Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto does not seem to affect overall prostate size, but is believed to shrink the inner prostatic epithelium.

Multiple clinical studies lasting up to 48 weeks have shown that saw palmetto significantly improves urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, hesitancy, urgency, and perineal heaviness.

Pumpkin Seed Oil

Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, and can exhibit a diuretic effect, which can relieve bladder discomfort, causing the perception of reduced prostate gland swelling without reducing the glad size. The phytosterols are also believed to affect urine flow.

Pygeum Africanum

Pygeum bark boasts several components believed to ease symptoms associated with benign prostate hyperplasia. Among them: pentacyclic triterpenoids, known for their diuretic action; phytosterols, which are believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity; and ferulic esters, which may help rid the prostate of any cholesterol deposits that support BPH.

Uva Ursi

Uva Ursi, (translated from latin to "bear's grape" because the big furry critters are particularly fond of the berries) is known for its antiseptic and astringent (drying) effects within the urinary tract.

Studies:

• Di Silverio F, Monti S, Sciarra A, et al. Effects of long term treatment with Serenoa repens (Permixon) on the concentrations and regional distribution of androgens and epidermal growth factor  in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate 1998;37:77-83.
• Levin RM, AK. A scientific basis for the therapeutic effects of Pygeum africanum and Serenoa repens. Urol Res 2000;28:201-9.
• Bayne CW, Ross M, Donnelly F, Habib FK. The selectivity and specificity of the actions of the lipidosterolic extract of serenoa repens (permixon/E) on the prostate. J Urol 2000;164:876-81.
• Andro MC, Riffaud JP. Pygeum africanum extract for the treatment of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. A review of 25 years of published experience. Curr Ther Res 1995;56:796-817.

Notes:

1. Saw Palmetto may prolong bleeding time, and should be taken with caution by those on anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents.
2. Saw Palmetto may interfere with the use of oral contraceptives and hormone therapy, and should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding. 
3. Patients with hormone-dependent cancers should observe caution and speak to a physician regarding Saw Palmetto, due to its anti-estrogenci, estrogenic, and anti-androgenic effects. 
4. Uva Ursi may cause discoloration of the urine resulting in a green or brown tint.