POLLENPowerful Protection for Prostate Health

By Heather S. Oliff, PhD

Anutritional supplement has become available in the USthat offers promising benefits to the millions of men. affected with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cemitin®, a

natural remedy derived from pollen extracts, has been found tohelp manage the troublesome symptoms associated with benignprostatic hyperplasia.

The prostate is a walnut-sizedgland that is part of the male repro-ductive system. Its major function isto contribute seminal fluid. Locatedinside the body cavity, the prostatesits in front of the rectum and justbelow the bladder. The prostategland surrounds the urethra, thecanal through which urine exits thebody. Prostate gland enlargementean be caused by prostate cancer,but 80% of the time it is attributableto benign prostatic hyperplasia.'

As men age, the prostate glandincreases in size, making benign pro-static hyperplasia one of the mostcommon age-related conditions inmen." The enlarged gland puts pres-sure on the urethra, acting like apartial clamp and thus causingnumerous urinary symptoms.Benign prostatic hyperplasia is aprogressive disease, but it does notusually cause problems until late in

life.' Although it rarely causes symp-toms in men younger than age 40,benign prostatic hyperplasia affectsmore than 50% of men in their six-ties and 90% of men in their seven-ties and eighties.'

The cause of benign prostatichyperplasia is still poorly under-stood, but it is likely that several fac-tors play a role. Prostate cell growthcan be stimulated by accumulationin the prostate of dihydrotestos-tcrone (DHT), an active form oftestosterone that can be regulatedwith certain nutrients and drugs. Itcan also be stimulated by accumula-tion of estrogen in the prostate,other growth factors, or complexinteractions between cell layers ofthe prostate. In addition, geneticfactors likely play a role—having afamily member with benign prostatichyperplasia increases the likelihoodthat you will develop it as well. > > >

December 2004 LIFE EXTENSION 27

Medical evaluation of urinarysymptoms is the first step in man-aging them. Since untreatedprostate cancer can lead to death, itis important for a medical profes-sional to rule out prostate cancer.Non-malignant enlargement ofthe prostate gland, or benign pro-static hyperplasia, may requiretreatment to help alleviate thesymptoms. Although not lifethreatening, untreated benign pro-static hyperplasia can cause chron-ic problems such as loss of sleep,urinary tract infections, bladder orkidney damage, bladder stones,and incontinence.' Men withsevere benign prostatic hyperplasiamay require surgery. Mild to mod-erate benign prostatic hyperplasiacan often be managed with herbalremedies or conventional pharma-ceuticals.- When treatment is start-ed during the early stages, there isa reduced risk of developing com-plications.' Preventive measuresmay also be valuable in protectingprostate health.

HOW FLOWER POLLENHELPS THE PROSTATE

Cernitin® is a microbiologicallyfermented extract created from the

pollen of various plants, includingrye grass. Pollens—the male seedsthat enable flowering plants toreproduce—are gathered directlyfrom plants in the field. (Beepollen is not used.) The flower pol-lens are then combined in stan-dardized proportions. The husksthat sheath the microscopic pollengrains are removed using a Swiss-developed technology to eliminatethe bacteria, fungi, toxins, and pol-lutants that are attached to thehusk. This produces a product thatis free from toxic substances andless likely to cause allergic reac-tions. Two fractions are producedin the extraction process: ahydrophilic, water-soluble fractionand a lipophilic, fat-soluble frac-tion. Cernitin* contains both thewater- and fat-soluble fractions.Chemical analysis of Cernitin" indi-cates that it contains many con-stituents, including vitamins andminerals, carotenoids, amino acids,enzymes, phytosterols, lipids, andfatty acids.

Although its exact mode ofaction is unknown, studies have sug-gested a number of mechanisms bywhich Cernitin'' may help manage

benign prostatic hyperplasia.Research suggests tbat Cernitin®has anti-inflammatory and anti-DHT properties.'^ Inhibitinginflammation decreases swellingand improves urine flow. InhibitingDHT may prevent unhealthyprostate growth. Additional evi-dence indicates that Cernitin* workson the urinary tract by relaxing thesmooth muscle tone of the urethra,thus improving urine flow, increas-ing bladder muscle contraction topush the urine out, and relaxing thesphincter muscles, which help holdthe urine in the bladder.' • Together,these actions would improve theurine flow rate and reduce theamount of urine remaining in thebladder after urination, therebydecreasing urinary frequency.

