Farmaco. 2001 May-Jul; 56(5-7): 483-9.

Anti-proliferative effect on a prostatic epithelial cell line (PZ-HPV-7) by Epilobium angustifolium L.

Vitalone A, Bordi F, Baldazzi C, Mazzanti G, Saso L, Tita B.

Department of Pharmacology of Natural Substances and General Physiology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.

Symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in elderly men and has a significant impact on their daily lives. The drugs prescribed for treatment include alpha1-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and plant preparations. Epilobium angustifolium L. is deemed to be helpful in BPH therapy, although there is less information regarding the mechanism of its biological activity. The present study evaluated the effect of E. angustifolium extract on human prostatic epithelial cells (PZ-HPV-7). The exposure to E. angustifolium extract induced a marked inhibition of cell growth in all tested conditions. The anti-proliferative effect observed in in vitro systems clearly indicates a biologically relevant effect of compounds present in the extract. Considering these results, the use in traditional medicine of E. angustifolium extract against BPH seems to be justified. However, further experimental studies are needed to determine the biochemical mechanism of the action and the clinical value of the E. angustifolium extract.