[Phytotherapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Current evidence-based evaluation].

2002-09
Der Urologe. Ausg. A 41(5)
- K Dreikorn
- R Berges
- L Pientka
- U Jonas

PubMed: 12426861
DOI: 10.1007/s00120-002-0234-y

Study Design

Type: Review

Despite its popularity as a medication in various European countries or as a nutritional supplement in the United States, the role of plant extracts for the treatment of LUTS due to BPH remains controversial. Only a few randomized clinical trials that meet standard criteria of evidence-based medicine but with relatively short follow-up times and some meta-analyses mainly regarding Serenoa repens and Pygeum Africanum as well as more recent studies on pumpkin seeds have shown clinical effects and good tolerability. To better judge the therapeutic potential of these plant extracts, additional randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with sufficient follow-up are needed.

Research Insights

Pygeum Bark→Improved Lower Urinary Tract Symptom
some meta-analyses mainly regarding Serenoa repens and Pygeum Africanum as well as more recent studies on pumpkin seeds have shown clinical effects and good tolerability.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Saw Palmetto→Improved Lower Urinary Tract Symptom
some meta-analyses mainly regarding Serenoa repens and Pygeum Africanum as well as more recent studies on pumpkin seeds have shown clinical effects and good tolerability.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small

Adverse Events Reported

Saw Palmetto→Overall tolerability
Only a few randomized clinical trials that meet standard criteria of evidence-based medicine but with relatively short follow-up times and some meta-analyses mainly regarding Serenoa repens and Pygeum Africanum as well as more recent studies on pumpkin seeds have shown clinical effects and good tolerability.
Finding
Reported
Pygeum Bark→Overall tolerability
Only a few randomized clinical trials that meet standard criteria of evidence-based medicine but with relatively short follow-up times and some meta-analyses mainly regarding Serenoa repens and Pygeum Africanum as well as more recent studies on pumpkin seeds have shown clinical effects and good tolerability.
Finding
Reported