Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is more commonly known as enlarged prostate. It’s increasingly common among older men and may signal nutritional or hormonal imbalances. While a link between BPH and prostate cancer has not been clearly established, most men will want to take steps to improve the condition. Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can impair urinary flow, obstruct the bladder and increase the chances of bladder infections. One of the most promising natural treatment options for BPH is the herb pygeum. It has been shown to relieve symptoms such as impaired urinary flow and increased night-time urination. Researchers believe pygeum works because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Researchers at the University Hospital in the Slovak Republic recently tested the effects of pygeum on BPH. In total, 85 men between the ages of 50 and 75, who exhibited symptoms of BPH, were given 50 mg of pygeum twice daily for two months. They were then tested for symptoms according to the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Their IPSS results showed that pygeum reduced overall symptoms by 40%, with night-time urination reduced by 32%. The researchers also noted that these positive results were accompanied by a “very satisfactory safety profile with the overall result of a substantial improvement in quality of life.”

Source: Curr Med Res Opin 1998;14(3):127-39