Herbal supplements and herbs for prostate health: the latest studies

The Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion shares that saw palmetto is one of the beneficial herbs for prostate health via …

More than 1 in 10 males will develop prostate cancer at some time in their life according to the National Cancer Institute, with cancer in this gland accounting for an estimated 14% of all new diagnoses within this category of diseases. Some of the ways to improve prostate health include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and quitting smoking. Several recent studies also show that some of the following herbal supplements and herbs for prostate health may help as well.

Flower pollen extract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by an enlarged prostate. This can lead to frequent urges to urinate but also difficulties with the urination process, such as trouble starting, weak stream, and urine dribbling.

In a 2022 pilot study published in the journal Life, 25 male patients experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH received an intervention containing flower pollen extract. After three months, the subjects had a statistically significant improvement in their symptoms.

Green tea extract

Green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Its extract is a concentrated form of this ingredient and known to provide antioxidant properties, mainly from the plant’s flavonoids and polyphenols.

An article published in Materials Letters in January 2022 reports that green tea extract is among the herbs for prostate health that help by by inhibiting the growth of PC-3 human prostate cancer cells.

Pumpkin seed

Herbal supplements containing pumpkin seeds have been found to support prostate health in several different ways. For example, a 2021 article in the Journal of Medicinal Food indicates that, like green tea extract, pumpkin seed extract also inhibits prostate cancer cell growth.

A 2022 article in Drug Delivery adds that, when combined with saw palmetto oil, this ingredient can help treat BPH.

Pygeum extract

Pygeum comes from the bark of the Prunus africana tree, also known as the African cherry tree. An April 2022 cross-sectional observational study involved 115 patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms. For six months, these patients consumed a pygeum extract.

At the end of the six months, the patients had a significant improvement in their symptoms, such as those related to storage and voiding, without experiencing any adverse effects. They also reported a higher quality of life.

Red clover

Red clover is in the legume plant family. This perennial herb can be found in the wild in Europe and Asia but is also grown in certain parts of North America. Red clover contains isoflavones, which are compounds with antioxidant properties.

A 2022 study in Pharmaceuticals compared red clover, white clover, crimson clover, and Persian clover sprouts for their chemopreventive potential for prostate cancer. The red clover was found to have the richest isoflavone content of the four, with researchers noting that its isoflavone content is comparable to soy and significantly higher than alfalfa sprouts. This clover type was also reported to have a high safety profile for normal prostate cells.

Herbs for prostate health: saw palmetto

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a shrub-like palm tree found in southeastern regions of the U.S. This tree produces berries that have been associated with numerous health benefits, one of which is improved prostate health.

A 2022 systematic review published in the Journal of Current Medical Research and Opinion shares that saw palmetto is a herb for prostate health via:

• reducing inflammation
• effectively treating BPH
• treating urinary tract infections
• increasing sexual desire and fertility
• preventing hair loss

Stinging nettle

Stinging nettle comes from the Urtica dioica plant, which has fine hairs that release chemicals that irritate the skin when touched. This plant grows in North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe and has been utilized as an herbal remedy for a variety of health issues due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, and antiproliferative properties.

A nutritional and pharmacological review of stinging nettle published in Heliyon in June 2022 explains that the leaves of this plant can be used to help treat conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism, and allergic rhinitis. Yet, the root of the stinging nettle can be used to help treat BPH difficulties.

Herbs for prostate health for prevention and treatment

All of these herbal ingredients have been associated with better prostate health for one reason or another. This makes them good considerations for male patients interested herbs for prostate health, both prevention and treatment.

For more information on herbal supplements for prostate health click here.