Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for prostate enlargement due to the increased spread of prostate cells and tissues. This enlargement can block the bladder and cause difficulty in urination and lower urinary tract symptoms. When the prostate undergoes an analysis performed by a medical professional, the presence of BPH can be determined in order to provide a proper diagnosis. Sometimes men can experience lower urinary tract symptoms without having BPH, so a definitive diagnosis is important.   

BPH symptoms can range from increased frequency of urination to nocturia (urinating at night), from hesitancy to urgency, and a weak urinary stream. No two treatments are alike, as it all depends on the severity of symptoms. Some men are treated for BPH despite not having been formally diagnosed via histological examination, so some experts will differentiate treating histologically confirmed BPH from treating symptoms associated with BPH.  

When coping with BPH, it is recommended to increase physical activity, eat a healthy diet, reduce or avoid alcohol intake, regulate fluid intake, and consider the side effects of other medications the patient may be taking, which could possibly aggravate BPH symptoms. Aside from lifestyle changes, watchful waiting, medications and surgery may also be an option.

It is common for men mild symptoms to treat their BPH with watchful waiting, lifestyle changes, and phytotherapy. Moderate to severe symptoms may require prescribed medications and surgery. Regardless of where symptoms fall on the severity scale, many men seek natural alternative and complementary treatments that can fit easily with their lifestyle. Phytotherapy is the use of natural herbs or plants to treat ailments. Some of these phytotherapies have been observed and tested for their effectiveness against BPH in clinical trials.

The most phytotherapy treatment for BPH is saw palmetto. You can find extracts over the counter at drug stores and grocery stores. Every saw palmetto product has varying quality. Actually, the American Urological Association does not currently recommend saw palmetto

or stinging nettle to treat BPH, but they admit that ongoing studies may provide evidence that could change these recommendations.

Different Natural Treatment Options for BPH
Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto is a small palm native to the subtropical Southeastern region of the U.S.

One review assessing the effectiveness of saw palmetto against BPH included 32 randomized, controlled trials with over 5,000 men. Saw palmetto, even at escalating doses, was found not to be superior to placebos based on two clinical trials, one with a follow-up of six years. This is a common problem among phytotherapy that is constantly being addressed, in which products do not have standards set for effective treatment.

Lycopene

Lycopene is a bright red phytochemical found in red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and watermelons, with some exceptions. In a study to assess whether lycopene reduces the incidence of prostate cancer, PSA levels, the symptoms of BPH and the like, it was concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of lycopene against the aforementioned ailments. The lycopene in this study was administered to as supplements. Previous research has suggested that the benefits of lycopene are as antioxidants in the diet rather than as supplements. Despite the fact that there is a recommended daily intake 3.7 to 6.5 mg per day of lycopene, the men who participated in the study received supplements containing 15 to 30 mg of lycopene without definite improvement.

Cernilton

Cernilton is a rye grass pollen extract used to make medicine. Cernilton is a registered pharmaceutical product in Western Europe, Japan, Korea and Argentina. The effects of cernilton were evaluated alongside placebos and an active control group against urinary symptoms in men with BPH. Four low-quality trials were conducted. Evidence suggests that cernilton is well tolerated and modestly improves subjective urologic symptoms for up to 24 weeks. On the other hand, cernilton was not demonstrated to improve urinary flow measures, and the long-term effectiveness and safety of cernilton and its ability to prevent complications from BPH are unknown.

Beta-Sitosterols

Beta-sitosterol is a substance found in plants, sometimes referred to as a “plant sterol ester.” It is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds and is used to make medicine. Research to assess the effects of beta-sitosterols on urinary symptoms and flow measures in men with BPH involved over 500 men from four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials. Evidence suggests that beta-sitosterols are well tolerated and improve urological symptoms and flow measures. Thus they may be a useful pharmacologic treatment option for men with mild to moderate BPH, particularly for those who wish to avoid or are at increased risk for adverse effects from alpha-blocker medicine or surgery. The long-term effectiveness and safety of beta-sitosterols against BPH are unknown.

Pygeum africanum

Pygeum africanum is an evergreen found at higher elevations across Africa. The tree’s bark has been used historically to treat bladder discomfort. Pygeum extract has been used in Europe

to treat BPH since the 1960s and is currently commonly used against BPH in France. An investigation was conducted to determine whether extracts of Pygeum africanum are more effective than placebos and standard pharmacologic BPH treatments and whether they have fewer side effects. 18 Randomized Controlled Trials involving over 1500 men were conducted. Effect size and improvement in symptoms like nocturia, peak urine flow and residual urine

volume suggests that Pygeum africanum is effective in men with symptomatic BPH.  The researchers concluded that use of this tree’s extracts may be good in the short term.

Ongoing Clinical Research: A promising novel supplement

Of about over 300 ongoing studies, research on the benefits of UMOOZE®, a combination of astragalus and soybean extracts, seems to be the supplement to rule the prostate health market someday. A study compared UMOOZE® with a cornstarch placebo. IPSS and quality of life were measured over a series of intervals, and the group that was administered UMOOZE® showed a decrease in IPSS of 3.39 points at day 56 compared with a 5.94 decrease in the placebo group,

indicating that the placebo group had a lower IPSS and a greater risk value. There were no serious adverse events in either group. I will delve into the results of UMOOZE® further in the next blog post.

Are you a health conscious person? You may enjoy reading questions and answers I write about health. For more information about prostate health, please read my free eBook. And for anything you want to consult, I invite you to connect with yours truly, Dr. Susana.