Update on the Use of Phytotherapy for Voiding Symptoms

Abstract

Phytotherapy-the use of plant extracts as medicine or health-promoting agents-is increasing in popularity. The most recent available survey, conducted in 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, showed that adults in the United States spent 33.9 billion dollars out of pocket annually on complementary and alternative medical therapies. Of that total, 14.8 billion dollars (44%) was spent on herbal or phytotherapy products. These remedies are commonly used to treat urologic disorders such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, lower urinary tract symptoms, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, overactive bladder, and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. Although these agents show some promise for symptom relief, their use remains controversial due to the lack of established mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety. Clinical trials are often flawed, as most studies of small scale and short duration are; they are not blinded or controlled, and most have no placebo group.