NMU 112 – French Maritime Pine Extract Shown to Reverse Enlarged Prostate Problems (BPH)

Nutrition / Natural Medicine Update No 112 (November 15, 2018)

with Dr. James Meschino

Topic: French Maritime Pine Extract Shown to Reverse Enlarged Prostate Problems (BPH)

Source: Journal Minerva Med August 2018

As men age, they become more prone to enlarged prostate problems as many people know. One of the main driving forces behind this problem is that, as men age, especially after age 40, prostate cells more rapidly convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. As such, dihydrotestosterone or DHT, builds up in prostate cells and stimulates prostate cells to divide at a more rapid rate. This results in a greater number of prostate cells within the gland, making the prostate gland larger. With prostate enlargement it puts pressure on the urethra, blocking normal urine flow from the bladder. It’s not fun and it makes urination difficult, reduces the urine stream, causes frequent day-time and night-time urination problems and can interfere with normal sexual function as well.

There are drugs that can help to prevent the build-up of DHT in the prostate, but there are also some very good and safe supplements that have been shown to do the same. In fact, I think that all men over 40 should consider taking a prostate support supplement to help prevent prostate enlargement, in conjunction with other dietary and lifestyle measures. I usually recommend a supplement that contains a combination of the following standardized extracts at specific doses:

• Saw palmetto
• Pygeum africanum
• Beta-sitosterol
• Soy isoflavones
• And Stinging nettle

Each of these natural agents has shown impressive results in human clinical studies involving prostate health.

In August 2018 an interesting study out of Italy showed that supplementation with a patented French Maritime Pine extract significantly improved symptoms and signs in men who had early-stage enlarged prostate problems (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH). The trial involved 75 men with early-stage prostate enlargement. One group of men were given standard dietary advice, one group of men took standard prostate medication and one group of men were given standard dietary advice plus a French Maritime Pine extract (150 mg per day). The men who showed the best improvement were the men given the French Maritime Pine extract.

How does it work? Well, animal studies show that, like Saw palmetto extract, beta-sitosterol, and Soy isoflavones, the active constituents in French Maritime Pine extract block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. They also appear to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may also help support prostate health. So, I think this study is worth noting, as French Maritime Pine extract continues to show properties that are similar to those of other impressive natural agents with respect to supporting prostate health.

I’ve included a link to the research papers in the text below.

References:

1. Ledda A, Belcaro G, Feragalli B, Cronelli C, Dugal M et al. Benign prostatic hypertrophy: Pycnogenol ® supplementation improves prostate symptoms and residual bladder volume. Minerva Med August 2018 109(4): 280-284 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29947491

2. Blocks Build-up of DHT https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327958699_Inhibitory_effects_of_PycnogenolR_a_pine_bark_extract_in_a_rat_model_of_testosterone_propionate-induced_benign_prostatic_hyperplasia

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,

Dr. Meschino