Rye Grass: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Rye grass (Secale cereale) is a cereal grain. A product made from rye grass pollen extract (Cernilton) is a registered pharmaceutical product in Europe.

Chemicals in rye grass pollen seem to decrease swelling and relax certain muscles, which might relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These chemicals might also slow the growth of prostate cancer cells. Rye grass fiber might increase the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut.

People use rye grass for prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate pain, and ongoing swelling of the prostate. It is also used for constipation and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Taking rye grass pollen extract by mouth seems to improve symptoms such as pain in people with mild to moderate BPH.
A condition that causes persistent pelvic pain, urinary problems, and sexual problems (Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome). Taking rye grass pollen extract by mouth might relieve some symptoms of chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

There is interest in using rye grass for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Rye grass is commonly consumed in foods. Rye grass pollen extract is likely safe when used appropriately for up to 24 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include bloating, heartburn, and nausea.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if rye grass is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Rye Grass overview.

Dosing

Rye grass pollen extract has most often been used by adults at doses of 126 mg by mouth two to three times daily for up to 24 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Lowe FC, Dreikorn K, Borkowski A, et al. Review of recent placebo-controlled trials utilizing phytotherapeutic agents for treatment of BPH. Prostate 1998;37:187-93.

Buck AC, Cox R, Rees RW, et al. Treatment of outflow tract obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia with the pollen extract, cernilton. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Urol 1990;66:398-404.

Rugendorff EW, Weidner W, Ebeling L, Buck AC. Results of treatment with pollen extract (Cernilton N) in chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia. Br J Urol 1993;71:433-8.

Yasumoto R, Kawanishi H, Tsujino T, et al. Clinical evaluation of long-term treatment using cernitin pollen extract in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clin Ther 1995;17:82-7.

Lowe FC, Ku JC. Phytotherapy in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a critical review. Urol 1996;48:12-20.

Buck AC, Rees RW, Ebeling L. Treatment of chronic prostatitis and prostatodynia with pollen extract. Br J Urol 1989;64:496-9.

Habib FK, Ross M, Lewenstein A, et al. Identification of a prostate inhibitory substance in a pollen extract. Prostate 1995;26:133-9.

Loschen G, Ebeling L. [Inhibition of arachidonic acid cascade by extract of rye pollen]. Arzneimittelforschung 1991;41:162-7.

MacDonald R, Ishani A, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. A systematic review of Cernilton for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. BJU Int 2000;85:836-41.

Maekawa M, Kishimoto T, Yasumoto R, et al. [Clinical evaluation of Cernilton on benign prostatic hypertrophy--a multiple center double-blind study with Paraprost]. Hinyokika Kiyo 1990;36:495-516.

Dutkiewicz S. Usefulness of Cernilton in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Int Urol Nephrol 1996;28:49-53..

Holma R, Hongisto SM, Saxelin M, Korpela R. Constipation is relieved more by rye bread than wheat bread or laxatives without increased adverse gastrointestinal effects. J Nutr 2010;140(3):534-41.

Wagenlehner FM, Schneider H, Ludwig 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. Eur Urol 2009;56(3):544-51.

Preuss H, Debasis B, Walter GC. A Critical review of Cernitin for symptomatic relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men. Res Comm Pharm Toxicol 2003;8.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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Rye Grass - Uses, Side Effects, and More