Prostate: Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed & Nettle at a Glance

In short: around the prostate, saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, nettle root and the African plum tree are traditionally used – and for the nutrient zinc there are authorised claims. By far the most important element, however, remains urological screening. No food supplement replaces it.

Important to note up front: problems when urinating, blood in the urine or other abnormalities should always be investigated by a urologist. For the plants mentioned, no health claims are authorised in the EU; we describe them traditionally and neutrally. We only state nutrient claims where they are authorised. This article does not replace medical advice.

As they get older, the prostate comes into focus for many men – often from around the mid-40s. Numerous plants and preparations circulate around the topic. This guide sorts out what is established and what is tradition, without false promises.

The key points at a glance

• The prostate is a roughly chestnut-sized gland that produces part of the seminal fluid.
• Traditionally used are saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, nettle root and the African plum tree – without authorised efficacy claims.
• Zinc contributes, among other things, to the maintenance of a normal testosterone level in the blood and to normal fertility (authorised claims).
• The most important element remains urological screening.

The prostate – briefly explained

The prostate (the prostate gland) is a roughly chestnut-sized gland below the bladder that surrounds the urethra like a ring. It produces part of the seminal fluid. With age it can change and increase in volume – which is why regular check-ups from a certain age are so important. Because it surrounds the urethra, changes often first become noticeable when urinating.

This anatomical position explains why men often discover the topic via the bladder rather than the gland itself: if the tissue changes, it can press on the urethra passing through it. That is why, in this guide, we draw such a clear distinction between “supporting everyday life” and “having it medically clarified” – with anything to do with urinating, the cause belongs in expert hands.

Traditionally used plants

Several plants have a long tradition in men's health. We deliberately describe them neutrally, as no EU health claims are currently authorised for them:

Ready-made complexes bundle such plants. You can read more about the individual candidates in the respective categories (see below).

What you can look out for with herbal prostate preparations: a clear indication of the plant part used (with nettle, the root is meant, not the leaf), standardised extracts rather than just “powder”, and a comprehensible dosage. With combination products, all plants should be listed with their amounts – only then can you compare products in a meaningful way. What “standardised” and “lab-tested” mean is explained by Lab-tested: what does that mean?.

When many men first take the topic seriously

The start is typically gradual: you get up more often at night, the urine stream becomes weaker, or the feeling of complete emptying is missing. Such changes are a reason to see a urologist – not to search the internet for the strongest capsule. Because very different causes can lie behind problems when urinating, and these require professional clarification. Supplements and traditional plants can support everyday life, but can never replace this clarification. That is the most important message of this guide.

Zinc & selenium – here there are authorised claims

Among the nutrients, zinc in particular is of interest for men. It contributes to the maintenance of a normal testosterone level in the blood, to normal fertility and reproduction, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Selenium likewise contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress and supports normal spermatogenesis. These claims relate to the nutrients – not to a specific organ. How much zinc makes sense is explained by Zinc: effect & daily requirement; the interplay with copper is explained by Zinc and copper.

The reason why these two trace elements in particular keep coming up in men's health: they are involved in processes of cell division, the hormone balance and cell protection – all functions that are relevant to reproduction and cell health. The nice thing about this is that these are not tradition but officially reviewed, authorised claims. So anyone looking for a solid starting point is better served by a well-dosed zinc preparation than by grand promises about exotic plants. In doing so, pay attention to a sensible ratio to copper, as a permanently high zinc intake can affect copper absorption.

What research is investigating

For the plants mentioned, no authorised EU health claims exist – research continues to investigate their constituents and possible effects, without officially recognised claims being derived from this. Well documented and textbook-solid, by contrast, is the role of zinc and selenium as essential trace elements with clearly defined functions (see the authorised claims above). This honest distinction is important to us: tradition is a value in itself, but it does not replace established proof of efficacy.

Lifestyle that counts

Before it comes to capsules, it is worth looking at the basics – this is where every man has the most in his own hands:

• Exercise and a healthy body weight.
• A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables and good fats.
• Drinking enough, alcohol in moderation – though in the evening many deliberately drink less in order to get up less often at night.
• Not smoking and keeping stress within limits.

These points sound unspectacular, but they are the part that no plant and no nutrient replaces. A balanced diet also provides zinc and selenium in a natural way – good sources include, for example, pumpkin seeds, nuts, wholegrains, fish and meat.

Fitting in with this: Nutrients for men and Nutrients for men over 40. Anyone who drinks a lot and is often on the go will find relevant background in Nutrients for fluid balance.

Honestly assessed: tradition is not proof of efficacy

Saw palmetto, pumpkin seed and the like have centuries of use – that is a genuine value and the reason why so many men reach for them. At the same time: a long tradition is not an officially recognised proof of efficacy, and no EU health claims are currently authorised for these plants. We say this openly because it protects you from exaggerated expectations. What is established in the sense of authorised claims are the nutrient functions of zinc and selenium. Anyone who can put both into perspective – tradition on the one hand, established nutrient function on the other – makes the better decision.

Most important: urological screening

This cannot be said often enough: no food supplement replaces medical screening. Men should take up the recommended preventive check-ups with a urologist – and, in the case of symptoms such as problems when urinating, blood in the urine or pain, promptly consult a practice. Do not wait with this. Supplements can accompany a balanced diet, but can never replace an examination.

Matching categories at Scheunengut

You will find the traditional plants in Saw palmetto, Pumpkin seed, Nettle and African plum tree. You will find the nutrient zinc in Zinc. An overview is provided by the category Men in every stage of life – lab-tested and made in Germany.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which plants are traditionally used for the prostate?

Traditionally used are above all saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), pumpkin seed, nettle root and the African plum tree (Pygeum africanum). For these plants no health claims are authorised in the EU, which is why we describe them neutrally and exclusively in the traditional context.

What role does zinc play for men?

Zinc is an essential trace element with authorised claims: it contributes to the maintenance of a normal testosterone level in the blood, to normal fertility and reproduction, and to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. These claims relate to the nutrient, not to a specific organ.

Do herbal preparations replace urological screening?

No, absolutely not. No food supplement replaces medical screening. Men should take up the recommended preventive check-ups with a urologist and, in the case of complaints such as problems when urinating, blood in the urine or pain, promptly consult a practice.

From what age should you pay attention to the prostate?

The prostate can change with increasing age, often from around the mid-40s. That is why regular urological screening is recommended from a certain age. The exact frequency and starting point are best discussed individually with your doctor.