Herbs and plantsSmall-flowered willowherb — a herb for the prostate?
- Europejska Agencja Leków (EMA) — Ziele wierzbówki kriprzycy — streszczenie EMA dla pacjentów
- Henryk Różański — Niecierpek – Impatiens w praktycznej fitoterapii
- Henryk Różański — Herba Cirsii oleracei – ziele ostrożenia warzywnego
- Henryk Różański — Folium Bucco = Buchu leaf w leczeniu stanów zapalnych układu moczowego i zapalenia gruczołu krokowgo
- A phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy. · Complement Ther Med 2013
- Use of Epilobium parviflorum in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Canines. · Vet Med Sci 2025
- Determination of oenothein B as the active 5-alpha-reductase-inhibiting principle of the folk medicine Epilobium parviflorum. · J Nat Prod 1996
- Extracts from Epilobium sp. herbs, their components and gut microbiota metabolites of Epilobium ellagitannins, urolithins, inhibit hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells-(LNCaP) proliferation and PSA secretion. · Phytother Res 2013
- Extracts from Epilobium sp. herbs induce apoptosis in human hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells by activating the mitochondrial pathway. · J Pharm Pharmacol 2013
- Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. · J Ethnopharmacol 2006
- Antioxidant and antiinflammatory effect of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb. · Phytother Res 2009
- The Involvement of Epilobium parviflorum in Different Human Diseases, with Particular Attention to Its Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Benefits to Vascular Health. · Nutrients 2025
The European Medicines Agency considers that willowherb herb, which consists of the aerial parts of Epilobium parviflorum, may relieve urinary problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Its use is based on tradition, and laboratory studies do not provide conclusive results.
- Before use, a doctor should rule out serious conditions; no adverse effects were reported in the HMPC assessment.
- Henryk Różański recommends small-flowered willowherb or willowherb as an ingredient in mixtures for an enlarged prostate and urinary problems.
What the authors write
Willowherb herb consists of the aerial parts of Epilobium parviflorum.
Willowherb herb may relieve urinary problems associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Before using willowherb herb, a doctor should rule out serious conditions.
The use of these medicines is based on tradition because there is not enough evidence from clinical studies.
Laboratory studies suggest a possible effect on prostate cell growth, but do not provide conclusive results.
The HMPC assessment reported no adverse effects associated with the use of these medicines.
Henryk Różański recommends a mixture containing small-flowered willowherb or willowherb for an enlarged prostate and urinary problems caused by prostatitis.
Henryk Różański recommends combining small-flowered willowherb or willowherb with other herbs in a mixture for an enlarged prostate.
Henryk Różański lists small-flowered willowherb or willowherb as a possible addition to buchu preparations used for urinary tract inflammation and prostate enlargement.
Henryk Różański describes the effects of buchu preparations combined with small-flowered willowherb or willowherb on urinary tract symptoms.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 8 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 16.
In a study, a mixture containing small-flowered willowherb and other ingredients reduced BPH symptoms and daytime urination frequency.
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 IPSS total median score in the active group of 36% as compared to 8% for the placebo group, during the 3-months intervention (p < 0.05). The day-time urinary frequency in the active group also showed a significant reduction over the 3-months intervention (7.0-5.9 times per day, a reduction of 15.6% compared to no significant reduction change for the placebo group (6.2-6.3 times per day) (p < 0.03). The night-time urinary frequency was also significantly reduced in the active group (2.9-1.8, 39.3% compared to placebo (2.8-2.6 times, 7%) (p < 0.004). The herbal preparation (ProstateEZE Max) was shown to be well tolerated and have a significant positive effect on physical symptoms of BPH when taken over 3 months, a clinically significant outcome in otherwise healthy men.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In two dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate volume decreased after two months of taking the extract.
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% (Case 1: 81-50 cm3; Case 2: 79-44 cm3) by Day 60. Serum testosterone concentration decreased by 30% for Case 1 (749-512 ng/dL) and 20% for Case 2 (220-188 ng/dL). This case report describes an alternative therapeutic method effective for treating canine BPH without apparent adverse reactions or complications.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, the willowherb constituent oenothein B was responsible for inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.
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).
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Willowherb extracts inhibited prostate cancer cell growth and reduced PSA secretion in a laboratory study.
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 proven to be transformed by human gut microbiota into urolithins. Urolithin C showed the strongest activity in the inhibition of cell proliferation (IC50 = 35.2 ± 3.7 μM), PSA secretion (reduced PSA secretion to the level of 100.7 ± 31.0 ng/ml) and arginase activity (reduced to the level of 27.9 ± 3.3 mUnits of urea/mg of protein). Results of the work offer an explanation of the activity of Epilobium extracts and support the use of Epilobium preparations in the treatment of prostate diseases.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Willowherb extracts increased the death of prostate cancer cells in a laboratory study.
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. 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 level apoptotic cells, from 2.86 ± 0.5% (for untreated cells) up to 86.6 ± 1.0%. All extracts significantly decreased the mitochondrial potential, Δψm , resulting in an increase in the activity of caspase-3 from 0.3 ± 0.07 ng/mg of protein (for untreated cells) up to 1.26 ± 0.32 ng/mg of protein. This study demonstrated 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.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In laboratory studies, willowherb extract had antioxidant effects, inhibited COX-1 and COX-2, and limited the growth of E. coli bacteria.
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 the hydroxyl radical but with various potencies (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 the COX-1 and -2 catalysed prostaglandin biosynthesis, inhibited growth of Escherichia coli and exerted antioxidant activity. Although these results support the traditional use of Epilobium parviflorum for treatment of prostatitis and BPH, further investigation is required, for this promising plant.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In laboratory studies, willowherb extract showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
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: parviflorum showed higher antioxidant effect in the DPPH assay than well known antioxidants and inhibited the lipid peroxidation determined by the TBA assay (IC(50) = 2.37 +/- 0.12 mg/mL). In concentrations of 0.2-15.0 microg/mL the extract possessed a protective effect, comparable to catalase (250 IU/mL), against oxidative damage, generated in fibroblast cells. In the COX inhibition assay E. parviflorum decreased the PGE(2) release, so showing inhibition of the COX-enzyme (IC(50) = 1.4 +/- 0.1 microg/mL).
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review describes the use of willowherb to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.
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: The E. parviflorum Schreb. herb has been used as a remedy in folk medicine and has a variety of therapeutic properties. These include its preventive effects and 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 contribute to a reduction in oxidative stress due to their antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects, positively reducing inflammation, which can cause certain conditions. At higher concentrations, Epilobium generates reactive oxygen species that stimulate the body's defense mechanisms against a variety of cancers. The presence of oenothein B in E.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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