Using Peganum Harmala to improve BPH symptoms

[simon43]

Peganum what??

 

For the sake of clarity, I ask Sheryl to review the linked academic paper in my post.  I don't want to be accused of being a 'quack' promoting some crazy snake oil.

 

https://clinphytoscience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40816-021-00255-7

 

Peganum Harmula, also known by its common name of 'Rue', is a plant that grows in Iran.  Historically, it has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine to treat various different ailments.  I got an interest in this plant because of search engine references to its treatment to alleviate BPH symptoms and UTIs, especially bacteria-resistant bacteria.

 

The academic paper indicated that the seeds can be taken orally, about 5 grams per dosage (a quarter of a teaspoon).

 

Farmers in Iran know that this plant can be toxic, (as are many medicines if taken in excess), and that cattle can be poisoned by eating the plant.  (Well, presumably that's because the cows have not checked the correct dosage to treat their BPH lol!!)

 

Anyway, I've posted previously about my long-term UTIs.  Urine analysis did indicate that my E.Coli bacteria were susceptible to expensive medicines, but I decided to try taking some Harmala to see if it helped in any way.

 

The seeds of this plant are sold cheaply on Lazada. So for the past 4 weeks, I've been taking a daily dose of Harmala, chewing up the slightly bitter seeds.

 

I'm going back to Myanmar in a few days, so I did a PSA and Urine culture test a few days ago, just to make sure that my PSA was steady.

 

The PSA test - as reported in another thread - came back with a steady (but high) value of just under 11, but with no increase in value since my last test about 7 months ago.  I attribute the high value to my BPH, prostate calcium stones and long-term UTIs, and a biopsy previously found no cancer cells.

 

I just got the urine culture results, and ESBL E.Coli is still present.

 

But here is the very surprising news:

 

- Although the E.Coli is still present, I have no UTI symptoms, in that there is no awful fishy smell and no stinging when peeing.  My urine is a healthy pale yellow colour.

- I no longer dribble when peeing, but I have a continual stream of urine, not like a fire-hose, but much, much better than previously

- I no longer have to get up to pee in the night. Previously, I would get up perhaps 4 or 5 times. Even if I drink a small can of beer before going to bed, I'm comfortable all night and naturally wake up at about 5am.

- In the day time, I no longer have to pee multiple times, (which is a great help when teaching at school).

 

Finally, and this is the 'biggy', I no longer take Alfuzolin or Tamsulosin!  That's correct.  I stopped with this daily medication. All I take now is the Harmala.

 

I post this for others to consider and research.  Sheryl, I'd appreciate your professional comments on my situation.

 

 

[Sheryl]

One single, very small (90 men total between intervention anf control group) and short term  study of its use to reduce urinary obstruction due to BPH.

 

Not a  single study in humans of its effctiveness in treating any sort of UTI let alone prostatitis.

 

Insufficient data on safety for human consumption. ...especially if used long term. The plant is known to be toxic to many animals. 

 

You were told by your UK doctors what, based on culture & sensitivity findings     would treat your pristate infection. You aren't going to come up with a better solution via Google.

 

As for BPH symptoms, a choice between thorouhky  studied medications with clearly defined and quantified potential side effects on the one hand,  and a scarcely researched toxic weed on the other, is to me, a no brainer.  If you insist on an "alternative" remedy,   stick to things like saw palmetto snd milk thistle whose safety is much better documented. 

 

At least some of yout prostate enlargement may be due to the long-standing  chronic infection and resolving that might help. 

[simon43]

On 2/18/2025 at 1:24 PM, Sheryl said:

One single, very small (90 men total between intervention anf control group) and short term  study of its use to reduce urinary obstruction due to BPH.

 

Not a  single study in humans of its effctiveness in treating any sort of UTI let alone prostatitis.

 

Insufficient data on safety for human consumption. ...especially if used long term. The plant is known to be toxic to many animals. 

 

You were told by your UK doctors what, based on culture & sensitivity findings     would treat your pristate infection. You aren't going to come up with a better solution via Google.

 

As for BPH symptoms, a choice between thorouhky  studied medications with clearly defined and quantified potential side effects on the one hand,  and a scarcely researched toxic weed on the other, is to me, a no brainer.  If you insist on an "alternative" remedy,   stick to things like saw palmetto snd milk thistle whose safety is much better documented. 

 

At least some of yout prostate enlargement may be due to the long-standing  chronic infection and resolving that might help. 

Yet having taken the 1 gram recommended dose of Harmala for about 5 weeks:

 

- I no longer need to take any Alfusolin or Tamasulin at all (I had previously needed this daily drug for the past 5+ years or more).

- My urine stream is stronger and no dribbling

- I no longer have to get up 4-5 times/night to pee

- Although the bacteria is still present (according to the tests), I no longer have any fishy smell or stinging when peeing

 

Hmm, placebo effect? 🙂