Rye grass pollen extractCernilton, Graminex flower pollen
A standardized pollen extract used in Europe and Japan for prostate symptoms since the 1960s, with trial data showing fewer nighttime trips and better symptom scores.
- Dose used in trials
- 375 mg/day as Cernilton (126 mg three times daily); Graminex products typically 500 to 750 mg/day
- Time to effect
- 12 weeks in symptom trials; 6 months in prostatitis trials
What the evidence says
A Cochrane review of four trials (444 men) found pollen extract improved self-rated symptoms and reduced nighttime urination versus placebo, without changing flow rate or prostate size. It also has trials in chronic prostatitis. Studies are small and not recent.
What it is
A water and fat-soluble extract of rye grass pollen, processed to remove the proteins that cause hay fever. Cernilton is the original branded product; Graminex is a US-made equivalent used in many supplements.
What the trials found
Men on pollen extract were about twice as likely to report improvement, and nighttime trips fell by roughly one per night. Objective flow did not change, which suggests the effect is on inflammation and bladder irritation rather than obstruction.
It is one of the few supplements with reasonable data in chronic prostatitis and pelvic pain, where a six-month trial found meaningful symptom reduction.
In supplement blends
When it appears inside a proprietary blend, the dose is almost always below the 375 mg used in trials. A single chewable or capsule that also lists ten other botanicals cannot hold it.
Side effects
- Mild nausea in a small minority
- Allergic reactions are rare because the allergenic proteins are removed in processing, but men with severe grass allergies should be cautious
Interactions
- None documented
Frequently asked questions
- Is it the same as bee pollen?
- No. Bee pollen is a mixed, unstandardized product collected by bees. Rye grass pollen extract is a defined pharmaceutical-style extract.
Other prostate ingredients
This article is for information only and is not medical advice. Statements about supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Do not start, stop or combine supplements with prescription medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist. If you cannot pass urine, or have chest pain, confusion or fainting, seek emergency care.
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