Natural treatments for prostatitis
Natural treatments for prostatitis focus on alleviating inflammation of the prostate gland, which can lead to symptoms such as urinary urgency and pain. While conventional medicine offers limited options, particularly for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, various natural remedies have been proposed. Some of the more recognized treatments include quercetin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and grass pollen extract, both of which have shown promise in studies. Other herbal supplements, like saw palmetto and pygeum, may also offer benefits, although the evidence supporting their efficacy in treating prostatitis is less robust.
Acupuncture and biofeedback have been explored as supportive therapies, with some studies indicating their potential to relieve symptoms. However, it's important to note that many natural treatments lack sufficient scientific backing, and caution is advised as certain herbs and supplements may interact negatively with conventional medications. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet can also influence prostatitis symptoms, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to treatment. Overall, while natural remedies may provide some relief, further research is necessary to fully understand their effectiveness and safety.
Natural treatments for prostatitis
DEFINITION: Treatment of inflammation of the prostate.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: None
OTHER PROPOSED NATURAL TREATMENTS: Acupuncture, biofeedback, bromelain, buchu, couch grass, cranberry, echinacea, Eleutherococcus, garlic, goldenseal, grass pollen extract, lapacho, marshmallow, multivitamin-multimineral supplements, pipsissewa, proteolytic enzymes, pygeum, quercetin, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract (SPE), vitamin C, watermelon seed, zinc
Introduction
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in males that surrounds the urethra. It produces a fluid that is part of semen. There are three main types of prostatitis: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, and chronic nonbacterial.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the easiest form to treat, but it is also the least common. Symptoms include chills, fever, pain in the lower back and genital area, urinary frequency and urgency (often at night), burning or painful urination, and body aches. Examination of the urine shows white blood cells. Antibiotic treatment is highly successful for this form of prostatitis.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis resembles acute prostatitis, but it is milder and may continue for a long time (months or years). It is believed that chronic bacterial prostatitis is caused by a problem in the prostate that makes the gland a focus for infection. Antibiotic treatment usually relieves symptoms, but the symptoms often come back after treatment is stopped.
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome or prostatodynia, is the most common form of prostatitis. It is also the least understood and the most difficult to treat. Symptoms include urinary urgency, urinary frequency (especially at night), pain or burning while urinating, difficulty urinating, lower abdominal pain or pressure, rectal or perineal discomfort, lower back pain, painful ejaculation, and impotence. These symptoms may wax and wane for no obvious reason. Conventional medicine lacks a specific treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. Supportive treatments may be used, including stool softeners, pain medications, and warm sitz baths.
Proposed Natural Treatments
Quercetin belongs to a class of water-soluble plant coloring agents called bioflavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Bioflavonoids have been investigated for a wide variety of medical uses. A study published in 1999 suggests that quercetin may be helpful for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis. In this double-blind trial, thirty men with fairly severe chronic nonbacterial prostatitis were given either quercetin (500 milligrams [mg] twice daily) or a placebo for one month. The results showed that participants given quercetin improved to a significantly greater extent than those in the placebo group. The greatest gains were seen in the reduction of pain.
A special grass pollen extract has also shown promise. In a six-month double-blind study of sixty men with nonbacterial prostatitis, the use of the grass pollen extract was more effective than placebo. Grass pollen is better known as a treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). All the other commonly used natural treatments for this condition have also been suggested for prostatitis. However, while there is reasonably good supporting evidence that some of these help BPH, the evidence regarding their use in prostatitis remains weak. For example, uncontrolled trials and other highly preliminary forms of evidence hint that the herb pygeum might be helpful for prostatitis.
Also, an open controlled trial (using a no-treatment group) found indications that saw palmetto might be helpful for prostatitis; however, an open comparative study found the drug finasteride more effective than the herb for this purpose. A later review of twenty-one studies that used saw palmetto extract to treat patients with chronic prostatitis found positive results when compared to placebo groups but mixed results compared to groups that used alpha-blockers. Additionally, those studies that used saw palmetto along with antibiotics found very positive results.
A combination of herbal extracts, including Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), Urtica dioica (nettle), curcumin, and quercitin, may be modestly beneficial as an additional treatment. In a trial of 143 men with chronic bacterial prostatitis, the preparation enhanced the effectiveness of a two-week course of antibiotics (prulifloxacin).
Other herbs and supplements sometimes recommended for prostatitis but almost entirely lacking any supporting evidence include bromelain, buchu, couch grass, cranberry, echinacea, Eleutherococcus, garlic, goldenseal, lapacho, marshmallow, multivitamin-multimineral supplements, pipsissewa, proteolytic enzymes, vitamin C, watermelon seed, and zinc.
Acupuncture and biofeedback have also been tried. In a study involving eighty-nine men with chronic nonbacterial prostatitis, a ten-week trial of acupuncture was modestly more effective than sham (fake) acupuncture at relieving symptoms, both during treatment and for six months following treatment. A later meta-analysis of eleven trials comparing real acupuncture, fake acupuncture, and traditional Western medicine. The research found positive effects for acupuncture and Western medicine compared to the control group. However, acupuncture requires more investigation to determine its effectiveness.
Herbs and Supplements to Use with Caution
Various herbs and supplements may interact adversely with drugs used to treat prostatitis, so caution is advised when considering the use of herbs and supplements. Caffeine, acidic foods, spicy foods, citrus, and alcohol may worsen symptoms of prostatitis. Additionally, certain antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and diuretics should also be avoided.
Bibliography
Cai, T., et al. “Serenoa repens Associated with Urtica dioica (ProstaMEV) and Curcumin and Quercitin (FlogMEV) Extracts Are Able to Improve the Efficacy of Prulifloxacin in Bacterial Prostatitis Patients.” International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, vol. 33, 2009, pp. 549-53.
Lee, S. W., et al. “Acupuncture Versus Sham Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain.” American Journal of Medicine vol. 121, 2008, 79.
"Natural Ways to Treat an Enlarged Prostate." Harvard Health Publishing, 29 Apr. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/natural-ways-to-treat-an-enlarged-prostate. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
Pan, Juanhong, et al. “Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis or Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Pain Research and Management, Mar. 2023, doi:10.1155/2023/7754876.
Punyala, Ananth, et al. “Saw Palmetto Treatment for Prostatitis: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” JU Open Plus, vol. 2, no. 2, 2024, doi.org/10.1097/JU9.0000000000000108.
"Prostatitis." Mayo Clinic, 19 Feb. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostatitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355771. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.