Update 3/5/23 “Chances you may already have an enlarged prostate!” At least that’s what they say on the website for Prosvent, a supplement billed as “the natural answer for prostate health.” I wanted to review Prosvent because I'm a guy and because the Prosvent infomercial intrigued me. Does Prosvent really work? Does it have any side effects? In this review, you'll learn about the research on Prosvent and its ingredients. Is it a scam or the real deal? You decide.
Prosvent Research
No clinical research on Prosvent itself could be located. Neither the supplement website (Prosvent.com) or clinical research databases reveal any clinical studies on the Prosvent supplement.
But that doesn't mean it doesn't work. Let's next look at the research on the ingredients in Prosvent.
Prosvent Ingredients
Each 1 soft-gel cap has the following ingredients:
| Vitamin D3 | 100 IU (25% DV) |
| Zinc | 5 mg (33% DV) |
| Black pepper 1 mg | N/A |
| Proprietary Blend | 355 mg |
| Nettle root extract | |
| Sterol esters | |
| Pumpkin seed oil | |
| Saw palmetto extract | |
| Pygeum extract | |
| Lycopene |
Notice the proprietary blend. Each soft-gel contains 355 mg of 6 different ingredients.
When it comes to proprietary blends, companies dont have to tell us how much of each ingredient is present. But we do know ingredients are listed in order of abundance. So stinging nettle root extract (Urtica dioica) makes up the most of the blend. Because lycopene is the last ingredient listed, it makes up the least.
Let's look at some of the prostate research on the ingredients and see what we can discover.
Saw Palmetto
Several studies have noted that saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) may offer some help at improving symptoms of Benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate / BPH). Saw palmetto does not seem to reduce PSA levels.
BPH symptoms saw palmetto might help includes:
- getting up at night to urinate
- frequent urination
- hesitant urination
- having the urge to urinate
While this is interesting, a study published in 2011 in the Journal of the American Medical Association noted that saw pametto worked no better than a placebo.
Another study, published in 2006, also found saw palmetto didn’t work. This study lasted almost 3 years and the men in this study took 320 mg of saw palmetto per day.
Studies showing improvement —and no improvement—usually use 320 mg of saw palmetto.
There are a few studies showing that saw palmetto might work better if combined with stinging nettle root. Stinging nettle root is also in Prosvent. Here's a video on it:
Nettle Root Extract
Stinging nettle root (Urtica dioica) appears to have less evidence that it helps prostate problems than saw palmetto. Most studies appear to combine stinging nettle with saw palmetto and /other supplements. Some researchers have speculated the placebo effect may be responsible for some of the effects of stinging nettle, although to know for sure, we need better studies.
Sterol Esters
Sterol esters are likely a reference to Beta-Sitosterol.This is a compound in saw palmetto. Both saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol are very popular for helping prostate problems. Various studies over the years have found beta-sitosterol can help enlarged prostate symptoms. Dosages used range from about 30mg to 100 mg per day.
Here's a video where Dr. Oz talks about prostate cancer and treatment
Because of the research, I think beta-sitosterol may be one of the key ingredients in Prosvent.
Pygeum Africanum
Several studies have noted pygeum -also called pygeum Africanum and Prunus Africana – can help ease symptoms of BPH such as going to the bathroom at night and improving how much urine is voided when men to the bathroom. Studies often use 100-200 mg of pygeum per day to achieve positive results. Tip. Look for supplements using the bark of the pygeum tree, as this seems to be where the active ingredients are located.
Lycopene
Some studies have noted lycopene supplements may benefit prostate health and help prostate problem symptoms. This is why lycopene is often added to “men's vitamins.” Other research, however, finds lycopene supplements may not work. Lycopene supplements might not help prostate cancer either. As such, its controversial how effective lycopene supplements are for BPH.
Black Pepper Extract
The black pepper extract used in Prosvent is called BioPerine. Its a popular ingredient absorption booster. Many supplements contain Bioperine or black pepper to improve the absorption of other ingredients. This is one method supplement companies use to enhance poor absorption of some ingredients.
AstraGin is another popular nutrient absorption booster.
See this video on BioPerine for more info.
Pumpkin Seed Oil
The scientific name is Cucurbita pepo. Several studies have noted pumpkin seeds may help BPH symptoms. One study involved 2245 men and lasted 3 months. An earlier study consisted of 53 men and lasted 3 months. Studies have used pumpkin seeds alone and in conjunction with saw palmetto.
