Guide To Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
The Disease
Enlargement of the prostate gland is a common disorder in men. The prostate shows this tendency soon after the age of 30 and for some, symptoms start to becomes apparent from the age of 40. This condition is known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). It affects every second male over the age of 50 and almost all men over 80. It can have serious long-term effects.
The Prostate gland lies at the base of the bladder, surrounding the junction of the bladder with the Urethra. With increasing age, the cells of the prostate become more sensitive to levels of a hormone known as di-hydrotestosterone (DHT). This results in an increase in the size of the gland. As the prostate swells, it starts to obstruct the normal flow of urine from the bladder. This explains why the first signs of an enlarged prostate relate to disturbances in urination - a weak stream and a frequent urge to urinate. Frequent urination also occurs at night and this is known as nocturia. Sleep is commonly disturbed.
What Can Be Done?
Men Suffering from BPH should:
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Reduce Alcohol consumption
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Avoid fried, fatty foods. High cholesterol levels can stimulate extra cell formation in the prostate gland.
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Take Zinc
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Take Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
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Eat pumpkin seeds - they contain both Zinc and EFAs
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Eat more high fibre foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables
Until fairly recently, the only treatment option a doctor could offer for BPH was surgery. There are now several medicines that can be prescribed for an enlarged prostate. However, these synthetic perpetrations have a number of side effects and adverse reactions. Clinical Trials have shown that Saw Palmetto is as effective as prescribed synthetic medication but without the side effects. It is well tolerated in long-term use.
The Story
In the 1950s, Alfred Vogel visited Florida and had the chance of meeting the Seminole Indians. These native Americans introduced the 'Saw Palm' to Vogel. He learnt that the herb had been used for hundreds of years for conditions such as bladder infections and as an aphrodisiac. Saw Palmetto (Dwarf Palm or Sabal Serrulata) is found exclusively to the north of the Everglades in Florida. The plant grows best in the tropics and prefers a sandy soil. Our Saw Palmetto plants are cultivated in Florida using an organic protocol. We have carefully selected ground where the natural habitat of the plant is undisturbed - an area far away from industrial activity and citrus plantations which are potential sources of contamination by artificial pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers.
Healthy plants produce between 50 to 100 berries the size of olives. These hold the vital plant oils that make Saw Palmetto such an effective herbal remedy. The berries are hand-picked only when fully ripened. Typically, this task is carried out in the searing tropical heat, at temperatures between 35-42*c.
Why are these Oils so Vital?
Research has now shown us that it is the oils from Saw Palmetto berries that contain the active constituents which make the herb so effective in he treatment of BPH. These oils reduce the sensitivity of prostate cells to DHT. This in turn reduces the growth of the prostate gland. Saw Palmetto berry oils also possess anti-oedematous and anti-inflammatory activity. Hence, it is essential that the oils from Saw Palmetto berries are not disrupted when producing a remedy. Using a unique method, we ensure that these vital oils are extracted gently and holistically. This process enable us to provide you with a remedy that accurately preserves the spectrum of oils found in the original berries.
We have chosen to keep these oils in their natural state and to place them into an oil-filled capsule. This, we have found, is the best way of preserving and delivering the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto berries to your customers. It takes four berries to produce a single Bioforce Saw Palmetto capsule, each containing 320mg of pure Saw Palmetto berry oil - enabling us to offer a true 'one-a-day' capsule.
Saw Palmetto - Clinical Use
Dosage and Use
Several studies have been
carried out to determine the optimal dose and administration method (once-daily
vs. twice-daily). A study of 49 patients over 6 months compared daily doses of
320mg and 960mg in terms of effectiveness and tolerance. No significant
difference was found between the two doses of the extract. optimal effectiveness
was achieve with a dose of 320mg. In another study, the once-daily dose of Saw
Palmetto extract was compared with twice-daily administrations of 160mg. Both
doses significantly reduced the international Prostate Symptom score and no
difference was established between the two administration methods. For
compliance reasons, it is to be recommended that a once-daily dose of 320mg be
taken.
Established
Many different studies have tested
the effectiveness of Saw Palmetto extract, and have proven that use of his
botanical is indicated in cases of BPH. In these studies, which in some
cases lasted for up to 48 weeks, Saw Palmetto, in comparison with a placebo,
significantly improved both the signs and the symptoms of the complaint. The
course of the illness, measured on the IPSS and in terms of the improvement in
quality of life and the uroflow parameters was decisively optimised.
Saw Palmetto vs. Placebo
The double-blind,
placebo-controlled, randomised study by Tasca et al. Tested the effectiveness of
Saw Palmetto in BPH patients over 60 days. Uroflow parameters were primarily
measured, such as maximum urinary flow rate, average urinary flow rate, urinary
volume and urination time, whereby the verum group displayed a significant
improvement in all parameters compared to the placebo group.
