Several manufacturers market products containing a mixture of medicinal plants: saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle roots and pumpkin seeds. Some of these mixtures have been studied. Consult our fact sheets in the Natural health products section to find out more.

 Saw palmetto berries (Serenoa repens). Since 1998, 2 meta-analyzes and several syntheses have concluded that saw palmetto significantly reduced symptoms ofbenign hypertrophy of the prostate^8-14 . Furthermore, in comparative trials, the standardized extract has been shown to be as effective as certain synthetic drugs (finasteride and tamsulosin, for example), without having adverse effects on sexual function. However, a clinical trial conducted in 2006 did not yield conclusive results, which cast doubt on the efficacy of saw palmetto.¹⁵. However, despite its very good methodological quality, this study was the subject of various criticisms.

Saw palmetto is more effective in the event of mild symptoms ou moderate.

Dosage

Consult our Dwarf palm file.

Notes

Saw palmetto extracts may take 4 to 6 weeks to take effect.

 Pygeum (pygeum africanum or African plum). Since the end of the 1970s, the pygeum has been the subject of numerous clinical trials. A synthesis of these studies concluded that the pygeum improves, but in a modest way, the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.^17,32. However, the authors noted that most of the studies analyzed were small and of short duration (4 months maximum). Further double-blind trials are needed^17,19. Note that, according to meta-analyzes, saw palmetto alone is more effective than pygeum alone in treating benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Dosage

Take a standardized extract (14% triterpenes and 0,5% n-docosanol) at a rate of 100 mg per day in 1 or 2 doses.

 Beta-sitosterol. Daily intake of extracts of beta-sitosterol, a type of phytosterol, appears to improve symptoms ofbenign prostatic hyperplasia. Study Summary Finds Beta-Sitosterol May Relieve Symptoms Of This Condition, Including Improving Urine Flow²⁰. Results of a subsequent study indicate that a mixture of beta-sitosterol, cernitine (a substance obtained from pollen), saw palmetto berries and vitamin E relieved symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy.²¹.

Dosage

Take 60 mg to 130 mg of beta-sitosterol per day, in 2 or 3 doses, between meals.

 Nettle roots (Urtica dioica) in combination with saw palmetto berries (pygeum africanum). This mixture is often used in Europe to relieve urinary problems associated with mild or moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia. Various studies have led to conclusive results^27,28. A standardized extract providing 320 mg of saw palmetto and 240 mg of nettle per day (Prostagutt Forte®, also called PRO 160 / 120®) was shown to be as effective as the classic drugs finasteride and tamulosin, in 2 controlled trials^34,35 for a period of 1 year.

Nettle can also be used on its own, but there is less scientific evidence to support it^22-26 . Commission E, WHO and ESCOP recognize the use of nettle to relieve urination difficulties related to mild or moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Dosage

Take a combined standardized extract supplement containing 240 mg of nettle extract and 320 mg of saw palmetto extract per day. There are also various types of nettle root extracts, standardized or not, presented in liquid or solid form. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

 Rye flower pollen. A standardized extract of rye flower pollen, Cernilton®, may help treat nycturie (significant urine production during the night), according to a summary of studies conducted with this product²⁹. Cernilton® did not have a positive effect on the other symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. More evidence is needed before a therapeutic dosage can be suggested.

 Pumpkin seeds. The diuretic properties of pumpkin seeds are said to help relieve urination problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, without reducing the size of the gland. This use is also recognized by Commission E and the World Health Organization. The effectiveness of pumpkin seeds would be comparable to that of saw palmetto³³. Although the mechanisms of action of pumpkin seeds are not elucidated, several potentially active compounds have been identified, such as unsaturated fatty acids, zinc and phytosterols.

Dosage

Take 10 g per day of dried and shelled seeds. Coarsely crush them or chew them.

 Dietary changes. The type offood is thought to play an important role in prostate health, according to D^r Andrew Weil¹⁸ and the American naturopath JE Pizzorno³¹. Here are the main recommendations they make:

– avoid excess animal proteins, vary your protein sources (legumes, nuts, cold water fish, soy);

– limit sugar intake;

– avoid saturated fatty acids and trans fatty acids; instead, use oils containing unsaturated fats, such as olive oil;

– avoid fruits and vegetables grown using pesticides.

 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, benign prostatic hypertrophy is caused by Empty Kidneys and Spleen. The weakening of the Energy of the Kidneys causes urination disorders: the need to urinate at night, drops after urination, difficulty in urinating. The preparation Kai Kit Wan (Jie Jie Wan), taken in tablets, would dispel the swelling while treating the Emptiness of the Kidneys.