Exploring the use of phytotherapy in benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]: a systematic review
Abstract
Background Benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH] is a prevalent condition among aging men, characterized by prostate gland enlargement leading to lower urinary tract symptoms [LUTS]. Conventional treatments like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, though effective, often result in adverse effects. This has spurred interest in phytotherapy, leveraging plant-derived compounds to mitigate BPH symptoms due to their safety, cost-effectiveness, and patient preference. Method The review highlighted 84 studies involving diverse plants and bioactive compounds. Prominent examples include Serenoa repens [saw palmetto], Urtica dioica [nettle root], Cucurbita pepo [pumpkin seed], and Pygeum africanum [African cherry]. These plants exhibit mechanisms such as 5α-reductase inhibition, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of oxidative stress. Clinical and preclinical findings demonstrate improved urinary flow, reduced prostate volume, and alleviated LUTS. However, variability in methodologies, extract preparations, and dosages poses challenges to standardization. Results The review highlighted 84 studies involving diverse plants and bioactive compounds. Prominent examples include Serenoa repens [saw palmetto], Urtica dioica [nettle root], Cucurbita pepo [pumpkin seed], and Pygeum africanum [African cherry]. These plants exhibit mechanisms such as 5α-reductase inhibition, anti-inflammatory effects, and modulation of oxidative stress. Clinical and preclinical findings…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: facing age-related comorbidities and drug–drug interactions
- The Efficacy of Flogofilm® in the Treatment of Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis as an Adjuvant to Antibiotic Therapy: A Randomized Prospective Trial
- Inhibition of growth and contraction in human prostate stromal cells by silencing of NUAK1 and -2, and by the presumed NUAK inhibitors HTH01-015 and WZ4003
- Effectiveness and Safety of a New Nutrient Fixed Combination Containing Pollen Extract Plus Teupolioside, in the Management of LUTS in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: A Pilot Study
- Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study
- Aquablation vs. holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 150-patients prospective comparative multicenter study
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.