Men’ s Health: Natural health approaches for better prostate health
D. Beta-Sitosterols for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 1. What are Beta-sitosterols? Beta-sitosterol is a substance found in plants. Chemists call it a“ plant sterol ester.” It is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It is used to make medicine. 2. Current studies on Beta-sitosterols: Research to assess the effects of beta-sitosterols( B-sitosterol) on urinary symptoms and flow measures in men with of benign prostatic hyperplasia( BPH). 3. Conclusions: 519 men from four randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials( lasting 4 to 26 weeks) were assessed. The available evidence suggests that B-sitosterols are well tolerated and improve urologic symptoms and flow measures. B-sitosterols may be a useful pharmacologic treatment option for men with mild to moderate BPH, particularly for those who would like to avoid or are at increased risk for adverse effects from alpha-blockers or surgical intervention. The long-term effectiveness and safety of B-sitosterols and their ability to prevent complications from BPH are not known.
E. Pygeum africanum for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 1. What is Pygeum africanum? The African cherry tree, Pygeum africanum, is an evergreen found at higher elevations across Africa. Its medicinal use dates to the 1700s, when tribes in southern Africa taught early explorers how to use the tree’ s bark to treat bladder discomfort. Pygeum extract has been used in Europe to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia since the 1960s and is currently the most commonly used therapeutic for this condition in France. 2. Current studies on Pygeum africanum: Some research investigated the evidence of whether extracts of Pygeum africanum are more effective than placebos in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia( BPH) and whether they are as effective as standard pharmacologic BPH treatments and have fewer side effects compared to standard BPH drugs. 3. Conclusions: A total of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1562 men met inclusion criteria and were analyzed.“ The overall standardized effect size and the summary improvement in global symptoms, nocturia, peak urine flow and residual urine volume suggests that Pygeum africanum is effective in men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. This benefit is of modest size and appears to be clinically significant. Pygeum africanum is well tolerated and costs less than most prescription
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