Greg Sawyer, D. C.
African Pygeum (Prunus africana), also known as Pygeum africanum, or just Pygeum, is an evergreen African plum tree native to higher elevations of southern Africa. It has been found statistically beneficial in benign prostate hyperplasia (BHP). BPH implies two major prostate changes: increased size and increase tissue density of the gland, what causes symptoms of frequent urge to urinate with incomplete emptying, reduced prostatic secretions, edema, inflammation, chronic infection of the bladder and even, prostatic cancer. The herb was imported centuries ago from Africa to Europe since the 1700s. Since 1960s, it has been extracted and standardized as herbal extract in Europe. The use of this herb in US is relatively new phenomena.
Pygeum is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a condition which affects men as early as their 40s, but increasingly with age: 30% of fifty year olds; 50% of sixty year olds; and nearly 80% of men 70 and older. The tree's bark contains pharmaceutically active oils, waxes, fatty acids, and other less active and familiar compounds.
Pygeum’s principal biological activity is traced to a compound known as a phytosterol - beta-sitosterol. Phytosterols are almost structurally similar to cholesterol, but less efficiently absorbed from the diet. The biological action and strength of Phytosterols are similar to that of hormones- therefore, a very small amount seems sufficient to initiate a response.
Main mechanism of action consists:
· Anti-inflammatory: thus reducing prostate edema (the swelling caused by an excess of fluids).
· Improving and normalizing prostatic secretion.
· Normalizing and reducing hyper-prolactin production.
· Lowers and reduces cholesterol production and activity within the prostate.
· Regulating insulin activity and glucose intolerance
· Up regulating or improving the immune system.
Due to missing direct anti-inflammatory effect the herb is not found active in cases of acute or chronic prostatitis that are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Neiseria Gonorrhea, or Chlamydia. Thus, it can be used with random success in cases of sexual dysfunction (erection problems), infertility etc. At the same time the herb can help while taken with antibiotics as it produces an improved urine flow, as well as sexual function.
Saw palmetto: also known as (Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, and Sabal). It is another botanical used for centuries in Europe, for initial and moderate form of BHP. Nowadays, Saw palmetto is under constant research. It helps decreasing the prostate benign hypertrophy. A team of authors found out that prostatic volume was significantly decreased during a trial with the herb (Blumenthal et al., 1998). No serious side effects were ever reported.
Pygeum’s principal biological activity is traced to a compound known as a phytosterol - beta-sitosterol. Phytosterols are almost structurally similar to cholesterol, but less efficiently absorbed from the diet. The biological action and strength of Phytosterols are similar to that of hormones- therefore, a very small amount seems sufficient to initiate a response.
Main mechanism of action consists:
· Anti-inflammatory: thus reducing prostate edema (the swelling caused by an excess of fluids).
· Improving and normalizing prostatic secretion.
· Normalizing and reducing hyper-prolactin production.
· Lowers and reduces cholesterol production and activity within the prostate.
· Regulating insulin activity and glucose intolerance
· Up regulating or improving the immune system.
Due to missing direct anti-inflammatory effect the herb is not found active in cases of acute or chronic prostatitis that are mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Neiseria Gonorrhea, or Chlamydia. Thus, it can be used with random success in cases of sexual dysfunction (erection problems), infertility etc. At the same time the herb can help while taken with antibiotics as it produces an improved urine flow, as well as sexual function.
Saw palmetto: also known as (Serenoa repens, Serenoa serrulata, and Sabal). It is another botanical used for centuries in Europe, for initial and moderate form of BHP. Nowadays, Saw palmetto is under constant research. It helps decreasing the prostate benign hypertrophy. A team of authors found out that prostatic volume was significantly decreased during a trial with the herb (Blumenthal et al., 1998). No serious side effects were ever reported.
In a study by Braeckman (July 1994) named The Extract of Serenoa Repens in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter Open Study,238 patients were using the herb for a month, and only 3% admitted limited gastrointestinal symptoms or any side effects at all. As the author states- the effect of saw palmetto begins after 30 to 45 days what is an obvious advantage over the most currently available drugs as Finasteride, for which delays may be as high as six to 12 months.
