section name header

Evidence summaries

Phytotherapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Phytotherapy with Hypoxis rooperi or Secale cereale may improve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urtica dioica or Curcubita pepo may not be effective when used alone. Phytotherapies are well tolerated. Level of evidence: "C"

A systematic review 1 abstracted in DARE included four RCTs (n=519) on Hypoxis rooperi, four RCTs (n=444) on Secale cereale, five RCTs (n=543 and n=41; participant numbers not reported for three trials) on Urtica dioica and one RCT (n=55) on Curcubita pepo.

Hypoxis rooperi

  • Two studies that reported urinary symptom scores showed statistically significant improvements (WMD -4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.29 to -3.53). Heterogeneity was not present in this result (P=0.49). Four studies that reported peak urine flow showed a statistically significant improvement when pooled (WMD 3.91 ml/second, 95% CI 0.91 to 6.90). Significant heterogeneity was present in this result (P=0.00). One trial showed no reduction in prostate size, while another trial showed no improvement in urinary flow rates. Adverse events were reported to be infrequent and mild.

Secale cereale

  • Data from all studies were reported to show improvement in symptoms and urinary flow. The only adverse event reported was mild nausea. Some methodological limitations were noted in the included studies.

Urtica dioica

  • One RCT compared a combined preparation of Sabal and Urtica with finasteride and found no differences between the groups in symptom scores, peak urine flow, or residual urine volume. More adverse events were associated with finasteride. Symptom scores were improved compared with placebo. A small trial (n=41) found improvement in symptom scores compared with placebo. Another placebo-controlled trial reported improvements in peak urine flow and total voided volume, but no improvement in symptoms.

Curcubita pepo

  • Curcubita was combined with Sabal serrulata and compared with placebo. The treatment group reported improved self-rating of urinary symptoms and nocturia, and a greater reduction in urine volume than the placebo group.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by limitations in study quality (including poor reporting) and by inconsistency (heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes).

References

  • Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Rutks I, MacDonald R. Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health Nutr 2000 Dec;3(4A):459-72. [PubMed] [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords