Effect of Ayurveda interventions on benign prostate hyperplasia: A case report

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a nonmalignant growth or hyperplasia of prostate tissue, commonly encountered in senile males. Many a time, urethral compression and bladder outflow obstruction can result in the manifestations of urinary symptoms, such as urinary retention or infections, which considerably affect the quality of life. Delay in management may lead to further complications like kidney damage, urine retention, and bladder calculus, which compel the patient to undergo additional drug or surgical intervention. The adverse effects of commonly prescribed medications further worsen the spectrum. In practice, Ayurveda can also be effectively used to improve the quality of life in patients with BPH. PATIENT INFORMATION: A 46-year-old diabetic male, diagnosed with BPH, presented with complaints of increased frequency of micturition, incomplete bladder emptying, and urgency since 2–3 years. The patient was on conventional interventions for the management of BPH for over a year, following which it was discontinued due to unsatisfactory relief, though he obtained some temporary relief. THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS: The Ayurvedic treatment was planned based on the classical line of treatment of Vastigata Vatakaphaj Gulma ( ~a disease characterized by swelling in the region of the abdomen). At the beginning of the treatment, Deepana Pachan (~digestion and metabolism-enhancing) was done (by Hingvastaka Churna 3 g with Ghrita) twice a day, along with Abhyantara (~internal) and Bahya Snehan (~external oleation), Anulepa Chikitsa (~anointing with medicaments) , followed by Mridu Swedah (~mild sudation) . After this, a combination of Ayurvedic formulations ( Kankayan Gulika 500 g and Varanaadi Kshaya 15 mL twice a day) was administered. The treatment was continued for 8 weeks. RESULTS: A marked improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score was observed (from 19 to 4) after the treatment, and ultrasonography revealed a reduction in prostate size from Grade II to Grade I with a considerable reduction in the post-void urine volume. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The multimodal Ayurveda interventions have demonstrated therapeutic benefit in the patient in reducing the symptoms and severity.