Efficacy of Prunus africana, Urtica dioica and Epilobium angustifolium in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Pane,Umberto; Galasso,Raffaele; Baio,Raffaele; Intilla,Olivier; Di Mauro,Umberto; Sanseverino,Roberto

doi:10.3892/ijfn.2024.42

Efficacy of Prunus africana, Urtica dioica and Epilobium angustifolium in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Authors:
- Umberto Pane
- Raffaele Galasso
- Raffaele Baio
- Olivier Intilla
- Umberto Di Mauro
- Roberto Sanseverino
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Affiliations: Department of Urology, Umberto I Hospital, Nocera Inferiore, I‑84014 Salerno, Italy, Department of Urology, Maria SS. Addolorata Hospital, Eboli, I‑84025 Salerno, Italy
Published online on: December 30, 2024 https://doi.org/10.3892/ijfn.2024.42
Article Number: 1
Copyright : © Pane et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License [CC BY 4.0].

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Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting aging males, causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that affect the quality of life of patients. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a combination of Prunus africana, Urtica dioica and Epilobium angustifolium extracts (Progamet), in conjunction with standard alpha blocker therapy, for the management of symptoms of BPH. The present study was an observational, controlled mono‑centric trial including 92 male patients clinically diagnosed with BPH. The treatment group (n=46) received Progamet and alpha blockers for 90 days, while the control group (n=46) received alpha blockers alone. The primary endpoint was a change in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) after a period of 3 months. Secondary endpoints included urinary flow (Q‑max), erectile function assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score and safety. The treatment group exhibited a significant reduction in IPSS compared with the control group. The results of the present study also demonstrated that the Q‑max was significantly increased in the treatment group, and there was a significant improvement in erectile function based on the IIEF score. Progamet was well‑tolerated, with mild gastrointestinal side‑effects reported in a small number of patients. On the whole, the results of the present study highlight the potential of Progamet as an alternative or complementary treatment for BPH. Herein, the combination of natural extracts, when administered alongside standard alpha blocker therapy, led to improved LUTS, urinary flow and erectile function. Thus, Progamet may exhibit potential for use in the management of BPH, providing symptomatic relief with minimal side‑effects.

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