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Epilobium is not a new herb. It has been celebrated for its health successes throughout Europe
for decades, and has just recently been “rediscovered” as a potent treatment for a variety of male
and female maladies. Attention was originally focused on epilobium for its beneficial effects
regarding prostate health for men, and urinary tract health for women.
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The use of Epilobium (Family Onagraceae) was widespread in Central and Eastern Europe as
well as in certain areas of North America for centuries to treat these maladies. Numerous
Epilobium species have been used as remedies in folk medicine, particularly in Central Europe,
for the treatment of prostate disorders and abnormal growths. This pleasant herb and lower tea
were first highly recommended by Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben, for ailing men who were
suffering with prostate abnormalities. Epilobium gas been and continues to be the subject of
numerous studies throughout Europe. Upon further study, it was learned that it is far more
potent than Saw Palmetto and has similar, yet more powerful effects for blocking
dihydotestosterone (DHT), the common cause of englaged prostate and hair loss.
In traditional herbal medicine, epilobium had proven to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It has been used successfully for bladder health
maintenance, male health maintenance, hormonal imbalances, and urinary system health.
Certain species have been identified as particularly beneficial in inhibiting the enzyme
5alpha-reductase and serving as an anti-inflammatory inhibitor. In 2003, The Journal of Pharmacy
and Pharmacology published results of a epilobium-relevant study led by Annabella Vitalone, PhD.
The study specifically addresses the use of epilobium in treating benign prostate hyperplasia
(BPH). A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, BPH is generally considered to be a
normal part of the male aging process with cell proliferation traced to age-related changes in
hormone balance and cell-growth factors.
Recent biological testing by Ducrey and Hartmann proved that the tannins Oenothein A and
Oenothein B are extremely potent inhibitors of 5-a-reductase (which metabolises testosterone
into dihydrotestosterone ) and aromatase (which converts testosterone into 17-B-estradiol).
In the case of Aromatase Oenothein A showed an inhibition of 70 % at 50 uM during in vitro
testing. Against 5-a-reductase Oenothein A had a 50 % reduction at only 1.24 uM and
Oenothein B a 50 % reduction at 0.44 uM. Finasteride shows the same result at 5 nM. This
leads to the conclusion that Oenothein B is a potent 5-a-reductase inhibitor but not as strong
as Finasteride
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