Miracon Science

Willow herb

Synonym(s): Epilobii herba, willow herb extract
Nutrient group: plant extracts & active ingredients

Sources

Dietary sources
The willow herb belongs to the botanical family Onagraceae and is comprised of almost 190 species. The small flowered willow herb (Epilobium parviflorum) is known in folk medicine for its effect on benign prostate enlargement. It originally was found in humid areas of Europe and Asia and is now also grown in temperate areas of New Zealand and North America.

Detailed information

Willowherb extract in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Plant active substances cannot reverse benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but they can exert a strengthening and invigorating influence on the weakened urinary organs and significantly improve symptoms (1).
The phytosterols contained in willow herb such as β-sitosterol, curcubitin and various bioflavonoids have a stabilizing effect on the prostate metabolism. The antiprostatic mechanism of action is not yet known, but it is certain that sitosterols have antiphlogistic and antiedematous effects. Overall, the symptoms of incipient BHP can be improved by these plant extracts (2). Willow herb contains phytosterols as well as querceting glycosides, which are among the main active substances relevant for this indication (1).

 

Indications

Effect Indication Dosage
Physiological effects
at a low intake

To improve micturition symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

reduction of urinary urgency, improvement of urine flow, increase of urine volume, reduction of residual urine volume and decrease of night urination

 50 mg/d  

Administration

General mode of administration
 
When
 		  Willow herb extract should be taken between meals.
Side effects
There are no known side effects to date.
Contraindications
There are no contraindications known to date.

Interactions

Interactions with drugs or other nutrients
None No relevant interactions known to date.

References

References

(1) Wagner Hildebert, Wiesenauer Markus: Phytotherapie. Phytopharmaka und pflanzliche Homöopathika. 2003
(2) Cabin BE, Larsson B, Lindahl O; Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with phytosterols. Br J Urol 1990; 66(6):639-41

References Interactions:
(1) Stargrove Mitchell Bebel, Treasure Jonathan, McKee Dwight L.: Herb, Nutrient, and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies. 2008
(2) Gröber Uwe: Mikronährstoffe. Metabolic Tuning – Prävention – Therapie. 3. Auflage, 2011
(3) Gröber Uwe: Arzneimittel und Mikronährstoffe. Medikationsorientierte Supplementierung. 2. Auflage, 2012
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