When combing it with saw palmetto, studies have used about 1500 mg spread out over the course of the day in equal dosages.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is one of the most popular vitamins in the world. Because it's an antioxidant, one role it may play is as a preservative, preventing spoilage of other ingredients.
Some research notes there may be an association between low vitamin E levels and BPH.
Vitamin D and Zinc
While there is some evidence that links lack of sun exposure to prostate cancer that doesn’t necessarily mean the two are connected.
There is research hinting vitamin D is not related to prostate growth. Vitamin D is a very important nutrient, but when it comes to helping prostate problems, more research is needed.
As for zinc, I believe this too is controversial. Conflicting studies find that zinc might reduce prostate cancer risk as well as increase the risk. The RDA for zinc is only about 13 mg per day for men. I doubt most men are deficient.
Selenium
Prosvent used to contain selenium, but this mineral is no longer listed in the supplement.
Prosvent vs. Super Beta Prostate
Here is my review of Super Beta Prostate which contains a side-by-side comparison of their ingredients. Both supplements share some ingredients in common. So far, no side-by-side clinical studies have compared the effects of Prosvent to Super Beta Prostate.
For what it's worth, several people have told me Super Beta Prostate worked. I also noticed a difference when I tried it too.
Here's Super Beta Prostate on Amazon
Can It Help Prostate Cancer?
Prosvent is a supplement marketed to help issues related to BPH /enlarged prostates only. Speak to your doctor if you have prostate cancer.
How Much Does It Cost?
A bottle of Prosvent costs 34.95 plus $9.95 for shipping and handling. There is a 30-day trial, where people pay only the $9.95 shipping and handling fee. Keep in mind if you do the 30-day trial option, you will automatically get a 30-day supply of Prosvent for $39.95 every month until you cancel.
To compare prices, here is Prosvent on Amazon.
What Is Ultimax
This is a libido-enhancing supplement sold on the Prosvent website. It contains herbal ingredients such as Horny Goat Weed, Long Jack Extract, Eucommia Bark Extract, Maca Powder, Butea Superba.
As a rule, I'm skeptical of boner pills. The loss of libido is complicated. It's not just low testosterone that can cause it. Instead of a male enhancement supplement, talk to your doctor. Sometimes low erections can even be related to heart disease.
Where To Buy Prosvent
This is a popular supplement. It can be found at Prosvent.com as well as Amazon, Walmart, Walgreens, and GNC to name a few.
Who Makes Prosvent?
Prosvent is a product by Prosvent, LLC. Another company name is Therabotanics, LLC. The Prosvent website lists this address:
P.O. Box 9169 Van Nuys, CA 91409.
This is the same address that is listed on file with the Better Business Bureau website. Another address is 4910 Longley lane 101 Reno NV 89502.
Another company address is 14724 Ventura Blvd Fl 200, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403-3514
This is the same address given for the sex supplement, Cyvita.
- The BBB rating for Prosvent LLC 1.6 out of 5 stars with a rating of NR (No Rating)
- The BBB rating for Therabotanics LLC is A.
Both businesses are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. See the BBB file for updates and more information.
Contact Prosvent
- Prosvent customer service: 800-743-9854
- Therabotanics LLC customer service:800-221-6198
How To Return Prosvent
If you purchased it from the Prosvent website, the company has a “love it or return it” guarantee where you have 30 days to return the unused portion of Prosvent to get a refund (minus shipping and handling charges).
To return Prosvent, call their customer service at (800) 743-9854.
Prosvent Disputes
The Prosvent Terms and Conditions page stipulates that if people order Prosvent, and have any problems, that they waive their rights to a court trial if they keep Prosvent longer than 14 days. Instead, people must go through arbitration. Here is some of what is said on the terms and conditions page:
“THIS ARBITRATION AGREEMENT (“AGREEMENT”) AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES BY PROVIDING THAT DISPUTES BETWEEN YOU AND THE SELLER OF THIS PRODUCT (“COMPANY”) MUST BE RESOLVED THROUGH BINDING ARBITRATION, RATHER THAN IN A COURT.”
For what it's worth, legal stuff like this seems common in the supplement world. Most companies are honest and try to make quality products. This is one way they try to protect themselves against unforeseen issues.
