5 natural prostate-enlargement therapies and lifestyle tips – When androgens prevent prostatic cell death and encourage cell growth, the prostate gland enlarges, causing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
For men, androgens help develop and preserve male traits.
Home remedies like saw palmetto or lifestyle adjustments like restricting fluid intake before bed can relieve urinary symptoms caused by prostate gland enlargement.
Symptom intensity determines BPH therapy options. Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and surgery may be prescribed if it lowers quality of life.
Serenoa repens
Southeastern US palms include saw palmetto. This plant extract is a popular BPH herbal supplement.
Saw palmetto blocks 5-alpha-reductase. Anti-inflammatory and DHT receptor-reducing.
2018 review researchTrusted Source says daily saw palmetto extract reduces BPH symptoms. This is probable because the plant extract reduces DHT generation.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative HealthTrusted Source says palmetto products aren't proven beneficial for BPH.
Secale cereale pollen
Rye grass pollen herbal supplements may treat BPH and prostate inflammation.
Branded rye grass pollen drug Cernilton. Slowing or halting prostate growth may be possible with this drug.
However, modern research commonly includes pollen extracts. More research is needed to determine how rye grass pollen affects BPH symptoms.
Nettles sting
Stinging nettle has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties like pygeum and saw palmetto. Nettle root and saw palmetto may treat urinary problems naturally.
Nettle root preparations alleviate BPH symptoms and increase quality of life, according to a 2019 review.
Prunus africana Pygeum
African plum peel yields Pygeum africanum extract. This extract may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2021 recapTrusted Source notes that prior study suggests pygeum may treat BPH. However, more research is needed to prove its usefulness.
Since overharvesting pygeum bark threatens its life, alternatives may be greener.
Lycopene
Many fruits and vegetables contain lycopene.
A 2019 studyLycopene may improve the quality of life of patients with BPH, but it does not modify prostate volume, according to Trusted Source of 120 persons.
Most people get the most lycopene from tomatoes, although other fruits and vegetables have less. Lycopene content increases with deeper pink or red fruit or vegetable color.
- Other sources of lycopene:
- Papaya, pink grapefruit, watermelon, guava, red bell peppers, red cabbage.
