This product may have the following benefits

May help symptoms of:

• Prostate enlargement
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
• Cystitis in men, secondary to BPH
• Prostatitis

The prostate is a doughnut shaped gland about the size of a chestnut and is part of the male reproductive system. The gland surrounds the urethra which carries urine flow from the bladder.

In older men, particularly those over 50, enlargement of the prostate may occur - a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The cause of this enlargement is an increased sensitivity of the prostatic cells to the levels of testosterone circulating in the body.

BPH causes a disturbance to the flow of urine resulting in frequent urination, particularly in the middle of the night (a condition known as nocturia), poor or painful urine flow and dribbling.

Prostatitis is a totally different condition of the prostate. It is seen most frequently in younger men and is the result of infection in the gland, usually by bacteria. The anti-inflammatory action of Saw Palmetto and the anti-infective properties of Echinacea have some value in this condition.

Mode of Action

• Inhibits hormone metabolism
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiseptic

The male testes secrete testosterone. This is converted within the prostate by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

The enzyme 3-ketosteroid reductase enhances the binding of DHT to androgen receptors in the gland, causing the prostatic cells to enlarge. This in turn causes the whole gland to increase in size (hypertrophy). This condition is known common as 'an enlarged prostate' and referred to medically as BPH.

Saw Palmetto inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which in turn reduces the amount of DHT produced. It also inhibits the binding of this compound by 3-ketosteroid reductase to the receptors.

The result of all this is to alleviate congestion and inflammation in the prostate. This is done by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances and their subsequent leakage through the capillaries into the surrounding tissue, thereby relieving symptoms associated with BPH.

Saw Palmetto acts specifically on the prostate gland and does not affect androgen activity in other organs such as the testes.

Additional ingredients in Saw Palmetto tincture:

Solidago virgaurea (Golden Rod) is a diuretic with important anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action which soothes urinary tract infections.

Echinacea purpurea (Purple Cone Flower, common called Echinacea) has generalised immune stimulant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help fight any infection that may be present.

Populus tremulus (White Poplar bark) is a herb with mild analgesic properties which relieves pain and inflammation in urinary tract spasms and painful urination.

Saw Palmetto Complex is recommended for reducing symptoms of BPH. Once the symptoms have subsided, Saw Palmetto Complex can be continued at a reduced dose. (See yellow box above.)

More about Bioforce (Words by Bioforce)

Bioforce is the UK market leader for Herbal Medicines. The company produces an extensive range of products focusing on A.Vogel organic fresh herb tinctures and tincture tablets. Established in 1987 and based in Irvine, Scotland, we are at the forefront of Phytotherapy, the science of using herbs to maintain health and influence illness.

The A.Vogel range of fresh herb tinctures and tablets are manufactured in Switzerland and transported to Scotland where they are bottled in our modern facility in Irvine, which also operates to GMP standards. All our products are distributed throughout Britain and Ireland.

We are a modern science-based company, grounded in the knowledge and traditions of the herbalist. We offer a comprehensive programme of education to ensure that the most up-to-date information is available to those who use our products. Our team of Territory Managers is supplemented by a Nutritionist, Pharmacists and Quality Control staff and headed by our Medical Director, Dr Jen Tan.

Our leading products include Echinaforce, Atrogel Arnica Gel, Atrosan Devil's Claw tablets, Prostasan Saw Palmetto capsules,  Venaforce Horse Chestnut tablets and Hyperiforce St John's Wort tablets.

Our parent company, based in Roggwil, Switzerland, was founded in 1963 by Alfred Vogel, the eminent Swiss Naturopath and pioneer in natural health, and now supplies fresh herb tinctures to over 30 countries world-wide.

The majority of herbs used to produce the A.Vogel range are grown using a strict organic protocol, mainly in the fertile conditions of Roggwil. This allows the company to exert complete control over the cultivation of plants, from planting through to harvesting using Good Agricultural and Collection Practice (GACP).

All our products are manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols and control. Stringent quality controls and a full range of scientific tests throughout growth and manufacture also ensure the best of quality. Certain herbs such as Arnica montana, Saw Palmetto and Devil’s Claw are cultivated on special farms in other parts of the world, again using organic protocols."

We always recommend that you work in conjunction with your primary medical advisor, particularly if you have an existing medical condition, and that you do not take any products during pregnancy or breast-feeding without first referring to your primary medical advisor.