The efficacy of procin-x and celloid-s in the management of benign prostatic enlargement

Background and Objective: Despite a decent efficacy and safety profile, α1 - blockers (A1B) and the 5α - reductase inhibitors (5ARI), the conventional drugs used in the treatment of the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), are commonly associated with adverse effects including sexual dysfunction and postural hypotension. Phytotherapy for the treatment BPH symptoms has been used for centuries. However, scientific data on their efficacy are sparse. Procin-X and Celloid-S (PC) are powdered plant material products with acclaimed anti- BPH properties. This study assessed their usefulness in the management of BPH. Materials and Methods: This was a single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted at our hospital involving 80 patients (divided in to 2 equal groups) with the clinical diagnosis of BPH. The study group were given PC while the controls were given multivitamin Capsules daily for a period of 14 weeks. All patients were evaluated at intervals for severity of symptoms, flow rates, prostate size, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and possible adverse effects including erectile function. Test of significance between the means was done using the Students Paired t-test. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: At the end of 14 weeks there was an reduction in symptom score by 5.7 and 1.6 in subjects and controls respectively (P < 0.05) and an increase in flow rate by 4.0mls/s and 1.1mls/s respectively (P < 0.05). There was a 60% and 14% reduction in PSA in the subjects and control respectively. There was also statistically significant increase in the erection score in the subjects. Conclusion: PC appear to be effective and in the management of the symptoms of BPH. The positive effects of PC on erectile function may however give them an advantage over the A1B and 5ARI drugs while the reduction in PSA may also give it a role in chemoprevention of prostate cancer. A large scale cohort study is needed to confirm these findings.