Traditional Uses

• Treatment of benign prostate enlargement (also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH)
• Urinary problems

Mode of Action

• Antiandrogenic activity (counteracts the effects of  the male hormone androgen)
• Anti-inflammatory and antiedemateous (reduces swelling) activity
• It is the antiandrogenic and anti-inflammatory effects that appear to account for the beneficial role of the herb in treating prostatic enlargement

Drug Interactions

• May interfere with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy
• May increase the hyperglycemic (blood sugar increasing ) and hyperuricemic (high uric acid in urine) effects of glucose-elevating agents
• May reduce the kidney’s ability to remove lithium from your system

Cautions

• May cause stomach upset
• Avoid during pregnancy and breast feeding

Recommended Dose

• 500 mg three times a day. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Blumenthal, 1998; Hoffman, 1990; Newall, 1996; Tyler, 1993; Tyler, 1994; Weiner, 1994; Wild, 1994