Although rarely considered for their herbal attributes, the berries and bark of some trees, like saw palmetto and pygeum, have potent genito-urinary benefits.

Nearly 60 per cent of men between the ages of 40 and 59 have an enlarged prostrate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms of BPH are caused by the gradual obstruction of the bladder outlet and include increased urinary frequency, urgency, nighttime awakening to empty bladder, and hesitancy and intermittency with reduced force and flow of urine. Very uncomfortable! A recent advertisement for a drug that treats these problems pictures a toilet bowl with the question, "Don't you wish you could take this with you?"

As men age, testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, while other hormones such as prolactin, estradiol, and luteinising hormone increase. An increase in the enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, causes an increased concentration of dihydrotestrosterone within the prostate. In turn, this very potent androgen (male hormone) causes overproduction of prostrate cells and prostatic enlargement.

The increase of dihydrotestosterone within the prostrate also occurs because of a decline in the rate of removal. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are normally metabolized by enzymes to compounds that are then excreted. When this no longer happens efficiently, the levels of these hormones increase and cause no end of trouble. The herbs saw palmetto and pygeum can head off these troubles before they begin. Saw palmetto (serenoa repens) is a small scrubby palm tree native to Florida with large leaves and large red-black berries. The American Indians used these berries as a general tonic and in the treatment of genito-urinary tract problems. Recent studies have shown that a fat soluble extract of saw palmetto berries improves symptoms of an enlarged prostrate. It inhibits dihydrotestosterone at its initial synthesis as well as at the cellular binding sites, thereby stopping the buildup in the prostate. It has no know toxicity at 320 mg per day.

Pygeum (Pygeum africanum) is a large evergreen tree growing in the higher plateaus of Southern Africa. Traditionally, the bark of the tree was collected and powdered, than drunk as a tea for genito-urinary complaints. Pygeum contains three groups of active components, including phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol.

The phytosterols, particularly betasitosterol, are found in numerous plants, are anti-inflammatory, and inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins. Beta-sitosterol has been shown to be useful in cases of BPH by helping to reduce the normally elevated levels of prosta-glandins in these patients. Pygeum has the added benefit of reducing excess blood and vasal congestion which helps reduce the size of prostate adenomas. It also helps inhibit inflammation by blocking enzymatic activity. Pygeum has an added benefit in that it inhibits the absorption and metabolism of cholesterol, high levels of which are linked to BPH. It has no known toxicity at 200 mg a day.

Taken in combination, these two herbal extracts offer significant relief to the enlarged prostate sufferer. When buying these substances look for standardized extracts. The best quality saw palmetto yields 90-95% free fatty acids per 160 mg capsule or tablet. Pygeum should be standardized to yield 12-13% phytosterols per 100 mg capsule or tablet. Take one of each in the morning and evening for all day relief. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare specialist.

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