The
prostate is a small walnut size gland,
in men, surrounding the urethra, at
the base of the bladder. The prostate
secretes a fluid to keep the lining
of the urethra moist, and to help
prevent urinary tract infections.
During heightened sexual excitement,
and especially during orgasm, the
prostate secretes a second fluid that
assists with sperm motility, and helps
protect sperm from the acidic environment
of The prostate is a small walnut
size gland, in men surrounding the
urethra at the base of the bladder.
The prostate secretes a fluid to keep
the lining of the urethra moist and
to help prevent urinary tract infections.
During heightened sexual excitement,
and especially during orgasm, the
prostate secretes a second fluid that
assists with sperm motility and helps
protect sperm from the acidic environment
of the female reproductive system.
The most common problems with the
prostate include benign prostate hyperplasia
(BPH), inflammation of the prostate
(prostatitis), and prostate cancer.
The exact cause of BPH is not known.
Though the strongest theory is that
a more radical form of testosterone,
known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
stimulates cell proliferation of prostate
cells. Studies have shown that men
that do not produce DHT do not develop
BHP. BHP is most common in men over
the age of 40. Prostatitis most often
occurs from bacterial infection, such
as Escherichia coli bacteria. Prostate
stones may also cause prostatitis.
The cause of nonbacterial prostatitis
is unknown. Prostatitis is most common
in men over the age of 50. Prostatodynia,
also known as chronic pelvic pain
syndrome (CPPS), is similar to nonbacterial
prostatitis, though inflammation is
absent. Prostate cancer is the most
common cancer in men. The development
of this cancer has been linked to
the human papilloma virus, though
DHT is believed to play a role in
the growth of many cases of prostate
cancer.
When the prostate enlarges, the prostate
can constrict the urethra, and possibly
completely occlude urine flow. Symptoms
of prostate enlargement include hesitancy
in urination, increased urinary frequency,
waking frequently during the night
to empty the bladder, incontinence,
painful urination, blood in the urine,
and reduced urinary flow and force.
Decreased urine flow also increases
the risk of urinary stones, bladder
damage, and urinary and prostate infections.
If urine flow becomes completely occluded
pressure in the urinary tract may
raise significantly leading to kidney
damage.
Diagnosis of BPH is determined through
a digital rectal exam to determine
the size, shape, and density of the
prostate, by urine flow studies, or
by intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or
cystoscopy. Urine and seminal fluid
samples may be taken to rule out infection.
A rectal ultrasound, or prostate specific
antigen (PSA) test may be performed
to help rule out prostate cancer.
Though PSA counts are not as accurate
as patients are told. PSA levels also
elevate with prostate infection, BPH,
and caffeine use.
Conventional treatments for BPH involve
the use of drugs such as finasteride
(Proscar) to block DHT formation,
or smooth muscle relaxants such as
tamsulosin (Flomax). Surgery may also
be performed. The most common form
of surgery for BPH is transurethral
resection of the prostate (TURP).
Other forms of surgery include transurethral
incision of the prostate (TUIP), laser
surgery, and open surgery. Non-surgical
treatments for BPH include transurethral
microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), and
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA).
Each of these treatments have drawbacks.
For example, Proscar may decrease
sex drive and cause impotence. Surgical
treatments may not be permanent since
only part of the prostate is removed.
The remaining tissue may again enlarge
resulting in a repeat of the problem.
Other side effects that may occur
include sexual dysfunction and "dry
climax". In rare cases impotence,
or urinary blockage may occur from
scar tissue.
Factors adversely affecting the prostate
include alcohol, caffeine, cigarette
smoking, stress, elevated cholesterol
levels, tryptophan; found in sources
including milk and beef, and nutritional
deficiencies; particularly zinc and
essential fatty acids. Partial obstruction
of the urethra may also be aggravated
by alcohol and over-the-counter cold
and flu medications. Estrogens and
prolactin are both hormones generally
associated with women. Both of these
hormones are also produced in men
though, and both hormones are associated
with BPH. Estrogen is a precursor
of testosterone and interferes with
zinc absorption. Estrogen also blocks
DHT elimination from the prostate.
