ask your pharmacist

back to: pharmacy | ask your pharmacist

Are there any herbal therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia ?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in men as they age. It’s caused by enlargement of the prostate gland. Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube urine passes through, it can prevent the bladder from emptying completely. Half of all men have BPH by the time they reach age 60.

Studies show that the herb saw palmetto is as effective as the prescription drug finasteride (brand name Proscar) in relieving the symptoms of BPH. Saw palmetto can noticeably reduce the symptoms of BPH in about half the men who use it. It takes four to six weeks of therapy to see results.

If you think you may have prostate problems, see your doctor before taking herbal products. This is important because symptoms of BPH can be similar to those of other conditions, including prostate cancer. Your doctor can diagnose your condition and recommend the right treatment for you.

Sources:
Peirce, A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. William Morrow & Co., 1999.
Wilt, T. "Saw Palmetto Extracts for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," Journal of the American Medical Association 280 (1998).
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 5/22/2000.
This information updated 1/2/2007.