Prostate problems after 50 — can an unassuming weed help you avoid surgery?

Aim of the study: The aim of the clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max, an orally dosed herbal preparation containing Cucurbita pepo, Epilobium parviflorum, lycopene, Pygeum africanum and Serenoa repens in the management of symptoms of medically diagnosed benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH).

Results: There was a significant reduction in the median total IPSS score in the active group of 36% compared with 8% in the placebo group during the 3-month intervention (p < 0.05). Daytime urinary frequency in the active group also fell significantly over the 3-month intervention (from 7.0 to 5.9 times per day, a reduction of 15.6%), compared with no significant change in the placebo group (from 6.2 to 6.3 times per day) (p < 0.03). Nighttime urinary frequency also fell significantly in the active group (from 2.9 to 1.8, a 39.3% reduction), compared with the placebo group (from 2.8 to 2.6 times, a 7% reduction) (p < 0.004). The herbal preparation (ProstateEZE Max) was well tolerated and had a significant positive effect on the physical symptoms of BPH when taken for 3 months, a clinically significant outcome in otherwise healthy men.

Aim of the study: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of Epilobium parviflorum (EP) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in dogs based on two clinical case reports. Two dogs with BPH were treated for 2 months with EP extract.

Results: EP was well tolerated, with no side effects observed during the 60-day oral administration period. In both cases, prostate volume decreased by 40% by Day 60 (Case 1: 81–50 cm3; Case 2: 79–44 cm3). Serum testosterone concentration decreased by 30% in Case 1 (749–512 ng/dL) and 20% in Case 2 (220–188 ng/dL). This case report describes an alternative treatment method effective for canine BPH, with no apparent adverse reactions or complications.

Aim of the study: Several extracts from Epilobium parviflorum, a plant used in Central Europe for the treatment of prostate disorders, were evaluated in a biochemical assay with 5-alpha-reductase. The aqueous extract displaying inhibition of the enzyme was analyzed, the fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active compound identified as a macrocyclic tannin, oenothein B (1).

Results: Several extracts from Epilobium parviflorum, a plant used in Central Europe for the treatment of prostate disorders, were evaluated in a biochemical assay with 5-alpha-reductase. The aqueous extract displaying inhibition of the enzyme was analyzed, the fraction responsible for this activity was purified, and the active compound identified as a macrocyclic tannin, oenothein B (1).

Aim of the study: Extracts from Epilobium sp. herbs have been traditionally used in the treatment of prostate-associated ailments.

Results: Additionally, ellagitannins from E. hirustum extract were shown to be transformed by human gut microbiota into urolithins. Urolithin C showed the strongest activity in inhibiting cell proliferation (IC50 = 35.2 ± 3.7 μM), PSA secretion (reducing PSA secretion to 100.7 ± 31.0 ng/ml) and arginase activity (reducing it to 27.9 ± 3.3 mUnits of urea/mg of protein). The results explain the activity of Epilobium extracts and support the use of Epilobium preparations to treat prostate diseases.

Aim of the study: The aim of this work was to determine the effect of standardized aqueous extracts from Epilobium angustifolium L., E. parviflorum Schreb. and E. hirsutum L. herbs on the apoptosis of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells (LNCaP).

Results: Using the HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method, 38 constituents were characterized. The extracts contained significant amounts of oenothein B, as well as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Exposure of LNCaP cells to the extracts (20, 50 and 70 μg/ml) resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of apoptotic cells, from 2.86 ± 0.5% in untreated cells to 86.6 ± 1.0%. All extracts significantly decreased mitochondrial potential, Δψm, resulting in an increase in caspase-3 activity from 0.3 ± 0.07 ng/mg of protein in untreated cells to 1.26 ± 0.32 ng/mg of protein. This study showed that Epilobium extracts are active against LNCaP prostate cancer cells and that their apoptotic activity is related to activation of the mitochondrial pathway. The high oenothein B content may influence the biological activity of these plant materials.

Aim of the study: Crude water and ethanolic extracts of five herbal remedies reported in the literature for traditional treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and/or prostatitis were investigated for their effect on hydroxyl scavenging activity, antibacterial activity and their ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 (COX-1 and COX-2) catalysed prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Results: All 10 extracts scavenged hydroxyl radicals, but with varying potency (32–93%). Ethanolic extracts were the most active in inhibiting COX-1-catalysed prostaglandin biosynthesis. The ethanolic extract of Epilobium parviflorum showed inhibitory effects on both COX-1- and COX-2-catalysed prostaglandin biosynthesis, inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and had antioxidant activity. Although these results support the traditional use of Epilobium parviflorum to treat prostatitis and BPH, further investigation of this promising plant is needed.

Aim of the study: Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but its biological action is not entirely identified.

Results: E. parviflorum showed a greater antioxidant effect in the DPPH assay than well-known antioxidants and inhibited lipid peroxidation in the TBA assay (IC(50) = 2.37 +/- 0.12 mg/mL). At concentrations of 0.2-15.0 microg/mL, the extract protected fibroblast cells against oxidative damage to an extent comparable to catalase (250 IU/mL). In the COX inhibition assay, E. parviflorum decreased PGE(2) release, showing inhibition of the COX enzyme (IC(50) = 1.4 +/- 0.1 microg/mL).

Aim of the study: Water and alcohol extracts of Epilobium have gained attention due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds and their associated health benefits. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. (Onagraceae) preparations on vascular health in light of its medical applications in different human diseases over the last five years.

Results: E. parviflorum Schreb. herb has been used as a remedy in folk medicine and has a variety of therapeutic properties. These include preventive effects and the ability to relieve symptoms in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis and a variety of cancers. Other properties include effects on kidney and urinary tract diseases, lipid regulation and skin infections. The herb also has antibacterial properties. E. parviflorum contains bioactive compounds such as oenothein B, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide and myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside. At low doses, these compounds help reduce oxidative stress through their antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects, reducing inflammation that can cause certain conditions. At higher concentrations, Epilobium produces reactive oxygen species that stimulate the body's defense mechanisms against a variety of cancers. The presence of oenothein B in E.