Considered a certified pharmaceutical in Europe but classified as a dietary supplement in the U.S., cernilton is often used for treating symptoms associated with prostate and urinary tract disorders. According to some research, it might also have anti-infective properties. The word cernilton is French for flower pollen extract, though the product is typically manufactured using pollen obtained from grasses. Most individuals tolerate the extract without difficulty, but it can produce an adverse reaction in persons suffering from environmental allergies.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy and nonbacterial prostatitis usually produce symptoms that include increased urges to void throughout the day and night, while preventing full bladder emptying. Starting a urinary stream can also pose a problem and create physical discomfort. Laboratory studies indicate that cernilton flower pollen exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that reduce tissue swelling and pain and restores normal bladder contractions.
Using cernilton as treatment does not guarantee satisfactory results. The number of studies conducted on the effectiveness of cernilton as an alternative prostate gland treatment indicate differing results among individuals within each tested group. While some men experienced dramatic symptomatic improvement, other men received only marginal relief, and still others, showed no change in condition. Some retailers also tout the product as a male enhancement supplement, though scientific research does not endorse these claims.
Research conducted on cernilton reveals possible antimicrobial properties in some subjects. Persons suffering from cold or flu viruses received doses of the extract and monitoring for beneficial results. Again, effectiveness varied, with some experiencing relief from sore throat and hoarseness, while others obtained relief from coughing or a runny nose. The cause of the symptom relief is unclear, but researchers suggest nutritional value as a possible factor, as pollen extracts usually contain vitamins and minerals, along with protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
Most cernilton products contain extracts derived from a combination of pollens. Pollen from corn, rye, and timothy grasses are most commonly used. The pollen itself attaches to the tiny hair fibers of bees as they travel from plant to plant, and researchers obtain the pollen directly from the bees or by using mechanized equipment. The pollen then undergoes chemical processing that produces the extract.
Persons suffering from hay fever type allergies might experience allergic reactions, ranging from itchy, watery eyes and nasal congestion to difficulty breathing and asthma. Cernilton may also inhibit platelets from sticking together. This characteristic poses a possible risk for individuals taking the supplement with anticoagulant medications.