Another team of authors conclusions, reviewed in the Cochrane issue 2 (Ishani & MacDonald, 2003) provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Serenoa repens produced similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events. The long term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known."
Zinc. Zinc may help your body heal faster as it promotes a strong and healthy immune system. New emerging evidence is also starting to show zinc's benefits in prostate health. As shown in a study, zinc is required for normal testosterone and sperm production, what is also essential to a healthy sex life. It is also shown that the helated form of zinc can be absorbed easier by the body.
Vitamin E and Selenium.All natural vitamin E (alpha, beta, and gamma) seems to be a powerful ally for complete prostate health. And selenium works in synergism with vitamin E to protect not only all body cells, but also prostate as they are also potent antioxidants.
Another team of authors conclusions, reviewed in the Cochrane issue 2 (Ishani & MacDonald, 2003) provides mild to moderate improvement in urinary symptoms and flow measures. Serenoa repens produced similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow compared to finasteride and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events. The long term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known."
Zinc. Zinc may help your body heal faster as it promotes a strong and healthy immune system. New emerging evidence is also starting to show zinc's benefits in prostate health. As shown in a study, zinc is required for normal testosterone and sperm production, what is also essential to a healthy sex life. It is also shown that the helated form of zinc can be absorbed easier by the body.
Vitamin E and Selenium.All natural vitamin E (alpha, beta, and gamma) seems to be a powerful ally for complete prostate health. And selenium works in synergism with vitamin E to protect not only all body cells, but also prostate as they are also potent antioxidants.
Lycopene. Antioxidants are chemicals that fight free radicals, which are suspected to start all kinds of acute and chronic degenerative diseases. While all antioxidants are helpful for prevention and healing, lycopene has been shown to have direct tropism for a good prostate health and prevention.
Pumpkin Seed Oil. Pumpkin seed oil is a natural holistic prostate powerhouse used by European countries like Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine to support prostate health and promote urinary flow. Pumpkin seeds are a powerful antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory properties. They contain zinc, free fatty acids, vit E and Phytosterols that might be the reason for their general prostate health benefits.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It is a key nutrient for good prostate health, because it can reduce the amount of free (active) testosterone circulating in the blood that is able to convert in DHT and estrogen. In the human body there is an enzyme called - aromatase that helps the above not beneficial conversion. Nettle helps to inhibit aromatase, one of the enzymes responsible for testosterone conversion to estrogens. It’s leafs and also the roots contain certain vital Phytosterols (betasitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol) and multiple lignans.
All of the above botanicals seem to work in synergism. Synergistic supplements may facilitate benefits. One report advised dietary adjustments to enhance beneficial result. No unfavorable interactions were noted.
Pumpkin Seed Oil. Pumpkin seed oil is a natural holistic prostate powerhouse used by European countries like Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine to support prostate health and promote urinary flow. Pumpkin seeds are a powerful antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory properties. They contain zinc, free fatty acids, vit E and Phytosterols that might be the reason for their general prostate health benefits.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). It is a key nutrient for good prostate health, because it can reduce the amount of free (active) testosterone circulating in the blood that is able to convert in DHT and estrogen. In the human body there is an enzyme called - aromatase that helps the above not beneficial conversion. Nettle helps to inhibit aromatase, one of the enzymes responsible for testosterone conversion to estrogens. It’s leafs and also the roots contain certain vital Phytosterols (betasitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol) and multiple lignans.
All of the above botanicals seem to work in synergism. Synergistic supplements may facilitate benefits. One report advised dietary adjustments to enhance beneficial result. No unfavorable interactions were noted.
If you would like to learn more on the above topic, please call and require a personal consultation: (715) 392-7591; (218) 213-6167; or (218) 213-7087
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The material in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. Thus our intentions are not to diagnose, cure, mitigate, treat or prevent any disease. If you use the information in this newsletter without the approval of your health professional, the authors of this letter do not assume any responsibility. Copyright @ 2009, Natural Health-Wellness LLC. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment