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.