Phytotherapy for chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
DOI: 10.22591/magyurol.2025.3.bartekv.132
Authors:
Bartek Virág dr., Csapó Judit dr.
Péterfy Sándor Utcai Kórház-Rendelőintézet, Urológiai Osztály, Budapest (igazgató: Buzogány István dr.)
Summary
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in men and strongly affect their quality of life. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) arising from non-bacterial prostatitis are common in their etiology. The treatment of these diseases requires a complex, multidisciplinary approach. As part of conservative therapy, increasing attention is being paid to phytotherapy as an additional or – in mild cases – first-line therapy. These herbal preparations (e.g. saw palmetto extract, cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil or pumpkin seed contained combined preparations) reduce symptoms through their anti-inflammatory, alpha-5-reductase and muscle relaxant effects. The side effect profile of phytotherapeutic agents is excellent, which is why they are particularly useful in the young population, as they do not contain components that negatively affect sexuality. The results of clinical trials are promising, but the levels of evidence vary. Overall, phytotherapy can be well integrated into personalized, complex LUTS and CPPS therapeutic strategies.