Azam Taheri - Payamnoor University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Farhad Tadayyon - Departman of urology Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Mohammad Fazilati - Isfahan University of Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Background: BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) occurs in men over the age of 40, in which the prostate becomes so large that it is difficult to urinate. The symptoms of this disease are annoying for the patients and the treatment process should be done before the symptoms of the disease get worse and lead to surgery. Herbal medicines are effective in treating this disease and have very few side effects. In this study, the effect of licorice was investigated in the treatment of this disease.Materials and methods: The licorice extract was extracted in the laboratory as the main drug filled in 250 mg capsules and the placebo was pure chickpea flour filled in 250 mg capsules because it has no effect on this disease and does not cause side effects, both were given to patients who were divided into 2 groups of 30, to use two capsules per day for three months. Ultrasound and filling the AUA questionnaire were done by patients before and after taking the drugs.Results: In the group that took the drug, the prostate volume decreased and the results of the treatment of disease were evident, but in the group that took the placebo, a small increase in prostate volume and the usual symptoms of the disease was observed. The results of the AUA questionnaire also showed a clear improvement in patients' condition.Conclusion: Licorice extract by inhibiting the enzyme, 17hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase, prevents the conversion of 17hydroxyprogesterone to androsterone ion and so, testosterone and ultimately active testosterone will not be produced and the production of active testosterone, which causes hyperplasia, will be inhibited.

benign prostatic hyperplasia, licorice Extract, testosterone, prostate volume