Comparison of phytotherapy (Permixon) with finasteride in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: a randomized international study of 1,098 patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Controversy regarding the relative efficacy of treatments for the relief of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS:

This was a 6-month double-blind randomized equivalence study that compared the effects of a plant extract (320 mg Permixon) with those of a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (5 mg finasteride) in 1,098 men with moderate BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as the primary end-point.

RESULTS:

Both Permixon and finasteride decreased the IPSS (-37% and -39%, respectively), improved quality of life (by 38 and 41%), and increased peak urinary flow rate (+25% and +30%, P = 0.035), with no statistical difference in the percent of responders with a 3 ml/sec improvement. Finasteride markedly decreased prostate volume (-18%) and serum PSA levels (-41%); Permixon improved symptoms with little effect on volume (-6%) and no change in PSA levels. Permixon fared better than finasteride in a sexual function questionnaire and gave rise to less complaints of decreased libido and impotence.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both treatments relieve the symptoms of BPH in about two-thirds of patients but, unlike finasteride, Permixon has little effect on so-called androgen-dependent parameters. This suggests that other pathways might also be involved in the symptomatology of BPH.

• Authors: J C Carraro, J P Raynaud, G Koch, G D Chisholm, F Di Silverio, P Teillac, F C Da Silva, J Cauquil, D K Chopin, F C Hamdy, M Hanus, D Hauri, A Kalinteris, J Marencak, A Perier, P Perrin
• Journal: The Prostate (Prostate) Vol. 29 Issue 4 Pg. 231-40; discussion 241-2 (Oct 1996) ISSN: 0270-4137 [Print] United States
• PMID: 8876706 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Androgen Antagonists
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Plant Extracts
• Finasteride
• Oxidoreductases
• Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase
• saw palmetto extract

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Androgen Antagonists (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Cholestenone 5 alpha-Reductase
• Double-Blind Method
• Enzyme Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Finasteride (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• International Cooperation
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Oxidoreductases (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Prostate (drug effects, pathology)
• Prostatic Hyperplasia (drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology)
• Serenoa
• Sexual Behavior (drug effects)
• Treatment Outcome