TLDR Herbal treatments can help with early-stage BPH symptoms, but more research is needed.
The document reviewed the use of herbal therapies for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), focusing on botanical treatments like Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum, Urtica dioica radix, and Cucurbita peponis semen. It noted that many men over 50 experienced BPH symptoms and that these herbs showed promise in treatment. European studies examined their efficacy, dosage, and adverse effects, but questions remained about long-term benefits, prevention of complications, and standardization of extracts. The review concluded that these botanical therapies could treat symptoms in BPH stages I and II, but further research was needed. Pygeum africanum and stinging nettle root showed antiproliferative effects, with clinical trials supporting their efficacy, highlighting the need for standardizing phytopharmaceutical drugs for clinical validation.
73 citations,
January 1994 in “European Urology” Finasteride works better than Permixon in reducing dihydrotestosterone levels.
124 citations,
January 1993 in “The Prostate” Finasteride effectively inhibits 5α reductase, while plant extracts like Permixon and Bazoton don't show significant results.
39 citations,
September 2013 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Herbs can potentially treat hair loss by inhibiting a key enzyme and promoting hair growth, and deficiencies in zinc, biotin, and iron are linked to hair loss.
19 citations,
August 2014 in “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” The study created a test that found hormonal and toxic effects in plant and fungal extracts using prostate cancer cells.
67 citations,
February 2015 in “Life Sciences” Some plant-based treatments can help with benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms, but more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
8 citations,
May 2017 in “Current traditional medicine” Stinging nettle has compounds that help with joint pain, arthritis, and prostate issues.
4 citations,
February 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Pumpkin seed oil slightly outperforms minoxidil foam in treating hair loss with fewer side effects.