Scientists discovered that thefat-soluble fraction of Cernitin*caninhibit undesirable prostaglandins,the hormone-like substances thatare potent mediators of physiologi-cal processes such as inflammation."The inhibition of prostaglandinsmay decrease inflammation of theprostate, relax the smooth musclesof the urethra, and inhibit prolifer-ation of prostate cells/

2S LIFE EXTENSION December 2004

Tn addition, scientists discoveredthat the fat-soluble fraction ofCernitin" could inhibit the enzyme5alpha-reductase in prostate glandtissue." In benign prostatic hyper-plasia, the enzyme 5alpha-reduc-tase often converts testosteroneto excess DHT, thus causing DHTto accumulate.'" DHT stimulatesgrowth of the prostate and has arole in the development of benignprostatic hyperplasia.'" BecauseCernitin' inhibits 5alpha-reduc-tase. DHT formation was signifi-cantly inhibited." While Cernitin®presumably decreases DHT forma-tion in benign prostatic hyperpla-sia, additional studies are neededto confirm this.

In addition to DHT, growthfactor pep tides regulate thegrowth of the prostate. Largeconcentrations of epidermalgrowth factor are retained inprostate glands with benign pro-static hyperplasia." Preliminaryevidence suggests that Cernitin*'may control abnormal growth ofthe prostate gland by affectingthe prostate's concentration ofepidermal growth factor."

RESEARCH VALIDATESCERNITIN'S* EFFECTS

A number of impressive trialsconducted to evaluate the effec-tiveness of Cernitin® have conclud-ed that Cernitin- has a beneficialeffect in the management of benignprostatic hyperplasia.' In one studythat lasted four months, 89 menwith benign prostatic hyperplasiawere treated with either Cernitin",Tadenan* (a European pygeumextract drug), or a control. In theCernitin" group, 78% of the menreported improvement in subjec-tive symptoms, especially inobstructive and irritative symptoms.The Cernitin* group also had signif-icant improvement in urine flow

rate, residual urine volume, andprostate volume.'-

Another study found that longertreatment with Cernitin" wasrequired for the prostate volume todecrease." In this trial, 79 men withbenign prostatic hyperplasia treat-ed with Cernitin* had a meandecease in prostate volume afterone year of treatment, but nochange in prostate volume at justthree months." As in the otherstudy, the men reported a signifi-cant improvement in subjectivesymptoms, urine flow rate, andresidual urine volume as measuredafter three months of treatment.

The benefits of Cernitin" werealso demonstrated in a well-designed, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 men withoutflow obstruction due to benignprostatic hyperplasia.'̂ They weretreated with Cernitin* (two cap-sules twice daily, containing 63 mgof pollen extract) or placebo for sixmonths. The Cernitin* group hada statistically significant overallimprovement in subjective symp-toms compared to the placebogroup. Nocturia (frequent urinationat nighttime) was improved or elim-inated in 60% of the patients treat-ed with Cernitin" compared to 30%of the patients treated with placebo.In addition, 57% of patients treatedwith Cernitin"' showed improve-ment in bladder emptying com-pared to only 10% in the placebogroup. Residual urine volumealso decreased significantly in thepatients receiving Cernitin"^ com-pared to those receiving placebo.The Cernitin^-treated patientsalso had a significant decrease inprostate gland volume. The studyauthors concluded, 'A longer dura-tion of treatment or a larger dosagemay produce a more pronouncedbenefit and Cernitin*, which appearsto have no untoward side effects,may prove to be a useful agent inalleviating the early symptoms of

OTHER BENEFITS OF CERNITIN

A chemical analysis of Cernitin*

shows that it contains an impressive

array of biologically active com-

pounds. These include vitamins (water

and fat soluble), minerals, carotenoids,

dietary and physiological amino acids,

enzymes (including six enzyme classes

containing at least 100 different

enzymes), lipids, fatty acids, phyto-

sterols, long chain hydrocarbons,

prostaglandins, streptolysin inhibitory

factors, fiavonoids, and growth regula-

tors, among others.

