| Red Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) |
Reduction in 5-alpha-reducatase enzyme activity, reduction in DHT levels |
(3) |
| Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) |
Reduction in total testosterone levels (effect on free testosterone levels not clear) |
(4-6) |
| White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) |
Paeoniflorin inhibits the production of testosterone and promotes the activity of aromatase - the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen |
(7) |
| Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) |
Contains chemicals epigallocatechins, which inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and thereby reduce the conversion of normal testosterone into the more potent DHT |
(8) |
| Spearmint (Mentha spicata[Labiatae]) |
Decreases free testosterone, increases LH, FSH and estradiol. Reduction in patient reported measures of hirsutism |
(9, 10) |
| Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) |
Black cohosh extract has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of human breast cancer cells and kill both androgen-responsive and unresponsive human prostate cancer cells by induction of apoptosis and activation of caspases. |
(11-13) |
| Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) |
Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness of medications produced from extract of the plant in the management of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) as well reduction of mild hyperprolactinemia. |
(14-17) |
| Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) |
Shown to be of efficacy for the treatment of nocturia in the context of BPH only |
(19, 20, 25-27) |
