Enlarged Prostate Treatment With Black Cohosh

The potential of black cohosh in treating an enlarged prostate is uncertain, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. While the center cites in vitro studies indicating that black cohosh decreases the proliferation of prostate cancer cells, no studies indicate that it has any positive effects on an enlarged prostate.

Defined

• Surgery can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate so that urine flow is normal again.

  Experts at Mayo Clinic explain that the male prostate continues to grow as a man ages and can sometimes cause an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, that blocks the flow of urine. Treatment options include medications, laser surgery and standard surgery, but not black cohosh.

Origins

• The black cohosh herb comes from the root of a plant found in the woodlands of Canada and the East Coast of the United States and is a source of pantothenic acid and vitamin A. Black cohosh is a dietary supplement typically used to treat menstrual-related complaints.

Cautions

• Further testing will determine if black cohosh is a safe treatment for an enlarged prostate.

  Because black cohosh appears to have different effects on different types of conventional cancer treatment, the American Cancer Society cautions against its use as a cancer treatment. Black cohosh doesn't appear to affect radiation therapy but may make some chemotherapy treatments less effective.