Size 60 capsules

Adults take 2 capsule daily or as directed by a physician.

Standardized Saw Palmetto extract 160 mg.

Standardized Nettle leaf extract 120 mg.

Standardized Pygeum Africanum bark 50 mg.

Beta-Sistosterol 50 mg. L-Glycine 25 mg. L-Alanine 25 mg. L-Glutamic Acid 25 mg. Pumpkin Seed Powder 50 mg.

Proanthocyanidins 12.5 mg. Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate 7.5 mg.

Ginkgo biloba 20 mg. Lycopen complex 1.5mg. Vitamin E 100 I.U. Zinc 5 mg. Selenium 25 mcg.

None reported

Not recommended for women.

The fat-soluble (liposterolic) extract of the saw palmetto berry has become the leading natural treatment for BPH. Numerous studies have yielded positive data regarding its clinical efficacy in decreasing the severity of symptoms associated with prostate changes. Saw palmetto appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto also blocks DHT from binding in the prostate. Studies have used 320 mg per day of saw palmetto extract that is standardized to contain approximately 80 to 95% fatty acids. At least seven double-blind studies involving a total of about 500 people have compared the benefits of saw palmetto against placebo over a period of 1 to 3 months. In these studies, the herb significantly improved urinary flow rate and most other measures of prostate disease. A double-blind study followed 1,098 men who received either saw palmetto or the drug Proscar over a period of 6 months (unfortunately, there was no placebo group). The treatments were equally effective, but while Proscar lowered PSA levels and caused a slight worsening of sexual function on average, saw palmetto caused no significant side effects.

Prostatic secretions are known to contain a high concentration of zinc. Zinc accumulates in the muitochondria of prostate cells and effects the oxidation of citric acid. This in turn effects the Krchs cycle and the ability of the cell to produce energy. It is believed that this decrease in the prostate's ability to produce energy can lead to an inhibition of proliferation. Zinc may decrease prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels which in turn can affect the proliferation of prostate tissues. In one preliminary study, 19 men with benign prostatic hyperplasia took 150 mg of zinc daily for two months, and then 50 to 100 mg daily. In 74% of the men, the prostate became smaller.

Nettle extract (Urtica dioica) may increase urinary volume and the maximum flow rate of urine in men with early-stage BPH. It has been successfully combined with both saw palmetto and pygeum to treat BPH in double-blind trials. An appropriate amount appears to be 120 mg twice per day.

Pygeurn Africanum has been approved in Germany, France, and Italy as a remedy for BPH. Controlled studies published over the past 25 years have shown that pygeum is safe and effective for men with BPH of mild or moderate severity. These studies have used 50 to 100 mg of pygeum extract (standardized to contain 13% total sterols) twice per day. This herb contains three compounds that may help the prostate: pentacyclic triterpenoids, which have a diuretic action; phytosterols, which have anti-inflammatory activity; and ferulic esters, which help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that accompany BPH.

Beta-sitosterol, a compound found in many edible plants, has also been found to be helpful for men with BPH. In one double-blind trial, 200 men with BPH received 20 mg of beta-sitosterol three times a day or a placebo for six months. Men receiving beta-sitosterol had a significant improvement in urinary flow and an improvement in symptoms, whereas no change was reported in men receiving the placebo. Another double-blind study reported similarly positive results using 130 mg per day of beta-sitosterol.

Extracts of Nettle root and leaf as well as extracts of Pygeurn Africanum have also been shown to decrease the severity of these symptoms. Both of these herbs appear to inhibit the growth and proliferation of prostatic cells.

Phytosterols, such as those found in extracts of pumpkin seeds have demonstrated positive effects on urine flow, and frequency of urination. Pumpkin seed oil has been used in combination with saw palmetto in two double-blind human studies to effectively reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Animal studies have shown that pumpkin seed extracts may improve the function of the bladder and urethra; this might partially account for BPH symptom relief.

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This is a statement of nutritional support. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to medically diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your health care provider before using any supplement.