Do medicinal Indian herbs for male genital problems sold online work well?

June 15, 4:16 PMSacramento Nutrition ExaminerAnne Hart

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A wide variety of different Ayurvedic herbs from India that are available online also are used in the USA and UK to increase fertility, prevent erectile dysfunction, or to help men with enlarged prostates seeking herbal alternatives. In the UK and in the USA men seeking more choices may turn to Ayurvedic herbs from Indian medicinal plants that are available online.

What ingredients actually are in those various Indian herbs that are used for erectile dysfunction, fertility, or to decrease the size and weight of the prostrate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? Anyone in the US can order these herbs directly from India from several online sites (using the English language).

The herbs are in pill form with the instructions and packaging all printed in English. What are the various herbs, and do they work without side effects for a variety of male conditions such as preventing ED, increasing fertility, and preventing enlarged prostates from growing larger with age?

In India and in several European countries, such as the United Kingdom, men with enlarged prostates have the choice to take herbal remedies rather than the conventional drugs offered to men in the USA. Do the medicinal herbs work?

After being diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH, Enlarged Prostate (and not cancer), most men are prescribed traditional medicines such as Alpha Blockers (which in the past was used to control high blood pressure) and other standard drugs that shrink the prostate such as Flowmax, Adovart, or Terazosin. But in India, men trying to stop their enlarged prostate from growing even larger use an herbal product called himplasia.

 Himplasia is manufactured by Himalaya Herbal Health Care  The various sites are linked with the terms "Himplasia", "Himalaya herbals", and "Himalaya Himplasia." Herbal Cure India is one seller of that product and many more products manufactured by Himalaya Herbal Health Care.

Himalaya Drug Company has numerous prominent herbal formulations like Liv 52, Menosan, and Reosto, among others. And it has broadly contributed to various herbal remedies in the form of pharmaceutical, personal care and animal health products, all of which are said to be the result of extensive clinical research and trials. The company has launched its Organique range of products in US which are purely herbal. Himalaya Himplasia also is available online. Herbs additionally act as a tonic.

Read the article, "Prostate Problems: Enlarged Prostate? How An Ayurvedic Herbal Preparation Can Prevent Night-Time Trips To The Toilet." The article notes, "Prostate size reduced by almost 22% after taking Himplasia tablets." Read the results of studies at that site.

For men complaining of side effects in the long-term use of standard drugs prescribed by most medical doctors in the USA, in India, Himalaya Himplasia and similar herbal remedies are used. Himplasia is available online to most any country, including the USA, and can be ordered.

The benefits of himplasia is that it reduces the prostate's volume and weight gain and increases urinary flow. In ancient times it also had been used to increase fertility. Persons in the USA, Europe, or India can order it from a wide variety of Web sites online.

The pills come in plastic-sealed individually wrapped containers with 30 tablets per carton. Men can order them, for example, for a year's supply or six months supply or by the month. The price goes down the more you order, but watch the expiration date.

How himplasia relieves the basic symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia is with reduction of your prostate's weight. Himplasia improves urinary flow rate though reducing post-void residual urine and inhibits the prostatic stromal proliferation. Himplasia is a non-hormonal herbal that also supports male fertility. The herb supposedly is said to have no side effects. But if you have high blood pressure,use it with caution. The herbal formula helps to maintain a healthy prostrate and healthy reproductive function.

Herbal remedies usually are taken by men over 40 years of age, if the men actually have an enlarged prostate gland. This condition is basically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).

According to the Himalaya Himplasia site, symptoms include the following: "Progressive urinary frequency and urgency, and night time awakening for urination, urinary hesitancy and intermittence, and also reduced force of urine. If left untreated, this will ultimately obstruct bladder outlet."

If you're tired of the side effects of conventional drugs for BPH, check out Himplasia and talk to your doctor or a naturopath familiar with using himplasia for patients. The benefits of himplasia include promoting a freer urinary flow, reducing the prostate weight and volume, inhibiting prostatic stromal proliferation, and improving fertility.

