Urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate and herbs
Frequent urination from benign prostate enlargement is one of the biggest markets for herbal supplements. But large, well-designed studies have shown that some of them do not work as hoped.
In short
Large studies showed that saw palmetto extract is no better than placebo. Nettle root is accepted in Europe by tradition.
The plants, strongest evidence first
Stinging nettle Urtica dioica
The root is recognised for traditional use in urinary symptoms from prostate enlargement; study results are moderate.
Saw palmetto Serenoa repens
Large, well-designed studies showed that saw palmetto extract is no better than placebo for these symptoms.