SynthesisEuropean journal of clinical pharmacology2026
Curcumin versus placebo in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in European journal of clinical pharmacology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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10 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent condition among aging men and a major cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Although α1-adrenoceptor blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors remain the cornerstone of treatment, their long-term use is frequently limited by adverse effects and suboptimal symptom control. Growing experimental and clinical evidence suggests that chronic prostatic inflammation plays a central role in BPH progression, raising interest in anti-inflammatory compounds such as curcumin. However, the clinical effectiveness of curcumin in BPH remains poorly defined.
methodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and nonrandomized comparative studies evaluating curcumin versus placebo in men with BPH receiving α-blockers and/or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL. The primary outcome was change in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Secondary outcomes included prostate-specific antigen (PSA), prostate volume (PV), post-void residual volume (PVR), and maximum urinary flow rate (Q-max). Pooled analyses were performed using a random-effects model.
resultsSix studies involving 697 patients met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, curcumin was associated with a significant improvement in IPSS (MD - 4.11; p = 0.0009), accompanied by reductions in PSA (MD - 0.52 ng/mL), PV (MD - 3.78 mL), and PVR (MD -2.38 mL), as well as an increase in Q-max (MD 2.09 mL/s). Subgroup analyses suggested greater symptomatic benefit among patients receiving α-blockers alone compared with those on combined α-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy. Substantial heterogeneity was observed across outcomes.
conclusionCurcumin supplementation was associated with significant improvement in LUTS and functional parameters in men with BPH. Although these findings support a potential adjunctive role for curcumin, the available evidence is limited by heterogeneity and study design variability. Well-designed, large-scale randomized trials are warranted to define its clinical utility, optimal formulation, and long-term effects.
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