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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP).
Published on: March 6, 2018
Hypoxis hemerocallidea--not merely a cure for benign prostate hyperplasia.
1School of Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa. drewes@ukzn.ac.za
Hypoxis hemerocallidea extracts, including its key compounds like rooperol, show promising therapeutic potential beyond benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). These extracts exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, expanding their medicinal applications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Phytomedicine
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. and C.A. Mey. (Hypoxidaceae) has traditionally been used for various ailments.
- Previous research has focused on its application for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore and present new therapeutic applications of Hypoxis hemerocallidea extracts.
- To highlight the expanded use of its constituents, including phytosterols, hypoxoside, and rooperol.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing and new evidence on the pharmacological activities of Hypoxis hemerocallidea extracts and its constituents.
- Analysis of the expanding over-the-counter (OTC) market for these products.
Main Results:
- Hypoxis hemerocallidea extracts demonstrate significant potential as antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and anti-diabetics.
- Evidence suggests activity against cancerous and premalignant cells, as well as anticonvulsant properties.
- The constituents hypoxoside and its derivative rooperol are key active compounds.
Conclusions:
- Hypoxis hemerocallidea extracts possess a broad spectrum of therapeutic activities beyond BPH.
- The expanded applications include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-convulsant, and anti-cancer effects.
- The commercial availability and OTC trade of these extracts have significantly increased.
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