Clinical Evaluation of a Pollen-Extract-Based Phytotherapy Compared to Conventional Therapies in Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a prevalent condition characterized by pelvic pain and urinary symptoms with multifactorial aetiology. Standard treatments, including alpha-blockers, often have limited long-term effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a standardized pollen extract (Deprox® 500), alone or in combination with alpha-blockers, in reducing CP/CPPS symptoms and the need for rescue medication.

METHODS

This prospective, multicentre study included 207 male patients with CP/CPPS treated at two Romanian urology centres between January 2023 and January 2025. Patients were divided into three groups: Group A-alpha-blocker monotherapy; Group B-standardized pollen extract monotherapy; and Group C-combination therapy with standardized pollen extract and alpha-blocker. Symptom severity and treatment response were evaluated using the validated English versions of the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), all of which were translated into Romanian for use in this study.

RESULTS

Groups B and C both demonstrated significantly greater reductions in pelvic pain and urinary symptoms compared to Group A (p = 0.01), with marked improvements in NIH-CPSI and IPSS.

CONCLUSIONS

A standardized pollen extract used alone or in combination with an alpha-blocker significantly improved CP/CPPS symptoms and reduced the need for NSAID rescue medication. These findings support its potential as a safe and effective therapeutic option.