Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Beta-Sitosterol | 60 to 130 mg daily |  [3 stars] Men taking beta-sitosterol, a compound found in many edible plants, have reported improved BPH symptoms and urinary flow. |
Nettle | 120 mg of root extract (capsules or tablets) twice per day or 2 to 4 ml of tincture three times per day | [3 stars] A concentrated extract made from the roots of the nettle plant may increase urinary volume and flow rate in men with early-stage BPH. |
Rye Pollen Extract | 126 mg three times daily | [3 stars] Rye pollen extract has been shown to improve BHP symptoms.
|
Saw Palmetto | 160 mg twice per day of an extract standardized to contain approximately 80 to 95% fatty acids | [3 stars] Saw palmetto, the leading natural treatment for BPH, has been shown to help keep symptoms in check when used regularly. |
Garlic | 1 ml aged extract per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily |  [2 stars] A special garlic extract (Kastamonu Garlic) reduced prostate size and significantly improved urinary symptoms in one study. |
Pumpkin Seed Oil
| Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Pumpkin seed oil has been shown to relieve BPH symptoms, possibly because it improves bladder and urethra function. |
Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) | 50 to 100 mg of an herbal extract standardized to contain 13% total sterols twice per day | [2 stars] Safe and effective for men with mild to moderate BPH, pygeum contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory activity and help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits. |
Reishi | 6 mg per day for 8 weeks | [2 stars] Adouble-blind trial found that an extract of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom was significantly more effective than a placebo in improving urinary symptoms in men with BPH.
|
Copper | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] If you are taking large amounts of zinc (such as 30 mg per day or more) for BHP, most doctors recommend supplementing with copper to avoid copper deficiency. |
Flaxseed Oil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] People with BPH have benefited from essential fatty acids, including flaxseed oil. EFAs increase the need for vitamin E, so take a vitamin E supplement along with flaxseed oil. |
Zinc | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Zinc has been shown to reduce prostate size in some studies. If you are taking 30 mg or more of zinc per day, most doctors recommend adding 2 to 3 mg of copper to avoid deficiency. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.