Evidence supporting the use of: Pomegranate
For the health condition: Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 1

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) has attracted interest as a potential supportive therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to its high content of polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models have shown that pomegranate extracts can inhibit prostatic cell proliferation, reduce oxidative stress, and modulate inflammatory markers—mechanisms implicated in BPH pathogenesis. Some laboratory studies have also suggested that pomegranate may inhibit 5α-reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone involved in prostate enlargement.

However, clinical evidence in humans is very limited. Only a handful of small pilot studies and one or two randomized controlled trials have looked at pomegranate’s effects in men with prostate conditions, and these have generally focused on prostate cancer or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels rather than BPH symptoms directly. There is currently insufficient high-quality clinical evidence to support the use of pomegranate specifically for the treatment or management of BPH. As a result, while there is a plausible scientific rationale based on laboratory findings, the supporting human evidence is weak and does not justify strong recommendations for its use in BPH. Individuals interested in using pomegranate for prostate health should consult healthcare professionals and not rely on it as a primary treatment for BPH.

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