ENZYME-ACTIVITIES IN TISSUE OF HUMAN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AFTER 3 MONTHS TREATMENT WITH THE SABAL SERRULATA EXTRACT IDS-89 (STROGEN(R)) OR PLACEBO

Objective: The mechanism of action of plant extracts used for the medi cal treatment of human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is still unk nown. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, we investig ated the possible influence of the Sabal serrulata extract IDS 89 (Str ogen(R)) on epithelial and stromal enzyme activities of BPH tissue. Me thods: 18 patients with BPH were randomly assigned to receive 3 x 2 ca psules Strogen(R) uno (320 mg/capsule) (n = 8) or placebo (n = 10) dai ly for 3 months. The activity (V-max and K-m) of 5 alpha-reductase, 3 alpha-HSOR(red), 3 beta-HSOR(red), and creatine kinase was determined in mechanically separated epithelium and stroma of human BPH. Results: The multivariate correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between therapy and the following enzyme alterations: (1) In epitheli um, the substrate affinity of the 5 alpha-reductase decreased slightly (increase of K-m value). (2) In stroma, the V-max value of the 3 alph a-HSOR(red) increased statistically distinctly, leading to a moderate increase of V-max/K-m. (3) In stroma, the V-max value of the 3 beta-HS OR(red) increased moderately, but not statistically significant. (4) I n stroma, the V-max Value of creatine kinase increased significantly, leading to a statistically distinct increase of V-max/K-m. Conclusion: This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with the S. serr ulata extract IDS 89 revealed significant biochemical changes at the c ellular level of BPH tissue. However, the alterations are merely moder ate, their biochemical causes and consequences regarding the pathophys iology of BPH rather uncertain. Therefore, more studies are needed bef ore plant extracts like IDS 89 become valid candidates likewise Enzyme activity synthetic substances already used for medical treatment of h uman BPH.