An Overview of Phytotherapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the noncancerous growth of the prostate gland resulting due to overproliferation of the stromal and glandular elements of the prostate and is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms. Natural products, containing inherently vast structural diversity than synthetic compounds, have been the major resources of bioactive agents and will continue to play as protagonists for discovering new drugs. Phytotherapeutic products have been used traditionally in developing countries while the use of them as complementary alternative medicine is increasing rapidly in developed countries for the management of BPH. Although mono preparations (single plant only) are available, many industries manufacture combination products (plant extracts) in an attempt to provide enhanced efficacy to improve marketability, and to provide their own "unique" product that can be registered, because these products have no patent protection. The mechanism of action of the phytotherapeutic agents is not clearly understood as many in vitro experimental studies have demonstrated diverse spectrum of mechanisms. The main mechanisms of action that has received the greatest attention are anti-inflammatory, 5α-reductase inhibition, and more recently growth factor alteration. The current review covers all such studies and critiques the efficacy and value of such phytotherapeutic products and preparations available for the management of BPH.

Thermobalancing conservative treatment for moderate-to-low-degree lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to prostate enlargement

“…Investigating of uncomplicated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men who used a self-management programme in addition to standard care or standard care alone demonstrated that behavioural treatment reduced nightly nocturia by a mean of 0.97 episodes and was significantly more effective than drug therapy (5) . However, all attention in alternative approach for BPH was usually associated with the phytotherapeutic agents, as natural products, containing inherently vast structural diversity than synthetic compounds, have been the major resources for discovering new drugs (6) . For the purpose of a targeted conservative treatment for men with BPH Dr Allen suggested Thermobalancing therapy enabled by topically applied therapeutic device to the projection of prostate (7) .…”

Inhibitory effects of Pycnogenol®, a pine bark extract, in a rat model of testosterone propionate-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia

“…However, 5α-reductase inhibitors may have serious side-effects, such as orthostatic hypotension, decreased libido and ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction [ 6 ]. Owing to the small number of adverse effects of natural products, they have been considered as alternative treatments for BPH [ 7 ].…”