University Studies in Prostate Health
As prostate cancer affects an increasing number of men in the United States, many university studies have been conducted on the causes of this potentially deadly disease. In the search for a cure, several of these studies have found various natural plant extracts that appear to have beneficial effects on PSA levels and may be helpful in promoting prostate health.
PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen, is a substance produced by the prostate gland. While all men have small amounts of PSA in their bloodstream, elevated levels have been associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, which is commonly known as an enlarged prostate. Additionally, high levels of PSA in the bloodstream have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, especially in men over the age of 50.
Natural supplements demonstrate potential benefits for the prostate:
The following natural ingredients have exhibited beneficial properties, according to university laboratory studies on prostate tumor cells. Nutraceuticals containing these extracts may be indicated to support male prostate health.
• White mushroom extract – The extract of this edible mushroom has been shown to successfully inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells; Subsequently, the targeted cells underwent increased rates of apoptosis, leading to tumor death in vitro, as well as in vivo in experimental mice in a study conducted at the Beckham Research Institute.
• Sang Huang mushroom extract – A recent study from Harvard Medical School revealed that extract of the Sang Huang mushroom, or phellinus linteus, effectively reduced the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in laboratory mice and caused tumor regression, or reduction in the size of the tumors.
• African plum bark extract – The bark of the African plum (pygeum africanum), which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of enlarged prostate, has also shown favorable results in a university laboratory study on its effects on prostate cancer cells. This study, conducted by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia, showed that mice given an extract of pygeum africanum had a reduced incidence of prostate cancer.
Preventing prostate problems and other men’s health problems depends in part on making the right lifestyle choices. Eating right, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, minimizing alcohol consumption, and avoiding the use of tobacco products are all indications for optimal male health. The natural products mentioned in this article should be considered beneficial for men who have an increased PSA, a cancer diagnosis, or an enlarged prostate.