An ongoing joke runs that there’s a third inevitability awaiting American men besides “death” and “taxes” – prostate disease.  At least one in six men will develop a growth in their prostate, a gland that plays an important role in the male reproductive system.

Some herbal supplements may not only promote prostate health, but may even help to treat prostate disease.

Alternative remedies

Herbal supplements have gotten a bad rap over the years.  Critics to the medicinal properties of herbs point out that, because herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA, they may vary widely from the amount of active herbal extract that is listed on the label.  One recent study showed that some brands contain less than 15 percent of the listed active ingredient.

Others worry that patients who use herbal supplements will neglect to see their doctors or will refuse proven treatments for an herb that only produces mixed results.

While many doctors would not go so far as to say that herbal supplements work better than traditional medicines, most doctors agree that they do have their place.  Herbal supplements may work best when used in conjunction with other more traditional medical treatments.

You should always talk to your doctor before taking an herbal supplement.  Herbs may produce different results in different people, and your doctor will be able to tell if a specific herb is right for you.

Herbs that promote a healthy prostate and may help to treat prostate disease include:

• Saw palmetto – an herb from a small palm tree that grows along the Atlantic seaboard, saw palmetto is by far the most popular and well-researched prostate herb.  It contains beta sitosterol, a powerful compound that stops testosterone from converting into DHT.  Some studies also indicate that saw palmetto helps to shrink enlarged prostates and relieves urinary problems and other symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
• Red clover – a member of the pea family, red clover contains antioxidants that inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.  It also inhibits DHT formation, which helps to prevent the enlarging of the prostate.
• Zinc – perhaps the most important of the trace minerals.  Zinc deficiency predisposes the prostate to infection, which may eventually lead to enlargement and other problems.
• Vitamin B6 – working in conjunction with zinc, Vitamin B6 regulates the hormone that converts testosterone into DHT.  Thus, Vitamin B6 helps to prevent swelling of the prostate.
• Lycopene – an extract found in tomatoes, watermelons and other fruits, lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may inhibit the growth of cancerous cells and reduce prostate inflammation.