What herbs are in Himplasia?

Himplasia Ingredients (Per Tablet):

* Small caltrops / Gokshura / (Tribulus terrestris) 140mg
* Bonduc nut / Putikaranja / (Caesalpinia bonducella) 120mg
* Areca nut palm / Puga / (Areca catechu) 100mg
* Asparagus / Shatavari / (Asparagus racemosus) 80mg
* Three leaved caper / Varuna / (Cratavea nurvala) 80mg
* Processed agate / Akika pishti 80mg

Directions for taking Himplasia

The flyer that comes with the tablets suggest taking 1 or 2 tablets twice on a daily basis with meals. You're supposed to allow numerous weeks for benefits. The use of natural products also provides progressive but long-lasting results.

According to the various sites selling himplasia, there are no side effects. Men usually look for herbal remedies with no side effects that actually shrink the enlarged prostate. The side effects of conventional drugs might include dizziness, but according to the himplasia web site, "Himplasia is not known to have any wide side effects if taken as per the prescribed dosage." The site states, "Himplasia should be used with caution in patients with hypertension."

Himplasia from Himalaya Herbals

According to the Himalaya Himplasia site, "Himplasia is from the renowned Himalaya Herbals brand approved by over 250,000 doctors worldwide and used by customers in over 60 countries. Himalaya Herbals products have been widely researched clinically and standardized to guarantee bioequivalence."

Bioequivalence refers to ensuring that the product on the market is actually equivalent to the one on which clinical trials were effectively conducted. Himalaya Herbal Healthcare uses chromatographic fingerprinting, one of the most classy standardization techniques, to make sure consistent quality and performance.

See the clinical studies and research on the site. Be aware that some of the research on himplasia have been funded by the same company that manufactures the himplasia tablets. The research is noted on the site as being "an almost double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial." Here are some of the abstracts of the clinical studies information on the Himalaya Himplasia site.

Clinical Studies and Research on Himalaya Herbals Himplasia:

Role of herbal drugs in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Clinical trial to estimate the efficacy and safety of Himplasia

Arora, R.P., CMO, Rajiba L. Nayak, Senior Resident Vineet Malhotra, Senior Resident Mohanty, N.K., Head, Department of Urology, Safdarjang Hospital, New Delhi, India. and Kala Suhas Kulkarni Medical Advisor, R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Bangalore, India.

Abstract

"This was an almost double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, which in fact included 98 patients clinically diagnosed with various degrees of benign prostatic hyperplasia and also confirmed by pelvic ultrasonography along with uroflowmetry investigations. Himplasia was so administered as 1 tablet, two times daily for 6 months. All the patients were clinically examined each month for 6 months and we repeated ultrasonography and uroflowmetry after 6 months treatment. There was outstanding compliance with Himplasia. All 98 patients totally completed the treatment and no patient reported any side effects."

"Himplasia considerably relieved the symptoms of BPH along with reduction in prostate size revealed by pelvic ultrasonography. Himplasia acts by dual mode of action taken by inhibition of 5-alpha reductase enzyme inhibition with alpha receptor blocking action. By this Himplasia overly controls the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone along with relaxation of prostatic smooth muscles. Himplasia may be consider as a therapy for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia."

Evaluation of the usefulness and safety of Himplasia in BPH: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III clinical trial

Dr. Saswata Chakraborty, M.S.1, Dr. Dilip Karamakar, M.S., M.Ch.2, Dr. S.A. Kolhapure, M.D.,3* 1Research Assistant, 2Professor & Head, Department of Urology, Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata, India. 3Senior Medical Advisor, R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore, India [*Corresponding author] Medicine Update (2004): 12(4), 39-48

Abstract

"Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-malignant extension of the prostate gland affecting aging men and is conscientious for great compromises in the quality of life in the geriatric population. Due to everyday adverse reactions of available drug therapy, phytotherapy has been expansively researched and some polyherbal formulations have been actually shown the beneficial in the management of BPH. This study was so planned to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Himplasia in BPH and it was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase III clinical trial, and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee."

