Role of phytotherapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
Serenoa repens extract is a popular phytotherapeutic agent in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, the agent is generally well accepted for its easy availability and good tolerability. This paper reviews the evidence of its efficacy in comparison with placebo, 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist.


RESULTS
Serenoa repens extract is comparable with 5-alpha reductase (finasteride) and alpha-1 antagonist in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in terms of symptom score and peak urinary flow rate improvement, but has a lower incidence of associated sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, long-term usage (36 months) of Serenoa repens decreases the progression rate of the condition as compared with watchful waiting. In addition, the efficacies of Serenoa repens are proven in several placebo-controlled trials.


CONCLUSIONS
Serenoa repens has proven its role in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and will remain as a viable first-line treatment option.
Fong
Yan Kit
YK
Department of Urology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. yankitfong@yahoo.com.sg
Milani
Shirin
S
Djavan
Bob
B
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028024:Serenoa; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D010936:Plant Extracts