With its unique, wide-ranging array

of biological agents, it is no wonder

that Cernitin® may be of benefit in

treating a variety of medical condi-

tions besides benign prostatic hyper-

plasia. Human and animal research

suggests that Cemitin" :̂

• Has anti-inflammatory action*

• Protects against colds, influenza,and infectious mononucleosis"

• Speeds recovery from influenza,prostatitis, and non-specificurethritis^^

• Accelerates both wound healingand healing of bone fractures indifficult-to-heal situations"

• Diminishes the side effects ofradiotherapy and cobalt treatmentin cancer patients"

• Relieves pain and improvesmobility in osteoarthritis^'

• Improves symptoms of rheumatoidarthritis'

• Relieves unwanted menopausal

• Reduces tiredness in children andelderly adults^"

• Protects against cardiovasculardisease'

• Inhibits some types of cancer'

December 2004 LIFE ElfTENSiON 29

outflow tract obstruction due tobenign prostatic hyperplasia."'̂

Cernitin* appears to be safe andwell tolerated.'""''•* No adversereactions to its use have beenreported.^ Cernitin* taken orally orpresented in a sachet (a receptaclefor scents) did not cause allergiesin patients who are usually highlyallergic to flower pollen."

While clinical studies are neededfor confirmation, using Cernitin'' asa preventive agent also may holdadvantages. Since the prostategland grows with age and symp-toms of benign prostatic hyperpla-sia take years to develop, using aproduct like Cernitin", which hasbeen shown to reduce the size ofthe prostate, may lessen the risk ofdeveloping benign prostatic hyper-plasia. In addition, studies ofhuman-derived prostate cancercells suggest that the water-solublefraction of Cernitin* may inhibitcancer cell growth."

OTHER BENEFICIALPHYTOTHERAPEUTICS

Throughout the world, phy-totherapies increasingly are used

to promote prostate health. Forexample, in Germany and Austria,physicians prescribe phytotherapyfor mild and moderate benignprostatic hyperplasia in 90% ofcases. In Italy, phytotherapeuticsare prescribed for benign prostat-ic hyperplasia in 50% of cases.'Among these popular phytothera-pics for prostate heath are sawpalmetto, omega-3 fatty acids,nettle root, pygeum, rosemary,and lycopene.

Saw PalmettoSaw palmetto is a dwarf palm

tree native to southeastern NorthAmerica. Its medicinal value forrelief of prostate gland swelling hasbeen reported since the 1800s.'Today, saw palmetto is the mostcommonly used phylotherapeutic inEurope for managing benign pro-static hyperplasia.'' More than 7,000men with benign prostatic hyperpla-sia have participated in clinicalstudies evaluating saw palmetto.'̂

Over all, the clinical studies con-cluded that saw palmetto improvessymptoms of benign prostatichyperplasia, including urinary flowrate, nocturia, painful urination.

residual urine, and inflammation.'̂Saw palmetto may produce itseffect by lowering levels of DHT inprostate tissue. Animal studiesdemonstrate that saw palmettoinduces apoptosis (programmedcell death), inhibits cell prolifera-tion, and prohibits the action ofestrogen in the prostate.'' Saw pal-metto is well tolerated, though gas-trointestinal disturbance has beenreported in rare cases."

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils)Unfortunately, the average

American diet is low in omega-3fatty acids and high in omega-6fatty acids, the two main classes ofpolyunsaturatcd fatty acids infoods. Recent findings suggest thatomega-3 fatty acids, such as EPAand DHA from fish oil, may pre-vent prostate cancer. Scientistsstudied the association betweenfish consumption and prostate can-cer in more than 6,000 Swedishmen." During 30 years of follow-up, men who ate no fish had a twoto three times higher rate of devel-oping prostate cancer than thosewho ate moderate or high amountsof fish. The scientists concluded,"Eish consumption could be asso-ciated with decreased risk ofprostate cancer.""*

A low-fat diet supplementedwith omega-3 fatty acids from fishoil may prevent the developmentand progression of prostate cancerand possibly benign prostatichyperplasia by altering COX-2expression and prostaglandin pro-duction in prostatic tissue.'' COX-2is an enzyme that converts omega-6fatty acids to prostaglandins, whichstimulate Inflammation and thegrowth of new blood vessels to feeda growing tumor. The potential foromega-3 fatty acids contained infish oils to prevent benign prostatichyperplasia and prostate cancerrequires further study, but the pre-liminary evidence is encouraging.

