Half of all 50-year-old men suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and the prevalence of the condition increases with advancing age. This common, but unpleasant condition results in a gradual enlargement of the prostate gland, which is characterised by frequent urges to urinate, particularly during the night. Urination can often be both difficult and painful.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is largely attributed to natural hormonal changes associated with aging. After the age of fifty, testosterone levels markedly decrease, whilst other hormones such as prolactin and estradiol increase. This shift in hormonal production results in the over production of an extremely potent form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone within the prostate gland. Dihydrotestosterone encourages the over production of prostate cells, which gradually causes the prostate to enlarge.
Saw palmetto provides concentrated amounts of free fatty acids and sterols. These active compounds help to maintain healthy levels of dihydrotestosterone within the prostate. Over production of dihydrotestosterone within the prostate results in an increased production of prostate cells and is considered to be a primary cause of benign prostate enlargement.
Pygeum bark contains a number of constituents which can help to maintain prostate health. Firstly, ferulic esters help to maintain normal testosterone levels within the prostate. Secondly, compounds with Pygeum bark called Phytosterols help to maintain normal levels of hormone-like substances in the body (prostaglandins) that tend to accumulate in the prostate of men suffering from benign prostate enlargement. Yet another category of compounds found within Pygeum bark called pentacyclic terpenes have a decongesting effect.
Korean Ginseng works synergistically with Pygeum bark to help maintain normal male hormonal balance.
Pumpkin seeds are often used in combination with Pygeum bark as a means of helping to maintain prostate health. Pumpkin seeds contain several major groups of active constituents: essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins and minerals including zinc. Essential fatty acids and Phytosterols help to maintain normal male hormone levels, whilst zinc plays an important role in normal prostate function.
Zinc deficiency can lead to swelling of the prostate gland. Due to the vital importance of zinc in maintaining prostate health, Health Sense Prostate Formula also contains 15mg (100% recommended daily allowance) of this essential mineral. |