Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies

Due to adverse effects and limited efficacy of conventional drugs for benign prostate hyperplasia, medicinal herbs are increasingly used. However, the efficacy of these medicinal plants in treating benign prostate hyperplasia is not well established. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of herbal medicine for benign prostate hyperplasia in animal studies. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024459483). A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The outcomes measured were prostatic index, prostate-specific antigen, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was based on plant part used, type of preparation (crude extract vs. pure compound), and treatment form (single vs. multiple plants) for benign prostate hyperplasia. A total of 71 studies involving 97 plants from 49 families were included. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvements in all measured outcomes, including reductions in prostate-specific antigen (standardized mean difference = 1.871, p < .001), prostatic index (standardized mean difference = 3.664, p < .001), and dihydrotestosterone (standardized mean difference = 3.678, p < .001), as well as an increase in testosterone levels (standardized mean difference = 8.178, p < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed that efficacy varied by plant part, extract type (crude vs. pure), and whether single or multiple herbs were used. The evidence shows that plants are beneficial in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. This is, however, determined by the part of the plant used, crude extract or pure compound, and whether it is a single or multiple plants. These findings underscore the widespread use of medicinal plants for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment.

Cite this article as: Basiru, A., Bashiru, H. A., Akorede, G. J., Aremu, A., Azeez, A. O., Ishola, A. O., & Odetokun, I. A. (2026). Herbal medicine in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0249, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.25249.