Graminex - Products containing Flower Pollen Extract - Natural products effectively treat enlarged prostate

Products Containing Flower Pollen Extract:

Pollen Aid
Prostanex
Graminex Flower
Pollen Extract

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Natural products effectively treat enlarged prostate

I've had an ongoing problem with BPH. Mainstream treatments have been unreliable, and I would prefer to avoid surgery. Is there anything you can recommend?
- G. Hamilton, Bangor, ME

BPH (benign prostatic hypertrophy or enlarged prostate) strikes half of all men over the age of 50 and approximately 75% of men over 70. Although BPH may occur in conjunction with prostate cancer, the condition itself is not cancerous.

As the prostate gland enlarges, it presses on the urethra and urination becomes more difficult. The urge to urinate becomes more and more frequent as less and less urine is able to pass. Men who have to frequently urinate at night may have and enlarged prostate. These constant nighttime interruptions disrupt restorative sleep, which can result in other health problems.

Because BPH occurs in conjunction with aging, it's believed that reduced testosterone levels are partially responsible. That decrease is often accompanied by an increase of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a potent form of testosterone, within the prostate. The increase in DHT causes an overproduction of prostate cells, which results in an enlarged prostate.

There are a number of herbal and vitamin/mineral supplements that can help BPH sufferers. Herbs typically used in prostate-support formulas are saw palmetto, which inhibits DHT production and stimulates urine flow; pygeum africanum, which also stimulates urine flow; and nettle root, which is a diuretic. (Please note: Pygeum africanum is endangered. Before purchasing any supplement that contains this herb, please ensure it is harvested in a sustainable way.)

The largest concentration of zinc is found in the prostate, so taking zinc supplements might help support normal prostate function. Be careful to not over supplement with this mineral, however, as very high levels of zinc over prolonged periods can result in anemia and impair absorption of other minerals, such as copper, manganese, and iron.

Ultimate Prostate Support, from Northstar Nutritionals contains these herbs (including sustainably harvested pygeum africanum from Euromed) and zinc, in addition to the antioxidants lycopene, vitamin E, and selenium. HSI has also researched Cernilton®, an herbal supplement from Graminex. (See the August 2000 issue of Members Alert.) Cernilton® is flower pollen extract that has been used for more than 30 years in Europe and Asia to treat BPH. Animal research shows that it has anti-inflammatory action on prostate cells¹, while human studies show it reduces the need for frequent urination².

See the Member Source Directory below for ordering information about these products.

HSI is currently compiling an extensive special report on ways to maintain a healthy prostate and natural treatments (including PC-Spes) for prostate disease. Watch future issues of the Members Alert for details.

HEALTH SCIENCES INSTITUTE

December 2001
Vol. 6, No. 6

Health Sciences Institute
819 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
Please Call (508) 368-7494

Statements made in this issue have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

¹Hinyokika Kiyo, 47(7): 459-65, 2001
²BJU Int, 85(7): 836-41, 2000