Integrative Ayurvedic Approach to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Comprehensive Narrative Review
Abstract
Background:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive, age-related condition
characterized by non-malignant enlargement of the prostate, lower urinary tract
symptoms (LUTS), and reduced quality of life among ageing men. Conventional
therapy—α-blockers, 5-α-reductase inhibitors, and surgical interventions—often leads
to adverse effects or incomplete symptom relief. Ayurveda conceptualizes BPH under
Mutraghata, Vatashtheela, and Mutra-krichchhra, emphasizing Vata-dushti, Srotorodha,
and Meda/Mutravaha Srotas dysfunction. Integrative approaches combining
Panchakarma, Rasayana, and herbal formulations show potential for symptom relief
and disease modification.
Methods:
A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, AYUSH Research Portal,
IndMED, and Google Scholar. Search terms included “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,”
“Ayurveda,” “Mutraghata,” “Gokshura,” “Varuna,” “Panchakarma,” and “prostate
inflammation” using Boolean operators (AND/OR). Literature published between 1980–
2024 was included. Clinical trials, observational studies, conceptual papers,
mechanistic studies, and classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta
Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) were evaluated. PRISMA principles guided screening and
selection. Exclusion criteria were non-peer-reviewed papers, incomplete data, and nonhuman studies unless mechanistic insights were relevant.
Results:
Ayurvedic descriptions of Mutraghata, Vatashtheela, and Mutra-krichchhra share
symptomatic overlap with BPH. Herbs such as Gokshura, Punarnava, Varuna, Kanya,
and formulations like Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Punarnavadi Kashaya,
and Shilajit Rasayana exhibit anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-androgenic, and antiproliferative effects. Clinical studies demonstrate reductions in IPSS scores, prostate
size, and post-void residual urine. Panchakarma therapies like Uttara Basti, Matra
Basti, and Virechana show improvements in urinary flow and symptom burden.
Research gaps include heterogeneity in methodologies, small sample sizes, and lack of
long-term outcome data.
Conclusion:
Integrative Ayurvedic management shows promising potential in alleviating LUTS,
reducing inflammation, and improving quality of life in BPH. Herbal and Panchakarmabased interventions may serve as adjunct or complementary therapies. Future research
should focus on multicentric RCTs, standardized formulations, and mechanistic studies
to evaluate long-term disease modification.
Keywords
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, LUTS, Ayurveda, Mutraghata, Vatashtheela, Gokshura, Varuna, Punarnava, Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Panchakarma, Basti, Uttara Basti, Virechana, Integrative Medicine, Rasayana, Prostate Health.