Prostatic Conditions
Although this summary will focus on herbal and supplemental support for prostate conditions, it is important to remember that when dealing with any kind of health problem, all levels of an individual’s health, including mental, emotional and spiritual health, should be incorporated into a treatment protocol. Also, please consult with your physician or a medical professional before stopping any medications or starting any of the supplements on this list.
Anatomy
The prostate is divided into three areas - the peripheral zone, the transitional zone, and the central zone - with a layer of tissue surrounding all three, the prostate capsule, a tissue that separates the prostate from the rest of the body.
BPH
Nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate is common with age and is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH most often occurs in the transition zone, which surrounds the urethra, and for this reason, often produces some obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms, such as: frequent and/or painful urination; pain during ejaculation; blood in semen or in urine; frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thigh.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate, but it can also be an inflammation with no sign of infection. Patients with this condition may experience no symptoms or symptoms so sudden and severe that they must seek emergency medical care. Symptoms include: frequent urge to urinate; difficulty urinating; pain or burning during urination; fever and chills; pain that comes and goes low in the abdomen, around the anus, in the groin or in the back.
When no definite infection can be identified, the condition is called nonbacterial prostatitis. People with nonbacterial prostatitis often have signs of inflammation in their urine (discovered by examining the urine under a microscope), but no bacteria are found. A sudden bacterial infection characterized by inflammation of the prostate is called acute bacterial or infectious prostatitis: the symptoms are usually severe. The most common form of the disease, chronic (long-lasting) prostatitis, can be caused by bacteria and may also be associated with other urinary tract infections. The primary symptom of chronic prostatitis is usually repeated bladder infections.
Prostate Cancer
Most prostate tumors form in the peripheral zone; the larger, glandular portion of the organ. Prostate cancer can also form in the tissue of the central zone. If prostate cancer remains inside the prostate capsule, it is considered localized and more easily treatable. Once the cancer punctures the capsule and spreads outside, treatment options are more limited.
SOME NATURAL TREATMENT OPTIONS
Over the years many alternative and holistic medical practitioners have researched and developed various treatment modalities to combat the growth and effects of prostate enlargement, infection, and cancer. While the success of some of these methods is anecdotal, others are supported by valid scientific research. Consequently, the use of plants and herbs (phytotherapy) for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (caused by BPH, prostatitis, prostate cancer, and other prostate conditions) has been growing steadily. This summary only focuses on a few supplemental therapies for prostate conditions. Please consult Dr. Hirani or your physician for more information on the therapies listed below and for other option.
Zinc
In healthy men, prostatic secretions contain a significant amount of zinc, which has antibacterial activity and is a key factor in the natural resistance of the male urinary tract to infection. In several prostatic conditions zinc levels are significantly reduced; however, it is not clear whether this indicates a predisposition to, or is the result of, disturbed prostatic health. Nonetheless, studies have shown that zinc supplements increase semen levels of zinc in men with prostate problems and have been associated with improvement of BPH and prostatitis. For these reasons, many doctors of natural medicine recommend zinc for these conditions.
Cernilton
Cernilton, prepared from the rye-grass pollen Secale cereale, is one of the several phytotherapeutic agents available for the treatment of prostatic conditions. Cernilton is said to have anti-inflammatory effects, act as a prophylaxis against infectious disease, be beneficial for geriatric patients (treatment of tiredness, weakness, loss of appetite, impaired memory, loss of libido), increases recovery from prostatitis and diminishes side effects from cancer therapies. In fact, a review of several randomized controlled studies comparing Cernilton with placebo and other BPH medications showed that Cernilton improved self rated urinary symptoms and reduced nocturia (nighttime urination) significantly. In addition, adverse effects from using Cernilton are rare. Therefore, Cernilton is well tolerated and improves overall urologic symptoms.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is a dwarf palm that grows in the Southeastern United States, and produces berries that contain powerful phytonutrients shown in dozens of studies to interrupt the hormonal mechanism that cause many prostate conditions. Clinical studies have shown that Saw Palmetto plant extract plays a vital role in flushing out the hormone DHT. While numerous studies have documented Saw Palmetto's remarkable ability to fight prostate enlargement, one of the most dramatic studies was published in the highly respected Journal of the American Medical Association. According to the Journal, Saw Palmetto not only "improved urologic symptoms," but actually produced "similar improvements in urinary tract symptoms... and was associated with fewer adverse treatment events" than other prescription drugs. Other benefits from this supplement include: antiandrogenic effects, anti-inflammatory agent, mild sedative for the nervous system, appetite stimulant, improves digestion, improves thyroid deficiencies, helps prostate to maintain size, support for a healthy urinary tract performance.
Pygeum africanum
The extract of African prun tree, Pygeum africanum, is another phytotherapeutic agent available for the treatment of BPH. Over 18 randomized controlled clinical trials (involving more than 1500 patients) exist which analyze Pygeum africanum’s effects on urological symptoms compared with placebo and other BPH medications. Pygeum africanum provided a “large improvement” in the combined outcome of urological symptoms and flow measures. Additionally, men using Pygeum africanum are twice as likely to report an improvement in overall symptoms compared to placebo and other BPH medications. It beneficially affects nocturia, residual urine volume and peak urine flow. In addition, adverse effects due to Pygeum Africanum were rare and mild if present.S
