Researchers have already suggested that taking saw palmetto supplements may help reduce prostate inflammation and increase urethral flow. For more severe conditions, like prostate cancer, nanoparticles may deliver targeted doses of medicine.

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences determined that chemotherapy drugs called cisplatins may stay in the body if delivered within nanoparticles, which are microscopic, cage-like molecules than can contain other compounds within themselves.

The body naturally filters away platinum-based cisplatins relatively quickly, usually in a manner of hours. The study’s authors found that delivering them inside hydrophobic, or water-repelling, nanoparticles allowed cisplatin to remain in the body for a day or longer.

They also discovered that coating the particles with a protein found on prostate cancer cells, called prostate specific membrane antigen, encouraged them to adhere within the affected gland.

The team suggested that further research be done into the delivery of medicines using nanoparticles.

When prostate inflammation is the only problem, taking daily supplements of saw palmetto extract may improve prostate health and function.