ABSTRACT

Phytotherapy is widely utilized in the medical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia especially in European countries. It is also quite probable that phytotherapy will increasingly be preferred in Turkey. There are various clinical trials indicating certain clinical efficacy of these botanical compounds over placebo. However, majority of these studies has major shortcomings regarding the appropriate scientific methods. In fact, the major drawback of phytotherapy is the presence of complex chemical structures without the standard dose formulations. Therefore, the mechanisms of action have not clearly been defined. Nevertheless, urologists should have sufficient background information about phytotherapy considering its widespread popularity. Long-term, placebo controlled, double blind, randomized clinical trials are required to establish definitive conclusions about phytotherapy in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms.