Research Progress on the Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Compounds in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common benign diseases in middle-aged and elderly men, characterized by lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and weak urine flow, which can lead to complications such as urinary retention and incontinence. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history and rich experience in treating BPH, with herbal formulas widely used in clinical practice due to their significant efficacy and safety. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds on BPH through a comprehensive analysis of previous research, systematically summarizing the mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in treating BPH to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new TCM drugs. The research findings reveal that the specific mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in treating BPH involve the modulation of sex hormones, prostate proliferation and apoptosis, cell growth factors, inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition.