Phytotherapy for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Current Position and Unmet Needs.

Phytotherapy is considered an alternative option to medical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, comparisons between different phytotherapeutics and the development of evidence-based recommendations are hampered by highly variable study results and the limited regulatory framework. Currently, hexanic Serenoa repens is the only agent recommended by the European Association of Urology guidelines on male LUTS. This mini review describes the current situation regarding phytotherapy for LUTS management and provides an insight into research needs for plant extracts in this setting. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our mini review discusses current evidence on plant extracts for the treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. We highlight limitations and problems that need to be overcome to support routine use of plant extract products for these patients.