A recent online survey found that men are reluctant to speak to their physicians about their bladder. In fact, 70% of the respondents believed “embarrassment” might keep men from talking about bladder health with their doctors.
However, supporting good bladder health is important in maintaining a good quality of life, especially as men get older.
- Naturally supports bladder strength†
- Formulated specifically for men
- Clinically studied extracts
- Well established safety and tolerability
How Does It Work?
The three extracts in Better Bladder for Men are all clinically studied to support a healthy bladder and urination.† Through their effects on prostate tissue health and the body's natural anti-inflammatory response, they promote healthy bladder function.†
Pygeum
Pygeum africanum has a long history of traditional use for bladder support.†2 Native to Africa, this evergreen shrub contains key compounds known as phytosterols. These compounds, especially beta-sitosterol, have been to support the body's natural anti-inflammatory response, especially in prostate tissue, as well as have immune supportive benefits.†3 Scientific studies have also found that pygeum extract supports healthy bladder smooth muscle tissue.†4
In a large placebo-controlled, double blind clinical trial, 263 men received either pygeum extract or placebo for 8 weeks. At the conclusion of the study, 66% of the men who had received pygeum extract experienced support for healthy micturition (urinary flow).†5 A meta analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1,562 men found that men who received pygeum extract were more than twice as likely to report benefits for healthy bladder function and urinary flow as men who received placebo.† Additionally, this same meta analysis found that side effects associated with pygeum extract were mild and similar to placebo.6
Nettle
While the leaves and stem of the stinging nettle plant (Urtica dioica) have a long history of traditional use for joint and respiratory health, recent research has focused on the health supportive benefits of the roots for healthy urinary flow and prostate function.† Stinging nettle has been shown to support a natural anti-inflammatory response, partially through its inhibition of cyclooxygenase derived reactions.†7,8
A one year, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study of stinging nettle root extract found that its use was associated with a 30% benefit in urinary and prostate health.†9 In a clinical trial of 134 men taking a blend of stinging nettle and pygeum for 28 days researchers found that this combination provided significant support for healthy urination.†10
Pumpkin
The pumpkin plant (Cucubita pepo) has a long history of traditional use. It has been cultivated in Mexico and North America since 14,000 BC. Analysis of the naturally occurring compounds in pumpkin have found that it contains high levels of phytosterols, (including beta-sitosterol) as well as linoleic acid, selenium and other beneficial nutrients for bladder and prostate health.†11
Pumpkin's mechanism of action is not completely understood. One theory is that delta-7 sterols in the fatty oils block dihydrotestosterone from androgen receptors, decreasing the exposure of prostate cells to hormonal stimulation.†11,12 Research has also found that pumpkin mildly inhibits 5 alpha reductase (an enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone) in vivo, and supports the body's natural anti-inflammatory response.†11
Pumpkin seed has been most commonly studied in combination with other herbs such as saw palmetto. However, in an open clinical trial pumpkin intake was associated with healthy levels of dihydrotestosterone in prostate tissue.†13 In scientific studies pumpkin seed oil was found to support healthy bladder pressure and function.†14
The following chart summarizes the benefits of the ingredients in Better Bladder for Men™†:
| Ingredient |
Benefit |
| Nettle |
Supports healthy urinary flow†
|
| Pygeum |
Supports healthy bladder smooth muscle tissue† |
| Pumpkin |
Supports healthy hormone levels and the body's natural anti-inflammatory response† |
Conclusion
Each the herbs in Better Bladder for Men™† has a long history of traditional use, backed by modern scientific studies showing benefits and safety.† This potent herbal blend of clinically studied ingredients provides superior support for bladder strength and prostate health.†
Recommendations
For best results, take one softgel in the morning and one in the evening. May be taken as two softgels once daily.
Precautions
If experiencing the symptoms of bladder dysfunction (increased frequency, weak flow, etc), or taking a prescription drug, consultation with a healthcare practitioner is recommended.
How Is It Supplied?
Storage Recommendations
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
References
- Time To Go. Online Survey. Men's Health Forum. Available at: http://www.malehealth.co.uk/userpage1.cfm?item_id=1292. Accessed October 25, 2005.
- Pygeum africanum (Prunus africanus) (African plum tree). Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2002;7:71-4.
- Plant sterols and sterolins. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 2001 Apr;6(2):203-6.
- Levin RM, Whitbeck C, Horan P, Bellamy F. Low-dose tadenan protects the rabbit bladder from bilateral ischemia/ reperfusion-induced contractile dysfunction. Phytomedicine. 2005 Jan;12(1-2):17-24.
- Barlet A, Albrecht J, Aubert A, et al. Efficacy of Pygeum africanum extract in the medical therapy of urination disorders due to benign prostatic hyperplasia: evaluation of objective and subjective parameters. A placebo-controlled double-blind multicenter study. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 1990 Nov 23;102(22):667-73. [Article in German]
- Ishani A, MacDonald R, Nelson D, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Pygeum africanum for the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and quantitative meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2000 Dec 1;109(8):654-64.
- Stinging Nettle. In: Gruenwald J, ed. PDR for Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson Healthcare; 2004:792-795.
- Obertreis B, Giller K, Teucher T, Behnke B, Schmitz H. Anti-inflammatory effect of Urtica dioica folia extract in comparison to caffeic malic acid. Arzneimittelforschung. 1996 Jan;46(1):52-6.
- Schneider T, Rubben H. Stinging nettle root extract (Bazoton-uno) in long term treatment of benign prostatic syndrome (BPS). Results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled multicenter study after 12 months. Urologe A. 2004 Mar;43(3):302-6. [Article in German]
- Krzeski T, Kazon M, Borkowski A, Witeska A, Kuczera J. Combined extracts of Urtica dioica and Pygeum africanum in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: double-blind comparison of two doses. Clin Ther. 1993 Nov-Dec;15(6):1011-20.
- Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. Curcurbita pepo L. Fitoterapia. 1997;68:291-302.
- Pumpkin Seeds. In: Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 1998:220-230.
- Schilcher H. Improving bladder function by pumpkin seeds? Med Monatsschr Pharm. 1996 Jun;19(6):178-9. [Article in German]
- Zhang X, Ouyang JZ, Zhang YS, Tayalla B, Zhou XC, Zhou SW. Effect of the extracts of pumpkin seeds on the urodynamics of rabbits: an experimental study. J Tongji Med Univ. 1994;14(4):235-8.