Who is Dr. Larry May?
Dr. Larry May is listed as the creator of Prosvent. According to the website HealthGrades.com his specialty is internal medicine and he has been a physician for over 30 years, practicing in California. Here's a Prosvent commercial featuring him.
His Wikipedia page indicates that Dr. May was a former chairman of the Herbalife medical advisory board.
Who is Barbara Niven?
Barbara Niven is the woman who interviews Dr. Larry May during the Prosvent infomercial. According to the Prosvent infomercial, Barbara Niven is listed as a “Consumer Health Advocate.”
Her website (BarbaraNiven.com) lists her as an “Actress, Motivational Speaker, Presentation Coach” and that “She’s one of Hollywood’s busiest actresses, and served on the National Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild.” Her page on the internet movie database shows her TV and infomercial credits.
How Long Until Prosvent Works?
Dr. May has stated, “Many men will see changes within 2 weeks but most men will experience benefits within 30 days.”
Does Prosvent Shrink Prostate Size
There is no good proof Prosvent or its ingredients can reduce prostate size.
Can Prosvent Lower PSA levels?
The PSA test is a common blood test for prostate health. Elevations in PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is different than an enlarged prostate. Men need to know this.
There is no good proof Prosvent or its ingredients lower PSA levels. That said, it's wise to tell your urologist you are taking BPH supplements -Prosvent or other things. Here's a video on PSA levels.
Prosvent Side Effects
In healthy people, Prosvent is likely safe. Here are some things to consider if you are not healthy. This list is not complete, so talk to your doctor for specific insights for you:
- Start with less than recommended for the first week
- Prosvent is not recommended for women or women who are pregnant/nursing
- Stop taking at least 2 weeks before having surgery
- Talk to your doctor if you have prostate cancer
- Some reports have associated saw palmetto with an inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). The first report occurred in 2006 in a 55-year-old man who was a reformed alcoholic. Another report occurred in 2010 in a 65-year-old man who was a diabetic with other issues. The third case occurred in 2011 in a 61-year-old man. See the saw palmetto/pancreatitis review.
- Saw palmetto can have a blood-thinning effect. This may be a problem for people who take blood thinner medications.
- Lab rat studies suggest that stinging nettle may lower blood pressure
- Some preliminary research hints that lycopene might make prostate cancer worse
- Black pepper might interact with beta-blockers used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease.
Does Prosvent Work?
The ingredients in Prosvent seem logical. Several ingredients are backed up by studies supporting their use for easing symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as frequent bathroom trips at night and reduced urine flow. Whether the unique blend of ingredients in Prosvent works better than pumpkin seeds, saw palmetto and pygeum is hard to say.
The good news is if Prosvent is going to work, men should start seeing a difference in about 30 days.
Please…..All of you….try this…..it will help…..just start drinking one 8oz glass of. cranberry juice every morning….in about one or two weeks you will see a major change with this problem and you will be back on the road to a goodnights sleep again…..plus you will be back to putting a smile on your wifes face again also…..you will be a happy camper and so will your wife
I’m impressed by the quality and care of your investigation.
Thanks Donald, I appreciate you saying that!
Good work, thank you for the information, :))
Thanks Jean, that’s very kind of you to say 🙂
Skip the overpriced supplements- scam –
Pumpkin seed extract under 10$, or buy them shelled at Whole Foods etc. and eat a small quantity every day. They really work!
I had radiation for cancer of prostate and still have enlarge prostate..I HAVE TO GET UP EVERY 2 HOURS AT NIGHT what can I do ?
Allen, have you talked to your urologist about this? what does she/he say?
Hello Joe – Fourteen years ago I had radiation therapy too – I was told that the prostate would ‘implode’ and I would be good as new – What a joke – I am cancer free with a sustained PSA of 0.06 but the 2 hour urination all night long is a bummer – I also get the sweats which wakes me to go
– I suppose the bladder is no longer sensitive and the kidneys want to get rid of liquid so it calls the brain and gets you soaking wet to get your attention – I’ve tried all this saw palmetto crap and none of it is of any value to me – I was given a sample of a script called RapidFlo, side effects cataracts, still unopened – Good luck –
Hi Lou, well, the really good news is no cancer. I will call that a big win even with the urination problems.