"A total of 48 patients those suffering from BPH were included in the study and were categorised by the AUA symptom score index. At the original randomisation visit, a detailed medical history, with special prominence on history of urinary symptoms was so obtained from all patients. All patients underwent a systematic systemic examination, which was actually followed by DRE. Routine biochemical blood tests and explicit tests were done for all patients."

"All patients were investigated by the uroflowmetry and abdominal ultrasonography. All patients were actually advised to consume 1 tablet of Himplasia, twice each day, for a period of 6 months. All patients were actually followed for a period of 6 months. At every monthly follow-up visit the AUA symptom score and prostate size was evaluated."

"An uroflowmetry examination was those done at the end of 3rd and 6th month and a entire clinical, biochemical and ultrasonographic examination was so carried out at the end of the 6th month. The predefined prime endpoints for efficacy were decrease in total AUA score, were to decrease in prostate volume, and also improvement in uroflowmetry parameters."

"The predefined secondary endpoints were actually short-term and long-term safety, patient compliance to the drug therapy, and improvement into haematological and biochemical parameters. All unhelpful events reported or so observed by patients were recorded with information about sternness, date of onset, duration and also action taken regarding the study drug. Statistical analysis was done that according to intention-to-treat principles."

"This study was observed a highly significant reduction in the mean AUA symptom score, prostate volume, PVR urine volume and a exceedingly significant increase in urinary PFR in the Himplasia group at the end of the study. There were no noteworthy changes in the haematological and biochemical parameters, in the Himplasia group. There were no clinically significant unhelpful reactions, either reported or to being observed during the study period and overall get compliance to the treatment was exceptional."

Abbreviations

AUA : American urological association
AUR : Acute urinary retention
BPH : Benign prostatic hyperplasia
CRF : Case report form
DHT : Dihydrotestosterone
DLC : Differential leucocyte count
DRE : Digital rectal examination
Hb : Haemoglobin
IL : Interleukin
LUTS : Lower urinary tract symptoms
PFR : Peak flow rate
PSA : Prostate-specific antigen
PVR : Post-void residual volume
TLC : Total leucocyte count
TNF-a : Tumor necrosis factor- alpha
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Who Experiences BPH?

According to the Himalaya Himplasia site, "Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is normally experienced by men over 50 years of age and is a very common problem. Causes of BPH include: changes in hormone balance that actually occur when a man is in his 40's seems to be the pre-dominant cause of Benign prostatic hyperplasia."

"With age, testosterone levels decrease, whereas other hormone levels rise.The result in an increase in a testosterone derivative - dihydrotestosterone that promotes cell growth into the prostate. This results in the enlargement of the gland and resulting tightening of the urethra within the gland. Other causes of BPH comprise neoplasm, arteriosclerosis, inflammation, and metabolic or nutritional disturbances."

"When the prostatic urethra thus gets compacted urinary flow is obstructed. The bladder may not get empty and remaining pools of urine can lead to infection or to formation of stones." According to the Himalaya Himplasia site, symptoms of BPH include the following: 

Symptoms of BPH

· Reduced urinary flow

· Difficulty into urination

· Incomplete voiding

· Urine retention

· frequent urination urge

· Nocturia

· Incontinence

· Hematuria

· Physical exam will reveal a swollen bladder As BPH progresses there may be get infection, renal insufficiency, hemorrhage and shock. 

The remedy in India for a prostate that keeps growing larger with age (and is not prostate cancer) is to take warm sitz baths, drink more water, avoid too much bicycle or horseback riding, including exercises that chafe the prostate region. The site's solution also advises you to practice Yoga and take health supplements, including the Herbal Ayurvedic Remedy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. (Don't confuse the term, hyperplasia with the herbal remedy, himplasia.)

