The effects of Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies in micturition and prostate size in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients: A pilot study

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cordyceps militaris have proven to be effective in treating inflammation, prostate cancer and oxidative in cell line models. Experimental treatments on animal subjects have demonstrated evidence of increased sex hormones and gonadal volumes, and phytosterols, especially β-sitosterol, in terms of decreasing hypertrophied prostate glands. Aim of the study: Evaluating the effects of how ingesting Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies can alleviate BPH disease as well as improve sexual function in elderly male volunteers who were the main subjects of this study. Materials and Methods: We conducted an open clinical trial, consisting of 62 patients in conjunction with administering the standard medical treatment. The maximum flow (Q-max), post void residual volume (PVR), the prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF) and blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were recorded before and after administering the treatment. We used a Pair-t-test for the analysis. Results: The study showed an increase in the maximum flow (p = 0.025*), and a decrease in prostate volume (p = 0.016*). The IPSS and IIEF Questionnaire results were (p = 0.0001***) and (p = 0.005**) respectively, and was therefore duly significant in terms of demonstrating visible clinical results. Conclusions: Cordyceps militaris fruiting bodies had the tendency in increasing the urinary flow, decreasing the size of the prostatic gland and alleviating micturition symptoms as well as having positive effect on sexual functions.

Keywords

• Cordyceps militaris
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• Urinary-tract disorder
• Clinical trial
• Erectile dysfunction