Curcumin versus placebo in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• Current treatments like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors have limitations.
• Chronic prostatic inflammation is implicated in BPH progression, suggesting a role for anti-inflammatory agents like curcumin.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the effectiveness of curcumin as a treatment for BPH.
• To evaluate curcumin's impact on LUTS and functional parameters in men with BPH.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized comparative studies.
• Searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL for studies comparing curcumin to placebo in men with BPH.
• Primary outcome: change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS); Secondary outcomes: PSA, prostate volume (PV), post-void residual volume (PVR), and maximum urinary flow rate (Q-max).

Main Results:

• Six studies with 697 patients were included.
• Curcumin significantly improved IPSS, reduced PSA, PV, and PVR, and increased Q-max compared to placebo.
• Greater benefits were observed in patients on alpha-blockers alone versus combined therapy.

Conclusions:

• Curcumin supplementation shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for BPH, improving LUTS and functional outcomes.
• Evidence is limited by heterogeneity and study design variability.
• Large-scale, well-designed randomized trials are needed to establish clinical utility and optimal use.