A recent study published in PubMed suggests that a combination of cholecalciferol and silymarin may offer significant relief for men experiencing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, conducted between March 2019 and March 2020, enrolled 80 participants aged 50-80 years diagnosed with BPH to investigate the role of cholecalciferol, Silymarin, and their combined administration in patients with BPH suffering from LUTS.
Study Design and Methods
The study, a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, involved 80 participants aged 50-80 years diagnosed with BPH. Participants were divided into subgroups based on their serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels and received specific interventions. Key measurements included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Maximal Urinary Flow Rate (Q-max), Prostate Volume (PV), Post-Void Residual (PVR), and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), recorded at baseline and after three months of follow-up.
Key Findings
The research team found that participants with serum vitamin D levels below 20 ng/ml experienced significant improvements in IPSS, irritation, obstruction, prostate volume, and post-void residual when treated with both cholecalciferol and silymarin. In participants with vitamin D levels at or above 20 ng/ml, silymarin alone significantly reduced IPSS, irritation, obstruction, and post-void residual. After adjusting for confounding variables, both cholecalciferol and silymarin independently showed significant effects on post-void residual, IPSS, and obstruction. Cholecalciferol also improved irritation, while silymarin reduced prostate volume.
Clinical Implications
These findings suggest that cholecalciferol and silymarin, particularly in combination, could offer a novel therapeutic approach for managing BPH-associated LUTS. The study demonstrated that combination therapy with cholecalciferol (50,000 IU/week for 8 weeks) and silymarin (480 mg for 3 months) resulted in a notable improvement in IPSS score, prostate volume, and post-void residual, as well as both irritative and obstructive symptoms. However, the total PSA and free PSA amounts did not reach a significant difference.
Expert Commentary
"The results of this study are encouraging, as they suggest a potential non-invasive treatment option for men suffering from BPH-related LUTS," said Dr. [Name], lead researcher of the study. "Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal dosage and duration of treatment."
Future Directions
While the study provides valuable insights, the researchers emphasize the need for further exploration and clinical consideration to validate these findings and optimize treatment strategies. Future studies should focus on larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of cholecalciferol and silymarin in managing BPH-associated LUTS.
