Evidence based clinical study to assess the usefulness of homoeopathic medicines in patients of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Background and Objective: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common condition in elderly men and its incidence is age related. Although clinical evidence of diseases occurs less commonly, symptoms of prostatic obstruction are also age related and if untreated affect quality of life. No data regarding clinical as well as diagnostic parameters assessment in the cases of BPH in response to homoeopathic medicines is available. Therefore, an observational study on BPH was conducted with 20 predecided medicines for the treatment of BPH. Methods: A collaborative research study between Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi and Homoeopathic Research Foundation, Lucknow was planned. A total of 121 patients enrolled, out of which 43 completed the study according to protocol. Trial medicines selected on the basis of principles of Homoeopathy were prescribed and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Ultrasonography, Uroflowmetry and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) were assessed before and after homoeopathic treatment. Results: After comparing pre and post treatment results, the difference in mean values of IPSS, prostate weight, PSA and Average flow rates were found statistically significant. Maximum flow Rate and Post Void Residual Urine (PVRU) were found improving but statistically not significant. Lycopodium (n=15), Pulsatilla (n=11), Sulphur (n=8) and Calcarea carb. (n=3) were found to be most useful among 10 medicines prescribed. Conclusion: Results obtained from the study are encouraging with findings 93.0% of patients improved clinically with an evidence of positive changes in diagnostic parameters. However, such study with randomized control trial is needed to further validate the usefulness of the homoeopathic medicines.