The association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols can improve quality of life in patients affected by prostatitis-like symptoms

Abstract

Objectives: Chronic prostatitis syndrome is a bothering and poorly understood condition. Many patients report genitourinary pain and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms as a main complaint. Many different pharmacological or behavioural therapies are prescribed in daily clinical practice, but efficacy data are still lacking. The aim of our study was to test the efficacy and safety of a transrectal delivered association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols for the relief of prostatitis - like symptoms. Materials and methods: Patients affected by chronic/recurrent prostatitis - like symptoms were prospectively enrolled in our study from December, 2016 to December, 2018. Patients were screened at baseline through clinical examination and validated questionnaires administration: Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Inclusion criteria were: age ≥ 18; prostatitis symptoms persisting for at least 3 of the last 6 months; CPSI pain domain score ≥ 5; previous negative Meares-Stamey test. Treatment consisted on the administration of 1 suppository containing Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols, once a day for 20 days. The primary endpoint of the study was the improvement of quality of life after treatment, defined by a reduction of ≥ 2 points, or ≥ 25%, of mean CPSI pain domain score, compared to baseline. Secondary endpoints were the improvement of post-treatment CPSI total score and the analysis of treatment - related adverse events. All patients were re-evaluated 1 month after treatment. Results: 40 patients were enrolled in our study. Median age (Inter - Quartile Range IQR) was 51.5 (41.5-63.2) years. Mean baseline CPSI scores were: 22.15 (total score), 9.67 (pain domain), 5.15 (micturition domain) and 7.35 (quality of life domain), respectively. No significant adverse events were reported. At 1 month follow-up, CPSI scores appeared modified as follows: 16.40 (total score, p = 0.001); 6.92 (pain domain; p = 0.001; 4.02 (micturition domain, p = 0.09); 5.45 (quality of life domain, p = 0.002). Mean CPSI pain domain score reduction was -2.75 points (-28.5%). Mean CPSI total score reduction was -5.75 points (-26%). Conclusions: The association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols can reduce genitourinary pain and then improve quality of life of men affected by bothersome prostatitis - like symptoms.

Soybean Extracts (Glycine Max) with Curcuma, Boswellia, Pinus and Urtica Are Able to Improve Quality of Life in Patients Affected by CP/CPPS: Is the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine IL-8 Level Decreasing the Physiopathological Link?

“…Boswellia has been traditionally considered as a potential therapeutic option against several chronic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Moreover, Sibona et al recently demonstrated the clinical efficacy of a phytotherapeutic agent containing boswellia in the management of patients affected by prostatitis-like symptoms, showing a significant enhancement of symptoms relief [25]. Similarly, several authors reported clinical benefits of a curcumin supplementation on main functional parameters related to prostatic diseases [26,27], such as pain relief [27].…”

The efficacy of a suppository based on Phenolmicin P3 and Bosexil (Mictalase®) in control of irritative symptoms in patients undergoing thulium laser enucleation of prostate: a single-center, randomized, controlled, open label, phase III study

“…Indeed, one of the most important etiological agents of inflammatory diseases is the cause-and-effect relationship between oxygen free radicals and oxidative damage at the biomolecular level [ 26 – 28 ]. Actually, the efficacy of the transrectal delivered association of Boswellia resin extract and propolis derived polyphenols in relieving prostatitis-like symptoms was tested by another research group [ 29 ]. As assessed by standardised questionnaires, the suppository was found able to reduce genitourinary pain and to improve quality of life in men affected by bothersome prostatitis-like symptoms.…”

Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices in the Form of Suppositories for Rectal and Vaginal Use

“…Other indications for such devices include promotion of fertilization [27], delivery of anti-HIV drugs [28], etc. Medical devices in the form of rectal suppositories, creams, and gels are used for treatment and prevention of proctological and urological diseases [29,30]. In view of this, our medical-scientific justification of classification of the studied products as medical devices is harmonized with regulatory bodies practice (Conformity Assessment Body) of the European Union countries.…”