Herbal remedies Pomegranate, Tribulus for Prostate care, BPH

The Prostate Gland is a firm partly muscular, partly glandular body that is situated near the base of the male urethra and it secretes an alkaline viscid fluid, which is a major constituent of the ejaculatory fluid. It is also known as prostate. In human prostatic secretions, the protein content is less than 1% which includes proteolytic enzymes, prostatic acid, phosphatase and prostate specific antigen or PSA. The gland is walnut sized and forms a part of male reproductive system. In the aging process if the prostate gland gets enlarged then it is known as BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

The causes of BPH are not well understood. But it is observed that it occurs as men age. In men the important sex hormone is Testosterone. In men estrogen is also present in small quantity. If the amount of estrogen gets higher, then the prostate gland increases the activity of substances which are responsible for cell growth, and BPH may occur.

Some researchers showed, that if level of Testosterone becomes less, then the body continues to produce DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). The accumulation of DHT may be responsible for the growth of the cells and BPH. It was also observed by scientists, that men who do not produce DHT, do not face the problems of BPH. Severe BPH may cause urinary tract infection.

Symptoms of BPH:

-Pain and discomfort.
-Nocturia.-Frequent and sudden urges to urinate even when the bladder is not full.
-Dribbling at the end of the urinary stream.

Prostate infection can cause many symptoms like:

-Problems with urination and problems with ejaculation.
-Painful urination.
-Lower back pain .
-Hard to eject urine.
-Fever.
-Frequent urination.
-Incomplete emptying of bladder.
-Muscles pain.
-Tender swollen prostate.
-Sensation of wanting to urinate immediately, often accompanied by bladder pain.

Recurring prostate infection is termed as chronic bacterial Prostatitis. This type of Prostate infection is caused by the bacteria in the Prostate Glad. It is generally treated with antibiotics. If prostate infection occurs a person must consult an Urologist for treatment.

Herbal remedies for BPH and Prostate health-

Pomegranate extracts - and Omega3 fatty acids are the supplements which have been shown to have protective role in the prevention of BPH and help with Prostate health.

Tomato - Lycopene is a bioflavonoid extracted from Tomato, which acts as an antioxidant and reduces dribbling of urine and frequency. Some scientists stated that the combination of Tomato and Broccoli enhances the intake of Lycopene and is good for men that are aging .

Pumpkin seed - Acts as a diuretic. It contains zinc also.

Saw Palmetto - Helps to reduce the symptoms of BPH.

Tribulus Terrestris - (Gokhru) is a diuretic (Charak Samhita, Sutrasthan 4) and is useful in painful Urolithiasis, Urinary discharge and Crystalluria. Ref. Haravey, SK, Indian J Med Res. 1966, 54, 774-778, Singh RCP and Sisodia CS, Indian J Physiol Pharmacol, 15, 1971, 93-96; Joshi CG and Nagar NG, J Sci- Industr Res,11 B (6), 1952, 261; Mehta AP et al, J Sci. Res Plants Med, 3(2-3, 1982, 61-63.)

Zinc - Prostate is a zinc rich gland and produces a fluid that accounts for about 30% of semen. Zinc is the key nutrient for hormonal metabolism, testosterone production and sperm formation. Zinc deficiency affects the mobility and sperm count. Zinc inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone into the potent androgen and DHT that causes over production of Prostate cells (Robyn Landis, Herbal Defence, 1997,235, 238, 240)

Curcurbita Pepo - seeds are rich with zinc, Intake of 2g to 3g. Shelled seeds are beneficial as a daily supplement.

Crataeva Nurvala - or Varuna the effects of Varun in enlargement of Prostate is described in the Monograph published by central council for Research in Ayurveda and siddha, New Delhi (1987). Researchers showed that Crataeva Nurvala is valuable in helping with urinary tract infections and bladder problems caused by BPH.

Zea Mays- or Corn Silk soothes and relaxes the lining of the urinary tubules and bladder. It improves urine flow for BPH conditions.

Dr. Veena Deo, B.A.M.S. (M.D.)
Dr. Veena Deo is an Ayurvedic Doctor in India. All the information provided above and opinions expressed above are her own and should not be construed as medical advice. This information is provided for educational purposes only. For questions or to consult Dr. Veena Deo, please send an email to dr.veenadeo@gmail.com .