Prolactin increases absorption of
testosterone by the prostate.
INGREDIENTS:
Saw palmetto- Contains high levels
of fatty acids, which reduce prostate
enlargement symptoms, and beta-sitosterol,
which is a potent blocker of DHT formation.
Saw palmetto has been shown in studies
to work by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase,
which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone,
and by blocking DHT binding. Other
studies have shown that saw palmetto
may also block other growth factors
that may be responsible for prostate
enlargement. These include estrogen
and epidermal growth factor (EGF).
Saw palmetto has been shown to relax
smooth muscle affecting the bladder
by inhibiting calcium ion influx in
the muscle, which improves urine flow.
Jiaogulan- Contains a very high level
of sterols, including beta-sitosterol,
which blocks DHT formation. The sterols
in jiaogulan may reduce prostate inflammation.
Jiaogulan contains seven times more
sterols than ginseng. Sterols in jiaogulan
have been shown to reduce cholesterol
levels. Cholesterol is required for
testosterone synthesis. Oxidized cholesterol
is very damaging to the prostate and
is believed to play a major role in
the development of BPH. In my opinion
jiaogulan is a considerably more potent
inhibitor of BPH than saw palmetto
due to the higher level of sterols.
Nettle leaf- A steroidal anti-inflammatory
to reduce prostate inflammation. Excellent
source of nutrition for proper prostate
function and health.
Pygeum- Contains various sterols including
beta-sitosterol, which bind cholesterol
decreasing DHT formation and reducing
DHT binding sites. Pygeum also reduces
prolactin levels, which promotes the
absorption of testosterone by the
prostate and DHT formation. In addition
pygeum helps block DHT formation and
inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which
converts testosterone into estradiol.
Estradiol, a form of estrogen can
contribute to BPH through prostate
cell proliferation. Pygeum is also
believed to help reduce prostate enlargement
by inhibiting the production of inflammatory
leukotrienes. Other studies have shown
that pygeum inhibits fibroblast growth
factor, and several other growth factors.
Studies have also shown pygeum to
be effective for the treatment of
prostatitis, and to help restore sexual
function.
Bee pollen- Extracts of pollen have
been used in Europe with much success
for the treatment of BPH. Fatty acids
and sterols in pollen help reduce
prostate inflammation and block DHT
formation. Phytoestrogens in pollen
block estrogen receptors decreasing
the effect of estrogen and on the
prostate, including impaired zinc
absorption and elevated DHT formation.
Extracts of pollen have been shown
in studies to block prostate cell
proliferation and to relax the urethra
while strengthening the bladder to
improve urine flow. Pollen is an excellent
source of nutrients for proper prostate
function and health. Studies have
also shown pollen to be beneficial
in the treatment of prostatitis.
Licorice root- Steroidal anti-inflammatory
that may reduce prostate inflammation.
Licorice root contains phytoestrogens,
which help reduce the adverse effects
of estrogen on the prostate, including
impaired zinc absorption and elevated
DHT formation. Licorice root blocks
the formation of DHT from testosterone.
Zinc- Inhibits 5-alpha-reductase to
prevent BPH and prolactin secretion,
which decreases testosterone levels
in the prostate. Zinc may also help
prevent BPH by preventing androgen
binding. Zinc helps maintain healthy
prostate tissues and is found in high
levels in seminal fluid where it acts
as an antiseptic to help prevent prostate
infections. Zinc levels can be depleted
by frequent ejaculation.
Recommended
use is 1/2 teaspoon of the powder
3 times daily on an empty stomach
at least 20 minutes before meals.
The powder can be mixed in juice,
water, or unsweetened applesauce,
or may be placed under the tongue
and washed down with water.