02/11/2019 / By Zoey Sky
Men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) don’t just experience an excessively large prostate. They’re also prone to health problems like urinary leakage or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thankfully, a study has determined that garlic (Allium sativum) may be used to prevent BPH.
The study, published in Phytotherapy Research, was conducted by researchers who assessed the effectiveness of garlic on rat models.
BPH is a non-cancerous urologic disease that usually affects men older than age 50. The condition affects the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. This gland wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. The prostate adds fluid to semen that carries sperm. When a patient develops BPH, the gland can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.
BPH is linked to symptoms such as:
While there are conventional treatments for the BPH, most of them are linked to negative side effects.
Because of these side effects, the search goes on for a natural and effective cure for prostate gland enlargement. Researchers are looking into the development of herbal medicines that can be used safely for the long-term to inhibit the progress of the condition.
Earlier research has confirmed garlic’s anti?hyperlipidemic, anti?inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties. But to date, no study has been conducted to see if garlic can be used to treat prostate enlargement. (Related: Things You Should Know About Garlic – Health Benefits, DIY, Recipes, Tips and Tricks.)
In the study, researchers tested garlic to determine its suppressing effects on rat models with induced BPH. The study findings showed that garlic administration helped reduce relative prostate weight ratio. Garlic also helped inhibit the mRNA expression level of AR, DHT serum levels, and the growth of prostatic tissue in the rats with BPH.
Additionally, garlic administration decreased the levels of two inflammatory proteins in prostatic tissue: inducible nitric oxide synthases (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX?2).
The scientists also reported the garlic-induced accumulation of death?inducing signal complex and activation of 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). They also observed a decrease in levels of anti?apoptotic proteins, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl?2), B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl?xL), and survivin, during the course of the study.
According to the researchers, garlic can potentially be used to develop natural remedies that can effectively prevent prostate gland enlargement in male patients.
Below are some natural cures that can help ease some of the symptoms of BPH.
You can read more articles about research on natural cures for benign prostatic hyperplasia at Research.news.
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Tagged Under: Allium sativum, benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH, dihydrotestosterone, food cures, garlic, garlic extract, inflammation, men's health, prostate enlargement, prostate health