I take two ibuprofens with a big glass of water,wait a til I gotta go,then I go to sleep and i’m good for around 4 hrs in a row…..What a difference that made after years of every two hours waking up..it enables you to grab some stage three sleep
Allen, try a multi approach to help you at night. Avoid drinking lots of fluids late at night, but sip frequently to help dry mouth. Avoid colas, alcohol, caffeine, even sugary drinks your body wants to release if you have a high sugar intake. Eat foods late in the evening that absorb, such as a sandwich. Then, ask your doctor for a prescription of terazosin, not that expensive and it relaxes the muscles involved in urination.
Finally, two doctors suggested increase in sex. It reduces the prostate size temporarily, allowing for better urination flow. It temporarily increases PSA, but that is only a 48 hour issue, so be aware if you are getting that checked in lab work. Good luck to you.
I see this review using nettle tea bag contents was posted 3.5 years a go. Are you still using this method to treat BPH and, if so, have the results been consistent?
Try GNC’s Men’s Prostrate health. I believe it’s $19.99 which is considerably cheaper and works far better. Contains Beta-Sitosterol. Saw Palmetto, Copper, Zinc and Pygeum. Works well for me.
Don’t be swayed by TV Infomercials, along with their so called claims and expenses. They don’t work any better and sometimes far worse due to lack of quantity and quality control.
My BPH problems were brought on by lower pelvic injury which is quite common.
Thank you all for the information
Can anyone tell what can help?
Esh
Esh, there is some research on beta sitosterol and the prostate. that is a supplement and is usually found in most prostate supplements as well. If you need to lose weight, try to as this may help also. Have you heard of kegel exercises? They may help too.
Hi, I saw this on the Univ. of Maryland website: “Stinging nettle root is used widely in Europe to treat BPH. Studies in people suggest that stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs (especially saw palmetto), may be effective at relieving symptoms, such as reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of the bladder, post urination dripping, and the constant urge to urinate.”
Source: Stinging nettle | University of Maryland Medical Center umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle#ixzz2y5nACLiB
University of Maryland Medical Center
What studies would they be referring to?
Fmleep, I’ve heard about this combination also. here is one of the studies they are probably basing that statement on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15928959?dopt=Abstract . I think one of the big unknowns right now is whether its the combination of stinging nettle and saw palmetto or if its due to only one of the ingredients. This is a problem when products contain more than one ingredient – its hard to pin down what the real “secret sauce” might be.
DrJ says – I took two a day for 6 months – no effect i could see. However a half a glass of a really nice Merlot or Malbec before bed let me sleep all night – and was much more enjoyable.
I’m 60 years old and when I urinate, I have a very weak stream, and to get all the urine out, I actually have to reach down and press underneath my scrotum with my hand to force the urine out. Shortly afterward, it feels like I have to urinate again. I’ve been putting up with this for many years and since I do not have any medical coverage, I can’t afford to go to a doctor. I would sincerely appreciate any advise for any supplement you thing may help me.
Steven, do you need to lose weight? if yes, then losing a little weight may help. There is some research on beta-sitosterol but more importantly, I really think you should see a urologist. Here is the website of the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics
http://www.nafcclinics.org/
You can search for a clinic in your area and from there hopefully see a doctor for free that can help you.
Hi Joe. I only weigh 125 pounds and I’m 5’6″ tall.
Thank you for the site on free clinics. I’ll check them out right away.
Thanks Steven, I hope it helps 🙂
I have tried several compounds having bad results. I found out that some of their ingredients worsened my BPE problem. Currently, I am taking only what seems to help: Stinging Nettle Root and zinc.
joe what do you think of the comments on nettle tea
Cathy, you mean as far as the prostate is concerned? Id like to see more stinging nettle research done.
I think I have saved my money, reading this first. I wanted to buy Prosvent because of the infomercial. I almost did it. But now I say, Thank you Joe for taking your time doing this article to help others. Thank you.
William, my pleasure and Im glad I was able to help you 🙂
I think I have saved my money reading this article first. I wanted to buy Prosvent, because of the infomercial. I almost did it. but now now I say Thank you Joe for taking your time to help others. Thank you.
Anonymous, you are VERY welcome 🙂
Hey joe im only 22 and have some of the side effects of enlarged prostate. Is it possible and is prosvent something I might want to try.? please help
Bayron, prostate problems at 22 years of age? Has your doctor said this is so or do you think so because of the effects you are experiencing? I have no idea if Prosvent would help you but if you have not seen a doctor about this, I really recommend you do this if you have not already done so. I think this will ease your anxiety and it will make me feel better too. Please make an appointment this week.
