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.