What are the Four Herbs in Prosfen?
Saw Palmetto berry oil (220 mg/15 ml) which contains hexane-free, standardized 90% free fatty acid lipid extract and potent sterols help to counteract some of the hormonal mid-life changes that lead to prostate enlargement. The German Commission E, the leading authority in the evaluation of herbs, has approved saw palmetto as safe and effective for the symptoms of benign prostatic enlargement.
In several clinical trials, respondents reported improvements in nightime urination, urgency to urinate and other urinary problems. Saw palmetto is an herb that acts to tone and strengthen the male reproductive system. Saw palmetto inhibits the instigator enzyme that converts testosterone to its dangerous form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It also serves as a mild anti-inflammatory for the troubled prostate gland.
A recent review of double-blind studies concluded that saw palmetto is just as effective as some mainstream medications without their side effects, such as loss of libido. The effectiveness of saw palmetto is further enhanced by adding the following combination of herbs found only in Prosfen.
Tribulis Terrestris Extract (200mg/l5ml) containing 45% saponins naturally raises the level of luteinizing hormone which stimulates testosterone production. This herb, sometimes called puncture vine, seems to have a positive effect on sexual function. The active ingredient is protodioscin which can increase sexual-arousal and reproductive function. Studies have shown that individuals supplementing with tribulus experience an increase in testosterone levels, in some cases as much as 40% or more. Other benefits can be increased immunity, self-confidence and generally better moods. Tribulis is extremely rich in substances of potential biological significance, including saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and other nutrients.
Nettle Root Extract (200mg/15ml) is known to be effective for reducing inflammation of the urinary tract and is approved by the German Commission E for this purpose. Nettle root extract which contains 0.8% sterols inhibit the sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which is involved with increasing the size of the prostate. Lectins found in nettle root have an immune modulating effect which is important because 75% of men with BPH or enlarged prostate have antibodies against prostatic tissue. It also acts to improve urinary output and decrease frequency of urination.
Pygeum Africanum Bark Extract (100mg/15ml) contains the lipophilic extracts standardized to 13% sterols determined as beta-sitosterol which benefit the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. Pygeum also demonstrates a diruetic action and anti-inflammatory properties. Pygeum inhibits fibroblast proliferation.
Numerous clinical studies have recently shown the usefulness of pygeum bark in the treatment of most prostate and urinary conditions.