The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. One of its main jobs, along with other organs, is to add fluid to semen. This is the fluid that carries sperm. An excessively enlarged prostate results in a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Eventually, an enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder. This leads to problems including frequent urination, difficulty in voiding, urinary leakage and a urinary tract infection. Fortunately, there are natural methods to help combat this and according to studies, Saw palmetto supplements can help with prostate health.
In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, saw palmetto berry extract and its ability to inhibit cell growth in prostatic cancer cells was investigated.
“The cytotoxicity of a commonly used material to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Saw Palmetto Berry Extract (SPBE), was examined as neat oil using a set of prostatic cell lines,” noted the study.
It continued: “The effect of SPBE dosing on these cell lines is not irreversible, since a 30 min treatment with SPBE at an IC50 concentration does not inhibit their growth.
“Normal prostate cells were inhibited by 20-25 percent when grown in the presence of 200 nl SPBE equivalent per ml media.
“Growth of other non-prostatic cancer cell lines was affected by approx. 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively.”
Some early research found that saw palmetto can improve prostate swelling symptoms.
Other early research found that taking saw palmetto, selenium, and lycopene, but not saw palmetto alone, can improve symptoms of prostate swelling and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
Taking certain herbal combinations containing saw palmetto seems to improve the effects of sparfloxacin or prulifloxacin in treating prostate swelling symptoms due to infection.
However, saw palmetto doesn’t seem to improve prostate swelling symptoms not due to infection.
Other treatment options
Nettle root is thought to improve some BPH symptoms and is commonly used in Europe.
Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural BPH treatments, such as pygeum or saw palmetto.
Researchers found that men with diets high in fruits and vegetables especially leafy, dark vegetables and tomatoes had less BPH, less symptoms of BPH, and were less likely to have worsening of their BPH.
Researchers believe it’s not just one nutrient, but rather the combinations found in a healthful diet and lifestyle, that are beneficial.
