Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition affecting millions of men worldwide.

Its causes include aging, hormonal imbalance, genetics, and lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and obesity. If left untreated, BPH can lead to urinary retention, kidney damage, and increased risk of prostate cancer. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies such as saw palmetto, turmeric, and pygeum are used in medicinal preparations like teas, supplements, and extracts.

However, consult a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy?

The main causes of benign prostatic hypertrophy are complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.

Aging is a primary risk factor, with the condition affecting approximately 50% of men over the age of 60. Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is also implicated, as its conversion to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate gland promotes cellular growth. Additionally, the loss of estrogen, a hormone that helps regulate testosterone levels, can contribute to prostate enlargement.

Genetic predisposition, with a family history of BPH, also increases a man's risk of developing the condition.

• Aging: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a condition that occurs in older men, and its development is thought to be influenced by the cumulative effect of cellular changes and hormonal fluctuations that occur with aging, leading to an enlargement of the prostate gland.
• Genetics: Genetic predisposition is a significant risk factor for the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy, as men with a family history of the condition are more likely to experience its symptoms.
• Diet: A diet high in saturated fat and low in fiber may contribute to the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy, as it can lead to inflammation and an increase in prostate size.
• Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly around the waist, is associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy, likely due to the promotion of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Hormonal imbalance: An imbalance of sex hormones, particularly an increase in dihydrotestosterone, is thought to play a role in the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy, as it can stimulate the growth of prostate cells.
• Lack of exercise: Regular physical activity is known to have a protective effect against the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for benign prostatic hypertrophy, as it can lead to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
• Low vitamin D levels: Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of benign prostatic hypertrophy, possibly due to its role in regulating cell growth and differentiation.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for benign prostatic hypertrophy?

The main medicinal herbs used for benign prostatic hypertrophy are Serenoa repens, Curcuma longa, Urtica dioica, Pygeum africanum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Prunus africana, Crataegus monogyna, Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, Lycopodium clavatum.

Serenoa repens, also known as saw palmetto, is used to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that promotes prostate growth. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce prostate inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica, and Prunus africana may also reduce prostate size and alleviate symptoms by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone.

Other herbs such as Zingiber officinale, Tribulus terrestris, and Lycopodium clavatum may have additional benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate prostate symptoms.

• Serenoa repens: Serenoa repens helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland, which can contribute to prostate enlargement and discomfort.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase and reducing inflammation in the prostate gland, which can contribute to prostate enlargement and discomfort.
• Pygeum africanum: Pygeum africanum helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland, and inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, which can contribute to prostate enlargement and discomfort.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland, and improving the overall health of the urinary tract.
• Prunus africana: Prunus africana helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland, and inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, which can contribute to prostate enlargement and discomfort.
• Crataegus monogyna: There is no evidence that Crataegus monogyna helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the prostate gland, and improving the overall health of the urinary tract.
• Tribulus terrestris: Tribulus terrestris helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy by improving prostate health and reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but its exact mechanism is not well understood.
• Lycopodium clavatum: There is no evidence that Lycopodium clavatum helps with benign prostatic hypertrophy.

What are the main herbal preparations used for benign prostatic hypertrophy?

The main herbal preparations used for benign prostatic hypertrophy are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Cream, Suppository, Gel, Salve, Ointment, Extract, Pill.

Decoction of Saw Palmetto berries, Serenoa repens, has been shown to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that promotes prostate growth. Tincture of Pygeum africanum has been found to improve urine flow and reduce symptoms of BPH by reducing prostate size. Capsules of Saw Palmetto and Pygeum africanum have been used to reduce prostate enlargement and alleviate symptoms.

Extracts of Berberis, Curcuma longa, and Tribulus terrestris are used in various formulations such as Cream, Suppository, Gel, Salve, Ointment, and Pill to alleviate symptoms of BPH by reducing inflammation and promoting prostate health.

• Decoction: Decoction of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) berries may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement.
• Tincture: Tincture of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and improving urinary flow.
• Capsule: Capsule containing extract of Pygeum (Prunus africana) bark may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing the size of the prostate and improving urinary symptoms.
• Cream: Cream containing extract of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) berries may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing the size of the prostate and improving urinary symptoms through its anti-androgenic effects.
• Suppository: Suppository of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) berries may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by delivering the active compounds directly to the prostate gland, reducing inflammation and improving urinary flow.
• Gel: Gel containing extract of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and improving urinary flow through its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.
• Salve: Salve containing extract of Pygeum (Prunus africana) bark may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing the size of the prostate and improving urinary symptoms through its anti-androgenic effects.
• Ointment: Ointment containing extract of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) berries may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing the size of the prostate and improving urinary symptoms through its anti-androgenic effects.
• Extract: Extract of Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) root may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing inflammation and improving urinary flow through its anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects.
• Pill: Pill containing extract of Pygeum (Prunus africana) bark may help with benign prostatic hypertrophy by reducing the size of the prostate and improving urinary symptoms through its anti-androgenic effects.