Prostate Enlargement

Why it works: Proposed mechanisms (not proven clinically): fatty acids/phytosterols may inhibit 5-α-reductase (lowering DHT) and have anti-androgen/anti-inflammatory effects. These mechanisms ar...

Instructions: Form & standardization: choose a standardized lipido-/liposterolic extract (often hexane, ethanol, or CO₂ extracted) with ≥80–90% fatty acids/sterols; teas/raw berries aren’t equiv...

Warnings: Overall, saw palmetto has a favorable safety profile in studies up to 3 years; common effects are mi...

Studies: NEJM 2006 RCT (Bent et al.): 225 men with BPH; no benefit ov...

Why it works: The healthy prostate is zinc-rich, and zinc affects prostate cell metabolism. Research reviews note altered zinc homeostasis in prostate diseases (prostatitis, BPH, cancer), which...

Instructions: There’s no evidence-based dosing regimen for BPH, so clinicians don’t prescribe zinc as a BPH treatment. If you and your clinician decide to address a suspected zinc deficiency (a...

Warnings: High-dose/long-term zinc has risks. ODS notes that doses around ≥ 50 mg/day for weeks can cause copp...

Studies: Direct randomized trials for zinc in BPH symptom relief are...

Why it works: Symptom relief (but not shrinkage): Randomized trials show β-sitosterol improves lower urinary tract symptoms (IPSS), peak urinary flow, and post-void residual urine; effects are s...

Instructions: Dose: Most BPH trials used 60–130 mg/day of purified β-sitosterol, usually divided 2–3 doses daily for at least 6 months. prostagenix.com. Formulations used in RCTs:. • Free β-sito...

Warnings: Common adverse effects: GI upset (dyspepsia, gas), altered stool; occasionally muscle cramps or erec...

Studies: Randomized controlled trialsLancet 1995: 200 men; β-sitoster...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory activity (plausible mechanism). In vitro work shows the fat-soluble fraction of pollen extract inhibits arachidonic-acid metabolism (↓ prostaglandins & leukotrien...

Instructions: Standard dose used in trials/labels: 126 mg per dose taken 2–3 times daily (i.e., ~252–378 mg/day of standardized pollen extract). This is reflected in Japan’s drug information she...

Warnings: Allergy: Avoid if you have known allergy to grass pollens; allergic reactions (rash, pruritus, rarel...

Studies: Systematic reviews / overviewsA systematic review (Cochrane...

Why it works: Pattern-based indication: In TCM, Ba Zheng San “clears Heat/Fire and promotes urination” for damp-heat strangury (painful, urgent, difficult urination). That pattern overlaps with...

Instructions: Classical form & composition: Ba Zheng San is traditionally a powder or decoction of the nine herbs above. Modern references detail ingredients and classical dose ranges per herb....

Warnings: Pattern mismatch / deficiency or cold: Classical formularies caution that Ba Zheng San is contraindi...

Studies: Animal study (prostatitis model): Bazhengsan reduced inflamm...

Why it works: Classical indication: JGSQW is a yang-warming, water-metabolism formula. In TCM it “warms Kidney yang, assists Qi transformation, and promotes urination.” Those actions map to lowe...

Instructions: Important: exact dose depends on the manufacturer (pills vs. capsules vs. granules) and a TCM diagnosis. Examples from reputable product monographs/web pages:. • Teapills/tablets (...

Warnings: Aconite (Fu Zi) content & contamination risk: JGSQW classically contains processed aconite. Australi...

Studies: For JGSQW specifically in BPH:There are no high-quality rand...

Why it works: TCM rationale. Qian Lie Shu Wan is formulated to “stabilize the Kidneys,” move blood, and address damp-heat patterns that map to lower urinary tract symptoms (frequency, urgency, w...

Instructions: Important: Formulations and strengths vary by manufacturer. Always follow the label you’ve bought and your clinician’s guidance.. • Qian Lie Shu Wan (pills) – Typical retail instru...

Warnings: Product variability & regulation. These are Chinese patent medicines; composition differs by brand....

Studies: Network meta-analysis of RCTs in BPH (2024, Frontiers in Med...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory & anti-proliferative effects in the prostate. A standardized nettle‐root extract reduced BPH symptoms over 12 months in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial; au...

Instructions: Standardized extract (most studied):. • 300 mg nettle root extract twice daily (total 600 mg/day) for 8–12 weeks is a common regimen studied for BPH symptoms. ScienceDirect. • In a...

Warnings: See a doctor first. BPH symptoms overlap with prostate cancer, urinary retention, infections and oth...

Studies: Safarinejad 2005 (Iran) — 620 men with BPH; 6-month double-b...

Why it works: Anti-inflammatory actions in the prostate: In vitro work shows pygeum extracts reduce pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and 5-lipoxygenase products (leukotrienes), mechanisms implica...

Instructions: Standardized extract & dose: Common regimens in trials and monographs are 100 mg/day (often 50 mg twice daily), typically standardized to ~14% total sterols, for 6–8 week cycles, w...

Warnings: Side effects: Generally mild GI upset (nausea/abdominal discomfort/diarrhea) and headache have been...

Studies: Cochrane Review (updated abstract): Concluded pygeum may imp...