From the Guidelines
Herbal remedies such as saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, pygeum africanum, stinging nettle root, and rye grass pollen extract may help manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, but their effectiveness varies among individuals and they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. When considering herbal supplements for BPH, it is essential to note that their effects on serum PSA levels are not well understood, and they may contain phytoestrogenic compounds that can affect these levels 1. The most studied herb for BPH is saw palmetto, which may reduce urinary symptoms by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase and blocking DHT receptors. Other herbs that may be beneficial include:
- Beta-sitosterol, found in plants like pumpkin seeds, which may improve urine flow and reduce residual urine volume
- Pygeum africanum, which contains compounds that may reduce inflammation and block DHT
- Stinging nettle root, which can decrease sex hormone binding globulin levels, potentially improving urinary symptoms
- Rye grass pollen extract, which may reduce prostate size and inflammation It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any herbal treatment, especially if you're taking other medications, as interactions are possible 1. These supplements generally take 1-3 months to show effects and should be used consistently. While these herbs show promise, their effectiveness varies among individuals, and they may not work as well as prescription medications, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride, which can decrease serum PSA levels by approximately 50% after 6 to 12 months 1.
From the Research
Herbal Remedies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Serenoa repens is mentioned as a herbal remedy for BPH due to its anti-androgenic and anti-estrogenic activities 2
- Other herbal remedies are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies, however, the following medications are discussed as treatment options for BPH:
- Alpha 1 blocking agents (Terazosin, Doxazosin, Tamsulosin) which improve urinary symptoms by acting on the dynamic component of BPH 2, 3, 4
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride) which reduce prostate volume, improve lower urinary tract symptoms, and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgical intervention 2, 3, 5
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors which may afford additional relief of "bothersome" symptoms in some patients 5
- Beta-3 agonists which may be used in managing BPH, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects 5