PHYTOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN P ROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Phytopharmaceutical agents have been used for a long time in the treat ment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, until recently, it has been questioned whether phytotherapy is superior to a placebo treatment. In this article, the most widely used phytopharma ceutical agents, such as saw palmetto berry extracts, Radix urticae ex tracts, pumpkin seeds, pollen extracts and different phytosterols, are described. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo studies are discuss ed in an attempt to explain a possible mechanism of action. There are several new clinical studies which demonstrate a significant benefit c ompared with placebo treatment. Based on these results, the use of phy topharmaceutical agents for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoma tic BPH seems to be well justified. So far, no significant inhibition of further prostate growth has been demonstrated. For this, a careful follow-up of the patients is necessary so as not to miss a deteriorati on and perhaps the need for an operation.