Rye Pollen Extract

Rye pollen extract, also known as cernilton in Europe, is made from the pollen of rye grass (Secale cereale). It has been shown to benefit prostate health, and is thought to do so via anti-inflammatory effects. Constituents present in rye pollen extract include phytosterols such as beta-⁠sitosterol and stigmasterol, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and kaempferol.^[1] Studies have repeatedly shown that supplementation with rye pollen extract benefits benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or enlarged prostate, as well as chronic prostatitis.^[2][3][4] One study found that supplementation with rye pollen extract for 12 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in pain, improvement in quality of life, and overall reduction in prostatitis symptoms as assessed by the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), compared to placebo. Another study found that, among men who had prostate surgery due to BPH and prostatitis, supplementation with rye pollen extract resulted in lower urinary tract symptoms as well as erectile dysfunction.^[4]

1. Graminex Australia. Cernilton Flower Pollen Extract. · http://www.graminex.com.au/about_flower_pollen.htm · Accessed 2017-⁠01-⁠26.
2. Wagenlehner, F.M., et al. “A pollen extract (Cernilton) in patients with inflammatory chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a multicentre, randomised, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study.” European Urology. Vol. 56, No. 3 (2009): 544–551.
3. Buck, A.C., et al. “Treatment of outflow tract obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia with the pollen extract, cernilton. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” British Journal of Urology. Vol. 66, No. 4 (1990): 398–404.
4. Qian, X., et al. “Therapeutic efficacy of Cernilton in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with histological prostatitis after transurethral resection of the prostate.” International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Vol. 8, No. 7 (2015): 11268–11275.