Great information. I’m glad I read the review before I spent unnecessary money for something the my husband probably won’ t use.
Happy I was able to help 🙂
I found this review totally worthless. I have used at least a half dozen different supplements and compared their ingredients (as much as is possible): Advanced Bio, Prosvent, Revive, Prostate Plus, Prostavar, Super Beta Prostate, etc. (to alleviate enlarged prostate symptoms), some of which seem to work better than others, but not ANY one being the panacea as promoted.
I also realize that everyone’s body chemistry is not identical and of course, different nutrients will impact in non-monolithic manners. However, there must be some product that rises above the others.
What is really needed is a head to head comparison among a number of these brands by NO ONE WITH A COMMERCIAL INTEREST involved in any way. I have yet to find that study so if any one can point me there I would appreciate it.
Mark, sorry you did not find my review useful. I really did try my best to give you the information you needed to make a more informed decision.
I took Prosvent for about a year to a year and a half and have no signs of an enlarged prostate at present. I am 60 and almost never get up during the night to go to the bathroom now. I have to urinate far less in general. I used to have to find a bathroom about every 30 minutes when going out, but don’t have to worry about that anymore.
I first noticed a difference in about 6 weeks or so, not a few weeks like is claimed by Prosvent, so I would be patient. However, I have switched to Prostavar RX for about the past year openly because I felt the mixture of herbs seemed better just to me according to my own research. I am also having great results so far with it.
I have in an enlarged prostate. I tried prosvent a few years back when it was 70 dollars a month. It didn’t do diddly. … total waste of money.
Roger, thanks for sharing and for the heads up that it used to cost $70 a month! sorry it didn’t work but I know your words will be of help to others.
I had problems with my prostate some years back.
I tried saw palmetto but I found it didnt help.
Doctors gave me pills which made matters worse.
I tried Stinging nettle or common nettle, Urtica dioica.
I first tried the Root powder and found it helped within weeks. (I took a teaspoon mixed in Cranberry Juice)
I then purchased Nettle Tea bags – I rip one open every morning and tip the contents into my mouth and swallow the whole Herb with a drink of Cranberry Juice.
One tea bag is approx 3g of pure nettle, perfect.
This has worked for me and I haven’t had any prostate problems for years.
In recent clinical research, nettle has demonstrated the ability to stop the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (by inhibiting aromatase, an enzyme required for the conversion), as well as to directly bind to SHBG itself – thereby preventing SHBG from binding to other hormones.
Other research also reveals that nettles can prevent SHBG that has already bound to a hormone from attaching to the receptor sites on the prostate, as well as to decrease the production of estrogens (estradiol and estrone) by inhibiting an enzyme required for their production.
In summary, most of the intercellular processes required to trigger the prostate to grow new cells and enlarge seems to be inhibited by nettle.
A box of 30 teabags costs £1.00p – a whole months supply.
I wonder what prostate problem has been encountered which apparently has been solved. Thanks for comment.
Joe: Thanks for all the work you do, the ingredients listed seem to be common in prostate formulas, most people that I know that use such formulas generally say they are helpful, sadly everyone wants a pill for everything but lifestyle is important especially exercise and lots of organic fruits and vegetables, many studies show exercise helps keep away disease including prostate.
Pete, that, I’m happy to have been of help 🙂
Pete, I’m 49, have worked out and exercised with a personal trainer in Los Angeles for 21 years, and am in fantastic shape (5/10″, muscular, 180 lbs., 32″ waist). I don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs (and never have). I was raised vegetarian and didn’t eat any meat at all until I was 18. Now I eat poultry occasionally, but not daily, and I rarely eat red meat.
And at 45, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
I was cured (via proton radiation therapy), but my prostate remains enlarged.
My point is that it’s a nice *thought* that healthy living, diet, and exercise can prevent disease — and there’s certainly nothing wrong with taking care of our bodies. But to think (or say) that a healthy lifestyle will prevent all disease is a very simplistic, unenlightened way of thinking.
Exercise is great for the body! But exercise does NOT “keep disease away.” Do all you can to be healthy, but stop believing — and repeating — silly generalizations like that.