30 LIFE EXTENSION December 2004

Nettle RootStinging nettle is an herb that

grows in temperate chmatcs world-wide. So named because the plant iscovered with "stinging" hairs thatcan cause skin discomfort after acci-dental contact, stinging nettle root isan approved medicine in Germanyfor the treatment of benign prostat-ic hyperplasia. A number of studieshave demonstrated its effects, whichinclude reducing frequent urination,painful urination, nocturia, andurine retention.-" Nettle root pro-duces its effects by inhibitingprostate cell proliferation inducedby the sex hormone binding globulinpathway in the prostate.-''- Someresearchers believe nettle rootrelieves the symptoms of benignprostatic hyperplasia without reduc-ing the prostate's enlargement,-"which may be why nettle root isoften combined in formulationswith other herbs. Nettle root is welltolerated, though occasional mildgastrointestinal disturbance hasbeen reported.'"

PygeutnPygeum africanum is a tree

found in northern Africa. Its barkextracts have been used throughoutEurope for more than 30 years toimprove genital-urinary symptoms.'A review completed in 2000 evalu-ated 18 randomized controlled tri-als of pygeum that involved 1,562men with benign prostatic hyper-plasia.-' Compared to placebo-treated men, more men usingpygeum reported an improvementin overall symptoms, including noc-turia, residual urine volume, andurine flow. Adverse effects due topygeum were mild and comparableto placebo. The reviewers conclud-ed, "A standardized preparation ofPygeum africanum may be a usefultreatment option for men withlower urinary symptoms consistentwith benign prostatic hyperpla-sia."'' Evidence suggests that

pygeum produces its preventiveand healing effects by inhibiting thedivision of prostate cancer cells andbenign prostatic hyperplasia cells.-""

RosemaryRosemary, a small, fragrant ever-

green shrub, has been reported toinhibit experimental carcinogene-sis.-' Preliminary studies in animalsindicate that rosemary has anantimutagenic effect, preventingcancer by reducing the frequency ofcell mutation (cancer cells aremutated cells).-" Rosemary leaf hasno known side effects-" and mayhave the potential to improveprostate health.

LycopeneLycopene is a micronutrient in

the family of carotenoids, whichgive fruits and vegetables their yel-low, orange, and red colors.Tomatoes are the best naturalsource of lycopene, and cookedtomatoes (as in tomato sauce) maybe the optimal source becausethe heating action improves thebody's absorption of lycopene.Lycopene can also be consumed asa supplement.

Lycopene's antioxidant activityis at least twice as great as that ofbeta-carotene. Extensive scientif-ic evidence demonstrates thatincreased consumption of tomatoproducts and other lycopene-con-taining foods may reduce theoccurrence or progression ofprostate cancer.-̂ Scientists evalu-ating 1,872 men with and withoutprostate cancer discovered thatthere is a lower risk of prostate can-cer in men with higher plasma lev-els of lycopene.-' In a smaller study,scientists found that consumingtomato sauce entrees (containing30 mg of lycopene daily) increasedapoptosis in benign prostatichyperplasia cells.'" Additionallarge-scale studies are needed toconfirm this exciting finding.

From top to bottom: stinging nettle,saw palmetto, and rosemary are three

popular phytotherapies used topromote prostate health.

December 2004 LIFE EXTENSION 31

SUMMARY

Flower pollen has been used bymillions of men around the world.With the introduction of Cemitin®,men in the US can now obtain theprotective effects of flower pollenand use it to counteract the symp-toms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Considering that the precisecause of benign prostatic hyperpla-sia remains unknown, it stands toreason that a product such asCernitin*'. which contains severalphytotherapies with various mecha-nisms of action, may be the mosteffective way to both prevent andtreat benign prostatic hyperplasia.With its demonstrated benefits andlack of side effects, Cernitin* is animportant addition to the arsenal ofproducts for prostate health. •

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