in the treatment of BPH. A review of double-blind trials concluded that saw palmetto is effective for treatment of men with BPH and is just as effective as, with fewer side effects than, the drug finasteride. However, two double-blind trials have found saw palmetto to be ineffective as a treatment for BPH. The reason that different studies have had different results is not clear. |
2 Stars Garlic 1 ml aged extract per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily | A special garlic extract (Kastamonu Garlic) reduced prostate size and significantly improved urinary symptoms in one study. In many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. In a preliminary study, supplementation with a special aged garlic extract (Kastamonu Garlic) in the amount of 1 ml per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day for one month resulted in a 32% reduction in the size of the prostate gland and a significant improvement in urinary symptoms. It is not known whether other forms of garlic would have the same effect. |
2 Stars Pumpkin Seed Oil Refer to label instructions | Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to relieve BPH symptoms, possibly because it improves bladder and urethra function. In many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. Pumpkin seed oil has been used in combination with saw palmetto in two double-blind human studies to effectively reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Only one group of researchers has evaluated the effectiveness of pumpkin seed oil alone for BPH, but the results of their large preliminary trials have been favorable. Researchers have suggested the zinc, free fatty acid, or plant sterol content of pumpkin seeds may account for their benefit in men with BPH, but this has not been confirmed. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin seed extracts may improve the function of the bladder and urethra; this might partially account for BPH symptom relief. |
2 Stars Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) 50 to 100 mg of an herbal extract standardized to contain 13% total sterols twice per day | Safe and effective for men with mild to moderate BPH, pygeum contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory activity and help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits. In many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. Pygeum, an extract from the bark of the African tree, has been approved in Germany, France, and Italy as a remedy for BPH. Controlled studies published over the past 25 years have shown that pygeum is safe and effective for men with BPH of mild or moderate severity. These studies have used 50 to 100 mg of pygeum extract (standardized to contain 13% total sterols) twice per day. This herb contains three compounds that may help the prostate: pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have a diuretic action; phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory activity; and ferulic esters, which help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that accompany BPH. |
2 Stars Reishi 6 mg per day for 8 weeks | A double-blind trial found that an extract of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH. In a double-blind trial, an extract of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum; 6 mg per day for 8 weeks) was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH. Reishi extract appears to work by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). |
1 Star Copper Refer to label instructions | If you are taking large amounts of zinc (such as 30 mg per day or more) for BHP, most doctors recommend supplementing with copper to avoid copper deficiency. Prostatic secretions are known to contain a high concentration of zinc; that observation suggests that zinc plays a role in normal prostate function. In one preliminary study, 19 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 150 mg of zinc daily for two months, and then 50 to 100 mg daily. In 74% of the men, the prostate became smaller. Because this study did not include a control group, improvements may have been due to a placebo effect. Zinc also reduced prostatic size in an animal study but only when given by local injection. Although the research supporting the use of zinc is weak, many doctors recommend its use. Because supplementing with large amounts of zinc (such as 30 mg per day or more) may potentially lead to copper deficiency, most doctors recommend taking 2 to 3 mg of copper per day along with zinc. |
1 Star Flaxseed Oil Refer to label instructions | People with BPH have benefited from essential fatty acids, including flaxseed oil. EFAs increase the need for vitamin E, so take a vitamin E supplement along with flaxseed oil. In a 1941 preliminary report, 19 men with BPH were given an essential fatty acid (EFA) supplement. In every case, the amount of retained urine was reduced, and nighttime urination problems stopped in 69% of cases. Dribbling was eliminated in 18 of the 19 men. All men also reported improved libido and a reduction in the size of the enlarged prostate, as determined by physical examination. Because this study did not include a control group and the amount given was surprisingly small, the possibility of a placebo effect cannot be ruled out. Despite the lack of good published research, many doctors have been impressed with the effectiveness of essential fatty acids (EFAs) in cases of BPH. A typical recommendation is one tablespoon of flaxseed oil per day, perhaps reduced to one or two teaspoons per day after several months. Because taking EFAs increases the requirement for vitamin E, most doctors recommend taking a vitamin E supplement along with EFAs. However, controlled research is needed to establish whether EFAs are helpful for BPH. |
1 Star Zinc Refer to label instructions | Zinc has been shown to reduce prostate size in some studies. If you are taking 30 mg or more of zinc per day, most doctors recommend adding 2 to 3 mg of copper to avoid deficiency. Prostatic secretions are known to contain a high concentration of zinc; that observation suggests that zinc plays a role in normal prostate function. In one preliminary study, 19 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 150 mg of zinc daily for two months, and then 50 to 100 mg daily. In 74% of the men, the prostate became smaller. Because this study did not include a control group, improvements may have been due to a placebo effect. Zinc also reduced prostatic size in an animal study but only when given by local injection. Although the research supporting the use of zinc is weak, many doctors recommend its use. Because supplementing with large amounts of zinc (such as 30 mg per day or more) may potentially lead to copper deficiency, most doctors recommend taking 2 to 3 mg of copper per day along with zinc. |
1. Platz EA, Kawachi I, Rimm EB, et al. Physical activity and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Arch Intern Med 1998;158:2349-56.
Last Review: 06-08-2015
Copyright © 2024 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.
Topic Contents
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.