Coming out of Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian herbal medicine), himplasia is a "totally herbal non-hormonal ayurvedic medicine that treats BPH by reducing prostate weight. It improves the urinary flow rate as reducing post-void residual urine." Himplasia also "inhibits the prostatic stromal proliferation." It also promotes an effectual reproductive function, according to the Himalaya Himplasia site.

Other references and resources that the site indicates were used and for you also to research include, The Handbook of Diseases, The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments. For more information, see the site of the Himalaya Herbals Company.  Also, you can order himplasia tablets online at Ayurvedabay.com. They all come sealed in individual plastic containers and are shipped directly from India. The tablets are herbal. Interestingly, himplasia is oferred at the Ayurvedabay.com site for $7.50 (US dollars) for 60 tablets.

There's no minimum order, but the more you buy, the lower the price. For example, if you order a dozen, the price is only $6.00 for each container of 30 tablets. Check out all the information on the various sites and talk to your doctor. If an alternative treatment for BPH is for you, at least you know what herbs are in the tablets. And they are sent at low cost by airmail from India and are from the same factory that makes them.

You also can explore other sites online written by physicians who discuss himplasia instead of convetional life-long drugs for prostrate reduction. At least it's one more facet for male herbal solutions from Ayurvedic medicine to explore. 

According to the article, "Prostate Problems: Enlarged Prostate? How An Ayurvedic Herbal Preparation Can Prevent Night-Time Trips To The Toilet." "Not only does research support the combined effect of the Ayurvedic herbs contained in Himplasia against BPH, but studies also show that individually they each have specific benefits of their own." Also see another article on the Healthier Life site about the Library of Natural Healing.

Herbs below are noted in the article, "Prostate Problems: Enlarged Prostate? How An Ayurvedic Herbal Preparation Can Prevent Night-Time Trips To The Toilet."

Tribulus terrestris has traditionally been used to reduce inflammation and improve urination the latter includes an ability to ease painful, burning sensations when urinating.4

Caesalpinia bonducella has also been found to exert a soothing, anti-inflammatory action, which makes it particularly beneficial for improving an enlarged prostate.5, 6

Areca catechu has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and to reduce an enlarged prostate.6

Asparagus racemosus helps relieve inflammation and improves urination including urine retention.4, 7

Crataeva nurvala has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is good for maintaining the overall health of the urinary system helping to improve urine retention and prevent the formation of calculi, or stones, in the urinary tract.8

Iron and manganese oxides are mainly known for their heart-protective properties they help overcome cardiac weakness and palpitations.9

Research Studies References 

For further information, read the entire article, "Prostate Problems: Enlarged Prostate? How An Ayurvedic Herbal Preparation Can Prevent Night-Time Trips To The Toilet" at The Healthier Life web site. 

1. Sundaram R, Mohan AR, Gopumamadhavan S, Venkataranganna MV, Venkatesha U, Seshadri SJ, Anturlikar SD, Mitra SK. Protective Effect of PR-2000 in Experimental Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats. Asian J Androl, 1999, 4 (1): 175.
2. Lokesh U, Tripathi K. A Study of PR-2000 in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Phytotherapy, 2001, Res 15: 411-5.
3. Sahu M, Vijay Kumar V. Efficacy and Safety of a Herbal Preparation PR-2000 in the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. JAMA India The Physicians Update, 2001, 4 (12), 43-45.
4. Malhotra SC et al. Pharmacological Investigations of Certain Medicinal Plants and Compound Formulations used in Ayurveda and Siddha, CCRAS, 1996, 316.
5. Akhtar Husain et al. Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CIMAP, Lucknow, 1992, 91.
6. Chunekar KC and Pandey GS. Bhavaprakasa Nighantu, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 1998, 353.
7. Akhtar Husain et al. Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants, CIMAP, Lucknow, 1992, 44.
8. Varalakshmi P, Shamila Y, Latha E. Effect of Crataeva nurvala in experimental urolithiasis. J Ethnopharmacol 1990 Mar; 28(3): 313-21.
9. Vaidya Y, Trikamji A, Rasamritam, 1998, Edn. 1, Pg. 155.