Curcumin versus placebo in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

2026-06-05
European journal of clinical pharmacology 82(7)
- Diogo Souto Santana
- Breno Cordeiro Porto
- Rafael Baldissera Cardoso
- Guilherme Melchior Maia Lopes
- Luiz Guilherme Serrão Gimenez
- Carlo Camargo Passerotti
- Ronaldo Maia
- Fernando Gonçalves Almeida
- Rodrigo Afonso da Silva Sardenberg
- José Arnaldo Shiomi da Cruz

PubMed: 42247029
DOI: 10.1007/s00228-026-04093-9

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 697
Population: men with BPH receiving α-blockers and/or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies evaluating curcumin versus placebo

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition among aging men and a major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Although α1-adrenoceptor blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors remain the cornerstone of treatment, their long-term use is frequently limited by adverse effects and suboptimal symptom control. Growing experimental and clinical evidence suggests that chronic prostatic inflammation plays a central role in BPH progression, raising interest in anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin. However, the clinical effectiveness of curcumin in BPH remains poorly defined.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies evaluating curcumin versus placebo in men with BPH receiving α-blockers and/or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. The primary outcome was change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Secondary outcomes included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), post-void residual volume (PVR), and maximum urinary flow rate (Q-max). Pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model.

Results

Six studies involving 697 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, curcumin was associated with a significant improvement in IPSS (MD - 4.11; p = 0.0009), accompanied by reductions in PSA (MD - 0.52 ng/mL), PV (MD - 3.78 mL), and PVR (MD -2.38 mL), as well as an increase in Q-max (MD 2.09 mL/s). Subgroup analyses suggested greater symptomatic benefit among patients receiving α-blockers alone compared with those on combined α-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across outcomes.

Conclusion

Curcumin supplementation was associated with significant improvement in LUTS and functional parameters in men with BPH. Although these findings support a potential adjunctive role for curcumin, the available evidence is limited by heterogeneity and study design variability. Well-designed, large-scale randomized trials are warranted to define its clinical utility, optimal formulation, and long-term effects.

Research Insights

Turmeric→Improved International Prostate Symptom Score
curcumin was associated with a significant improvement in IPSS (MD -4.11; p = 0.0009)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Turmeric→Improved Maximum Urinary Flow Rate
increase in Q-max (MD 2.09 mL/s)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Post-Void Residual Volume
reductions in ... PVR (MD -2.38 mL)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Prostate Volume
reductions in ... PV (MD -3.78 mL)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Turmeric→Reduced Uric Acid Levels
reductions in PSA (MD -0.52 ng/mL)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Turmeric→Overall tolerability
No safety/ adverse event data were reported in the abstract.
Finding
Reported