Research is mixed, but some people believe that some natural herbal supplements, like saw palmetto, may help reduce enlarged prostate symptoms.
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the urethra and carries urine out of the body. As part of the male reproductive system, one of its main jobs with other organs is to add fluid to semen. This is the fluid that carries sperm.
When the prostate becomes too large, it can cause a variety of health issues. Here are some natural ways to help treat an enlarged prostate.
The prostate gland begins small and undergoes two main phases of growth. It doubles in size during your teenage years, then continues to grow again by the time you’re 25 years old, and throughout the rest of your life.
You can have an enlarged prostate, as well as a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This develops when the organ’s cells multiply, causing your prostate gland to swell, squeeze the urethra, and limit urine flow.
Your healthcare team is the best to discuss symptoms and possible treatments for an enlarged prostate.
A possible option to discuss with your doctor is natural treatments, focusing on symptom relief and overall well-being.
Clinical research isn’t clear on whether these natural treatments may work effectively to treat an enlarged prostate, and the American Urological Association does not recommend any herbal therapy for managing BPH.
Precaution
It’s important to remember that just because a supplement is labeled “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s safe, healthy, or effective. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate the quality or purity of herbal remedies like it does prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
That means you can’t be totally sure that what’s listed on the label is inside the bottle.
Herbal remedies can also cause side effects and interact with other medications you may be taking. Consult a doctor before taking any natural supplement.
Does saw palmetto work as a herbal remedy?
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy that comes from the fruit of a type of palm tree. It’s been used in alternative medicine for centuries to relieve urinary symptoms, including those caused by an enlarged prostate.
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Research continues to investigate the anti-inflammatory and hormone-blocking properties that saw palmetto may have, as well as its potential use in combination with other medications.
Saw palmetto is considered safe to use as a supplement, but minor side effects can include an upset stomach and headache.
Beta-sitosterol
This herbal medication is a mixture taken from different plants that contain cholesterol-like substances called sitosterols or phytosterols (plant-based fats).
Some research suggests that beta-sitosterol can help alleviate urinary symptoms of BPH, including improved urine flow. Some scientists have also suggested that it’s these fatty substances — like beta-sitosterol, which is also found in saw palmetto — that are actually doing the work.
However, research also suggests these benefits are not as effective as traditional prescription medications for the condition.
There haven’t been any major side effects reported with the use of beta-sitosterol supplements. However, doctors still don’t know all the long-term effects of this natural therapy.
Pygeum
Pygeum comes from the bark of the African plum tree. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat urinary problems since ancient times and is often used to treat BPH symptoms, particularly in Europe.
However, clinical research is limited on whether this is an effective treatment for an enlarged prostate.
One 2024 test tube study found that pygeum extract significantly decreased a pro-inflammatory cytokine called IL-6 in human peripheral blood cells, suggesting a mechanism by which it might alleviate BPH symptoms.
In a 2023 review, researchers noted that natural substances, including pygeum, offered “only modest effectiveness” but that this warrants more research.
Pygeum does appear safe to use, but it can cause upset stomach and headache in some people. There are currently no studies on the long-term safety of this treatment.
Rye grass pollen extract
Rye grass pollen extract is made from three types of grass pollen: rye, timothy, and corn.
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However, much more research is needed.
Stinging nettle
You’ll know if you’ve accidentally touched the common European stinging nettle: The hairs on its leaves can cause a sharp jolt of intense pain. But stinging nettle may have some benefits when used as a medication.
Nettle root is thought to improve some BPH symptoms, and is commonly used in Europe. In one 2022 study, the use of stinging nettle was found to be effective in decreasing the severity of urinary frequency, nocturia (the frequent need to urinate at night), and urgency, when used in combination with conventional medical treatment.
Sometimes nettle is used in combination with other natural BPH treatments, such as pygeum or saw palmetto. Side effects from nettle are usually mild, including upset stomach and skin rash.
The role of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of BPH continues to be explored.
Several recent studies have examined the impact of diet on BPH symptoms.
Overall, research has shown that a plant-based diet high in fruits and vegetables — especially leafy, dark green vegetables and tomatoes — has milder and fewer symptoms of BPH, and is less likely to result in worsening of the condition.
Red meat, alcohol, caffeine, and a high fat diet are also believed to
Researchers believe it’s not just one nutrient, but rather the combination of nutrients found in a healthful diet and lifestyle, that are beneficial.
A 2024 study suggested that modifying your eating style — specifically reducing the intake of pro-inflammatory nutrients — may slow the development of BPH.
There are several treatment options for an enlarged prostate. You can take alpha-blockers, such as terazosin (Hytrin) or tamsulosin (Flomax), to help relax the prostate and bladder muscles.
You can also take dutasteride (Avodart) or finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), a different kind of medication for reducing BPH symptoms. These block the hormones that cause the prostate to grow.
A doctor may also recommend combining several types of medications or surgery to remove the extra prostate tissue. One common surgical procedure for BPH is known as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
One way to shrink an enlarged prostate is through medication, but if you are not ready to take prescription medication, there are some more natural approaches that you can explore, like changes to your diet and exercise routine.
One 2021 study noted that many males with BPH also have vitamin D deficiency. Increasing vitamin D intake may reduce prostate size and BPH symptoms. Either through supplements or vitamin D-rich foods, increasing vitamin D in your diet may cause a reduction in BPH symptoms.
Obesity may also play a role in the severity of BPH symptoms. Positive changes to your diet may also help with BPH, particularly with the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and bell peppers.
Consider speaking with a doctor when you start to experience early symptoms of BPH so they can diagnose the severity of your condition and the best treatments for you.
Your doctor may look into prescribing medications that are approved to treat BPH, such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. These medications include finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart). Interestingly, not only do 5-alpha reductase inhibitors treat BPH, but they are one of the main medications prescribed to treat hair loss, too.
Current research has not found a way to prevent prostate enlargement. For many people, it’s something that naturally happens with aging, and the risk of developing BPH does increase with time. In fact, it’s so common that it can affect approximately 29% to 33% of those ages 65 and older.
While it may not be possible to prevent BPH, it can be treated — especially if detected early. If you begin to experience BPH-like symptoms in your urinary tract, such as a reduced urine stream, sudden urges to urinate, or the need to urinate several times during the night, it’s worth speaking with a doctor as soon as possible to see if early treatment is necessary.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition among older males and current research doesn’t show a clear way to prevent it.
There are several medical treatment options available that can reduce an enlarged prostate and ease symptoms, especially if detected early.
Some evidence suggests that herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications may have value as complementary treatments. However, these are not intended to be frontline treatments, and further research into the effectiveness of herbal remedies is necessary.