Benign Prostate Enlargement
The prostate is a male gland, chestnut-shaped, through which the urethra passes. Its primary function is the production of seminal fluid. The most common prostate issues and diseases are: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign, excessive growth of prostate cells. As the prostate grows, it puts increasing pressure on the urethra, causing urinary problems. The first troubles and symptoms associated with the prostate can appear as early as the forties, and after the age of 50, every second man has prostate issues.
Urinary troubles are very common in middle-aged and older men, causing reduced quality of life and increased patient morbidity, representing a significant medical, social, and economic issue. The goal of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia is to reduce prostate volume or slow its growth, thereby alleviating symptoms of obstruction, reducing irritation symptoms, and decreasing inflammation. Minimizing symptoms, preventing their progression, and long-term complications should be minimized.
Phytotherapy for Benign Prostate Enlargement
Phytotherapy involves using extracts from certain plants for medical purposes, linked to traditional treatment practices.
Nettle (Urtica dioica L.)
Nettle is a perennial herbaceous plant, widespread in temperate climate zones. It is used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. For this purpose, nettle root extracts are used. Clinical trials suggest that Urtica species contain compounds that affect hormones responsible for BPH development. Nettle contains phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol) responsible for its pharmacological properties. It also contains lignans, polysaccharides, and lectins which are active substances of nettle root.
Nettle root facilitates urination and reduces the amount of urine retained in the bladder. Due to a significant amount of vitamin C, some important minerals (Mg, Ca, Zn, and Fe), carotenoids, polyphenols, phytosterols, and glycosides, nettle root extract alleviates symptoms of benign prostate enlargement.
Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum)
Willowherb grows in North America and the eastern and central parts of Europe. It has small light pink flowers, and its fruit is dark small berries.
Willowherb is a medicinal plant used to ease symptoms of urogenital disorders, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Its medicinal properties stem from active plant compounds (tannins, flavonoids, phenolic acid and its derivatives, steroids, linolenic, palmitic, and stearic acids). Polyphenols in willowherb are believed to reduce the spread of prostate cells.
Pumpkin Seeds (Cucurbita pepo)
Pumpkin seeds have been used for medical purposes since ancient times. Pumpkin seed oil is used to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Pumpkin seeds contain 49% oil (linoleic acid, oleic acid, tocopherol), and the positive effect of pumpkin on BPH is attributed to sterols.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens)
Saw palmetto is a low, shrub-like palm species. Saw palmetto is rich in free fatty acids and beta-sitosterol, which are essential for proper prostate function, and the fruit extract of saw palmetto is used to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
African Plum (Prunus africana)
The African plum is a tree that grows in the mountainous regions of equatorial Africa, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Angola, Ghana, Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
The lipophilic extract of African plum bark contains phytosterols, an important compound is also docosanol, an alcohol linked to ferulic acid. Other compounds present are alkanols, fatty acids, triterpenes (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, friedelin, maslinic acid, and epimaslinic acid).
African plum is useful and effective in alleviating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Some clinical studies have shown that African plum also improves potency because regular use enhances prostate function and the urinary system, leading to easier achievement and maintenance of erection.
*This blog article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For any health-related treatment, we advise you to consult your doctor or pharmacist.